Posts made in February, 2014

on Feb 22, 2014

By Mark Leiser It is old news now that Facebook is buying messaging application WhatsApp for $19bn in cash and stock. When I heard the news, I notified colleagues and friends via the modern messaging service, and not Facebook. Why? I don’t see Facebook as a messaging service provider. I see it as a social media service that happens to have an add-on messaging service. Even in today’s overpriced valuations for niche tech ideas, $19bn is a lot of money, especially for a service that has the potential of being replaced by the next big thing overnight. Talk about risky. To put Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Feb 22, 2014

By Angela Haggerty The Institute of Promotional Marketing (IPM) has warned brands that relying too heavily on price discount promotions could damage long term values after its 2013 analysis found brands invested significant amounts on the practice. According to research from the IPM, UK marketers spent nearly £55bn on promotional marketing in 2013, but a massive £40.4bn of that went towards price cut promotions with the remaining £14.4bn spent on value-added promotions, which offer consumers a reward or incentive to do something instead of offering a straight price cut. Paul Godwin, head of insight at the IPM, said: “The economic downturn has inevitably meant that Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Feb 22, 2014

By Angela Haggerty Ruud Van Nistelrooy turns his fortunes around and leaves ‘Food Van Nistelrooy’ behind in a new Xbox advert to promote its Xbox One Fifa 14 Ultimate Team Legends game mode. In the ad, which was created by Jam, viewers hear the tongue in cheek story of the retired footballer’s love of burgers and fatty foods following his departure from the game. But, with a little help from his strict coach, the former Dutch international and Manchester United striker opts for the gym instead of a takeaway and fights back fit for his legends role. In a first for the brand, Xbox has launched Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Feb 22, 2014

By Angela Haggerty Telegraph Media Group has appointed Chris Evans as Monday-Friday editor and Ian MacGregor as Saturday/Sunday editor amid a raft of editorial changes. The posts were confirmed by TMG’s editorial chief Jason Seiken, and include three new deputy editors Rob Winnett, Mark Skipworth and Liz Hunt. Former social media and engagement editor Kate Day has been named director of digital content and she will lead portal, mobile/iPad and interactive initiatives. Ben Clissitt has been appointed digital director of visual journalism, and Richard Ellis will take responsibility for budgets across both print and digital. In addition, Dan Hickey has joined the Telegraph as general Read full story › Source: The Drum...

on Feb 22, 2014

By Angela Haggerty A report out this week from BBC World News claimed that mobile advertising was at least twice as effective on consumers as desktop advertising, with mobile ads up to four times as effective on affluent consumers. The study surveyed 6,000 smartphone owners in Australia, Germany, Sweden, India, Hong Kong and the US, and compared the habits of affluent consumers – the highest 20 per cent income earners in each country – to those of the general population. Among its findings was the belief by a third of affluent consumers that brands need to be on mobile if they wish Read full story › Source: The Drum...