Brands & Branding

Why Microsoft’s Clippy Is Now a Pop Culture Icon

Clippy's newfound popularity seems to reflect a hunger for the good old times when assistants might be annoying, but were also easily switched off and lived without. Unlike the ubiquitous voice assistants of today.

Tom “Marketoonist” Fishburne on How Humor Can Inspire Change | Non-Obvious Insights Show

The Non-Obvious Insights Show – Episode #234

The show where we curate the most interesting and underappreciated stories of the week. On this week’s episode, we’ll be talking about Gucci’s $10,000 virtual...

The Non-Obvious Insights Show – Episode #233

This week’s stories will include desperate airlines selling in-flight meals online, the LA Olympic committee’s brilliantly inclusive new logo, how to use stupidity to get...

Branding Lessons From the Shady History of the Oreo Cookie

I love a good branding story and the history of the Oreo cookie has plenty of fascinating hooks. The story starts with two feuding brothers, Joseph and Jacob...

Coca-Cola Imagines the Future of Refreshment with “Coca-Cola Coffee”

I spent four years in a place that acclimatizes you to believe there is nothing strange about having a Diet Coke for Breakfast. I’m speaking,...

Trader Joe’s and the Slow Death of Brand Personality

Update – Two weeks after this post was originally published, Trader Joe’s issued a new statement sharing that they do not consider these brand names...

6 Marketing Lessons From Ed Sheeran

There is a moment during a show at the Austin City Limits where Ed Sheeran finally starts to perform his biggest hit at the time:...

The Real Reason Influencers Make So Much Money

Everyone wants to be an online influencer, because it seems to pay well, but who is really benefiting? This article from the USA Today actually takes the...

Why No Branding May Be The Next Marketing Trend

Last summer comedian and actress Mindy Kaling did a series of ads for McDonald’s with a curious omission – she never mentioned the brand. Instead, they would...

Can Kellogg’s Reinvent Froot Loops As A Lifestyle Brand?

I remember last year I was walking past some trendy retail stores in NY and I saw a few handbags with the Pan Am logo....

How Hot Dog Water Became The Hottest New Health Drink In America

Hot Dog Water officially launched this week and you can have some for just $38 a bottle. Before you roll your eyes in disgust, would...

How Brands Become Fixers Of Everything From Potholes To Fake News

Domino’s just started fixing potholes on roads, to help your pizza get delivered undisturbed. In response to news stories of kids getting fined by overzealous...