Cool ad networks – a good source of new websites
There are other options for advertisers online apart from the BIG G.
One such option which seems to be gaining fans and makes a lot of sense, is a targeted or dedicated network of websites which display the ads. 2 of these have recently come to my attention, Fusion Ads and The Deck Network.
I think I am right in saying that The Deck was first, but do correct if I am wrong. Both networks are targeted towards creative-types: developers, designers, and “web people”.
Both sites offer a number of options (almost identical) where as an advertiser you pay to appear on one of the targeted network sites i.e. your advert appears and no one elses. Obviously this rotates and changes each time you or anyone else visits the page. This provides a nice way of presenting an ad with no other clutter and there is just one ad – simple and effective.
The Deck has 30 “spots” per month and appear across 45 sites:
The thirty ads each month are in rotation across all forty-five sites and services. The ads are 120 pixels wide by 90 pixels tall and also allow for up to 80 characters of text to accompany the image which allows advertisers to make their ads a bit more graphic, so to speak.
The current rate for ads is $7600 USD per ad per month and this rate is valid through March 31, 2010. Additionally, marketers who desire 100% of the page views on the network for a given day or days may be able to purchase a “roadblock” for $7600USD per day. Roadblocks are ideal for product or service launches and other time sensitive communications like movie openings and conferences.
Fusion Ads has 30 spots and 40 sites:
Both networks offer per month pricing and a “roadblock” where for a day, you get ALL impressions across the network. There is a significant difference in cost though – Fusion Ads per month price is $950 and a roadblock for $1100. Compare that to The Deck’s $7600 rate per month or one day roadblock. Impressive figures, but also an impressive network of sites including the likes of 37signals, Carsonified, Daring Fireball and 43folders – all sites with huge traffic.
Fusion Ads are not quite in that league right now, but what has been very useful is to look through their list of sites (the sites which feature their ads) as it has turned up a few very cool / interesting new ones:
>> Minimal Mac – “Your Mac Simplified” – Patrick Rhone looks at apps, keeping your Mac, well, simplified and lots of other good stuff
>> Firstand20 – “a collection of iPhone homescreens from some very talented designers, developers and tech writers. It shows the current top 5 apps on the homepage as well as a small photo of the latest person’s homescreen. Click on that and you get a nice big version of the homescreen and some commentary on what they like, use and think about apps. It’s great to see who uses what and discover a load of new apps at the same time!
>> Lastly, Simple Desktops – as it says, just some really nice simple desktops to download for free 
I’m sure there are some other networks knocking around aimed at specific audiences – if you know of any, do let us know in the comments!
Porsche is about racing, not posing
An excellent advert from Porsche – history, heritage and racing. Not posing. Hmmm…. not sure about that, but certainly very well done and nice to see them focusing on this for once.
Thanks to Martin for showing me this
Saatchi and Saatchi’s Toyota Campaign fail
When a marketing campaign goes pear-shaped, it can be flagged, viewed, commented on and shared in a matter of minutes (the wonders of the internet). I’m sure this is what they had in mind when they started the video competition, except they never envisaged it getting coverage for when it went horribly wrong….
You need to read more here (and it really is worth taking a few minutes to understand this spectacular fail)…. the outcome being this rather controversial video which they approved and went live. Enjoy!
Excellent ad from The Sun
Well, for once, The Sun produces something worth mentioning! A great send up of the Apple ads
Loving the new Mac Adverts!
Microsoft are trying
They are really trying to convince people that PCs are a good choice, and in fact, on some of the videos, there are some relatively good thoughts and comments. But none of them actually talk about the one thing that really matters. The OS.
No matter how hard you try, there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that will convince me that VISTAster is going to be an enjoyable experience 
I’m now going to be waiting for when one of the people featured in the videos are captured using a nice new MBP!
