Being PC Sucks

February 22nd, 2010

While doing the interview with MediaPost about OF COURSE, Laurie Sullivan said something to the effect of, “You guys are just having a grand ol’ time, aren’t you?” The truth is…we are. We’re about to launch our first Web series on FoxSports.com. We’re about to launch the second year of the inspiring “aha moment” campaign. And then there’s the 530 Therapy Savings Plan.

Just for fun, we created this mock commercial – our first of many. (We need a name for this. It seems that everyone is making up names for crap these days. If a Web series can be called “transmedia,” we’ll call this mock commercial a “mockmercial.”) The premise was simple; parents are bombarded with messaging about 529 College Savings Plans. And, while that’s great, what parents really need to save for is the therapy that their kids will need later in life. We called it the 530 Therapy Savings Plan.

(Motherf*cker, the lede has been buried on this post. Geezus!)

Long story short (or longer if you’re bored already), our mockmercial contains the vaunted “f-word” in it (a few times). Prior to releasing it on the Interwebs and showing it to a few mommy bloggers, we had an internal discussion as to whether the video would be offensive because of the language. We went back and forth between what we were really trying to say and how badly we wanted people to watch it. Would more people watch it because of a bleeped out f-word? Would it be less offensive, potentially? Finally, we just put it out there as nature intended – f-words intact and in all their glory.

This was all on the heels of changing some other content in the piece that we thought might be deemed too offensive. Now that we’ve posted it for the world to see, it has dawned on us that it just sucks that such a conversation even happened.

And, all of THIS was on the heels of our Twitter “debate” with PGA Tour pro Bubba Watson. The guy told us that OF COURSE is terrible and that he’d never watch it because he’s Christian. Then, in typical, hypocritical fashion, he posted his own video, which showed him hitting a golf ball at a bird. Excuse me, but what’s worse, an animated, fictional program, or live video of a man hitting a golf ball at one of God’s creatures? At the time, we backed off really ripping him, as we didn’t want to offend any spiritual folks. It sucks that we did that. We should have ripped him then. So, we’ll do it here, but it has far less impact, as it’s out of context.

Our point is that people, in general, need to lighten up. People need to learn to laugh again. It used to be funny to talk of the PC Police, but we’re starting to think that such a thing actually exists. And, we’re running scared of them.

The fact is that not all content is for everybody. The fact is that some content is offensive to some. But, why do we all have to be so freakin’ sensitive to everyone? Why do we have to worry so much about offending some people? Isn’t that their problem? Can’t they just not watch? We’ve gotten to the point where showing an image of a dog pissing on a rug will warrant a press release from the National Carpet Manufacturers association denouncing the dog, the breed and the owner for desecrating the hard work of a fine craftsman. Check that…craftsperson. Would hate for the female carpet manufacturers to get upset and have to issue a second press release.

Look, there’s offensive and there’s OFFENSIVE (which is filled with spite and hate). We all know when someone is truly racist or is trying to be hurtful. That ain’t right. What happens when the PC Police go overboard, however, is that nobody is allowed to laugh any more. Sarah Palin starts going after Family Guy. Bubba Watson starts Tweeting. I had a friend once who LOVED South Park right up until it mocked Jews for the first time. It shouldn’t work that way.

What is this rant all about, anyway? Right. Back to Laurie Sullivan and MediaPost. We’re indeed having some fun. And, in doing so, we’re probably going to offend some people. Lighten up.

OF COURSE - The Official Announcement

February 17th, 2010

Skadaddle Media Tees It Up With New Animated Golf-Themed Web Series, OF COURSE, Set To Debut on March 1
Sausalito-Based Social Engagement Studio Partners with FOXSports.com on MSN for Distribution

SAUSALITO, Calif. — February 17, 2010 — Skadaddle Media, Inc., a social engagement studio which develops creative and entertaining programs, campaigns, events and original content that emotionally and authentically connect with consumers and other audiences, today unveiled its latest venture, an animated golf Web series, OF COURSE. The new online property, scheduled to debut on March 1, 2010, on FOXSports.com on MSN, one of the world’s most popular sports Web sites, was formally announced today by Todd Lieman, founder and co-president of Skadaddle Media.

Conceived, written, and produced by Skadaddle Media co-founders Lieman and Jon Wank, OF COURSE is a new animated, Flash-based series of five-minute Webisodes that offers a genuine, humorous and highly-entertaining look into what happens – and more importantly, what is discussed by men – on the golf course. Every other week, OF COURSE chronicles the comical golfing escapades of four guys, each with his own personality, quirks, and Achilles heels. Like traditional cable and television programs, OF COURSE will consistently spotlight and follow storylines specifically designed for each cast member, and introduce additional characters, either on an ad hoc or recurring basis. In the weeks between OF COURSE “premiere episode” installments, Skadaddle Media will create special 30-60-second video-diary vignettes, similar to those found in today’s reality shows, that feature humorous rants, poignant commentaries, and insightful perspectives from the four main characters and supporting cast members.

“Although OF COURSE is designed to be funny, controversial, and entertaining, the real charm and appeal of the series lie in true-to-life undercurrents and those blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments of intimacy that consistently pervade the golf course experience – from the characters’ interactions and relationships with women, to their wagers, smack talk, joking, cigar smoking, and alcohol consumption,” said Lieman. “Skadaddle Media’s agreement with FOXSports.com on MSN to distribute OF COURSE represents a welcome culmination of dedicated research, creative development, production, and the realization of a vision to deliver a ‘Web series unlike any other’.”

“As one of the world’s premier online destinations for sports news and information, FOXSports.com on MSN is continuously searching for creative, innovative, and entertaining content that further differentiates the site from other online properties, improves overall user demographics, increases traffic and click-through rates, and presents our advertising partners with a broader range of proven, targeted interactive marketing opportunities,” said Ed Bunnell, senior vice president of content and programming at FOXSports.com. “OF COURSE, which clearly meets all of these criteria, is an ideal and welcome addition to FOXSports.com on MSN. This new Web series, which enhances our core golf and sports entertainment content portfolio, is sure to attract a distinctive and engaged audience.”

Meet the OF COURSE Cast

Bender: Bender is afraid of his wife. Tall, lanky, and uncoordinated, he has newborn twins. Bender’s wife, Whitney, ALWAYS calls during the round.

Doug: Bender’s business partner, Doug is the centerpiece of the foursome. He is married with a child, but he is hiding a big secret. When his golf game is on, he can become very cocky and arrogant.

Eric: Eric (“Dish”) is a freelance computer geek who lives with Jennifer, his African-American girlfriend. Eric is full of useless trivia and the other guys have a great deal of fun at his expense.

Tim: In his early 40s, Tim is no closer to getting married than he was in his early teens. Tim never cares what he shoots, and he rarely keeps accurate score…on the course. He always hits on the beverage cart girl.

OF COURSE: Recorded Live and On Location
Beyond the originality of its core concept, OF COURSE is also unique in that every episode of the series is recorded live and on location during actual rounds of golf played at Eagle Falls Golf Course (http://www.eaglefallsgolf.com), affiliated with, and located immediately adjacent to, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino (http:///www.fantasyspringsresort.com) in California’s Palm Springs Valley. This radically-different approach is used to maintain the authentic production quality and integrity of the series.

OF COURSE: Preview The Excitement
Although OF COURSE officially debuts on FOXSports.com on MSN on Monday, March 1, 2010, the series has already developed a bit of buzz and an online following. With limited external promotion, OF COURSE’s Facebook page has grown to more than 1,500 fans since its launch just a few weeks ago. To view the series trailer, please visit Facebook.

# # #

OF COURSE and Skadaddle Media are trademarks of Skadaddle Media, Inc.
All other company names, product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or copyright material of their respective owners.

About OF COURSE
Created and produced by Sausalito, Calif.-based Skadaddle Media, Inc., and distributed by FOXSports.com on MSN, OF COURSE is a new animated, Flash-based series of five-minute Webisodes that offers a genuine, comedic and highly-entertaining look into what happens – and more importantly, what is discussed by men – on the golf course. The world’s first animated golf-themed Web series, OF COURSE chronicles the hilarious golfing escapades of four long-time friends – Bender, Doug, Eric, and Tim – and the ups and downs of their respective relationships and professional lives. Recorded live and on location at Fantasy Springs Casino Resort’s Eagle Falls Golf Course in Palm Springs Valley, Calif., OF COURSE debuts every other Monday on FOXSports.com on MSN at http://www.foxsports.com. Viewers can also become OF COURSE fans on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OfCourseGolf, and follow storylines, production schedules, news and notes, and exciting contest and promotions on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OFCOURSEGolf. For more information about the show, cast, and production crew, please visit http://www.ofcoursegolf.com.

About Skadaddle Media, Inc.
Based in Sausalito, Calif., Skadaddle Media is a social engagement studio which designs creative and entertaining programs, campaigns, events, and original content that effectively engages target audiences and consumers. Founded in 2008, and regarded for its client partnerships across a broad range of industries, Skadaddle Media is the versatile creative studio behind Mutual of Omaha’s highly-successful national “aha moment” campaign, for which they created and continues to produce broadcast TV spots, social media opportunities, and a national consumer experience tour, as well as other innovative programs for such clients as MBT Footwear and Wherever The Need (Twitter for Sh-tters). OF COURSE is Skadaddle Media’s first Web series, and the company is in discussions with distributors regarding several other projects. For more information, please visit http://www.skadaddlemedia.com.

Please Make It Stop

February 11th, 2010

When we started writing our original blog, which has since been replaced by this one, we didn’t want to rip on anything or anyone. We were going to stay positive about the things we liked and ignore the things we didn’t. That’s about to stop. Instead, it’s time to simply be ourselves. Call it like we see it. We will be careful not to name names, but we have opinions and whether you like them or not – we’re going to say our peace.

We received a box in the mail. Check that. We received two identical boxes in the mail. The contents included:

  1) Can of spray-paint
  2) A crapload of printed collateral

All of this was designed to draw attention to some advertising awards show and implore agencies to stop using puppies and babies to draw attention to brands. The exact plea was “Make Art. Not Cliches.” Oh please.

You know who the real winner is as the advertising industry continues to attempt to pat itself on the back? Shoulder surgeons.

The best advertising isn’t always the most creative. Or the funniest. Or even the stuff with the most puppies and babies. The best advertising – hell, the best marketing of any kind – sells products. If a baby in a high chair makes people flock to e*trade, then why the hell is that cliché? (For a great case history in what “pure brand” advertising and a complete lack of attention to the ROI does for your company’s bottom line – see TiVo.)

This idea of creativity for the sake of creativity is something that absolutely, positively chaps our collective hide. Let’s wake up and understand that – more than ever – the consumer is always right. In fact, because the consumer now blogs, Tweets, posts and has her own personal TV studio, she isn’t only right, she’s influential.

We live in a world of social media. This is an authentic world. This is a world where consumers want transparency. This is a world where Mommy Bloggers can make or break a product. So, why are you sending me a box (two boxes!) that requires $5.00 of postage and G-d knows how much additional money to print the collateral? (Not to mention the ghastly effects on the environment – spray paint? Please. Don’t really care about that part, but might as well pile on to make the point.) The customer doesn’t really care that Spot A was created by the coolest, hippest agency on the planet.

An article ran in Creativity, or Ad Age, or some other industry publication where one of Advertising’s current godfathers lamented the good ol’ days when he felt like a celebrity because he was in advertising. (Wait…I just threw up in my mouth a little.) He talked about how he used to love getting into cab in New York City and having the cabbies be inspired by his mere presence. (Oh, there’s some more. Just a sec.)

Creativity is great. Art is important. But, art isn’t what should come first in advertising – or marketing for that matter. Success is. And, success is defined by (and with) our clients. Or, at least it should be.

This is why we call ourselves a social engagement studio and not an advertising agency. Sure, we do national advertising campaigns, but they aren’t designed to simply gain attention for their “art,” they are designed to engage customers at the most important base level – one on one. Socially. “Advertising Agency” is an old-fashioned idea. (Frankly, we’re not that keen on having to call ourselves anything, but people seem to need labels.)

So, please…stop mailing us multiple boxes of this crap. This mailing strikes me as someone calling himself a “social media guru” with 10 Twitter followers and 15 Facebook fans. If you’re going to call “for art” – shouldn’t the delivery be artistic?

Just sayin’…

XLIV

February 5th, 2010

We’re coming up on the first weekend in February…that glorious celebration when American’s passions for football, junk food and beer come together for a day of gluttonous binging to hold us over until Thanksgiving.
Yes, the Super Bowl is one of our greatest national holidays, and since Skadaddle loves our country, we would be remiss to ignore the festivities that lie ahead.
With that, we bring you Skadaddle’s 2010 Super Bowl picks – odds makers, we hope you’re paying attention:

Jon

Saints baby… But don’t ask me.  Ask the all mighty Madden NFL-

Using a video game simulation of Super Bowl XLIV with their football franchise Madden NFL, EA predicts the New Orleans Saints will upset the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 35-31. The video game has correctly predicted the Super Bowl champ five of the last six years.

Enough said…  Sign me up for the Whodat nation.

Meg

Naturally, I will be rooting for the team that my boyfriend places his bet on so that we are able to pay our bills this month. In this case – Colts minus 4.5 / total score under 57. Personally, I think the Saints are going to take it, but don’t tell him I said that (or post this publicly on the internet)!

Brittany

Colts over the Saints, 31-24. Peyton will have his second Super Bowl victory and that’s all fine. He makes good TV right? But what I really want to see is a Saints victory for their first time appearance at the Super Bowl. And at the end, let’s see Reggie propose to Kim – c’mon!

Brett 

If I had a super bowl filled with Kellogg’s Frosty Covered Colts and General Mill’s Cinnamon Toasted Saints, I think I would eat the Saints first - they tend to get soggy if not consumed fast enough.

Todd

I’m terrible at this crap because I always pick from the heart/emotionally. So, while I’m not sure they’ll win (because Peyton Manning won’t let the Colts lose), I’m going with the Saints. (And not only because of the Katrina story, but mostly because watching Peyton Manning makes me dizzy.)

Lisa

The Saints because I don’t even know who the other team is.

Len

Peyton. Is. Too. Damn. Good. As much as I like Sean Payton, and as fun as it’s been to watch the Saints this year, I don’t think they’ve got the experience to hang. I’m going Colts 31-24, 31-17 if Dwight Freeney shows up.

There you have it, folks. The whole team’s predictions, right up on the internet so we can all be embarrassed by how wrong we were on Monday morning.

Got your own pick? Tell us in the comments, we’d love to hear it!

Antisocial Media

February 4th, 2010

Ever go to an industry event and just know from the moment you see the line at the door that it’s going to be…oh, how to describe it? As much an anthropological experience as anything else?

Just curious.

Anyway, in an unrelated story, last night we went to a “social media event.” You know, the kind of mixer where “social media gurus” pontificate on How to Get More Facebook Fans or Turn your Twitter Followers Into Ca$h.

Why were we there? Todd was meeting an old friend (who really IS an expert in social media), and we figured it might be an opportunity to network. (Or at least drink some free beers. What? Cash bar? Damnit!)

As we walked up to the line at the door, it became pretty clear what we were in for as we gazed upon an army of dudes. Reminiscent of Vegas during the first round of March Madness, it didn’t get much better once we stepped inside. Of about 150 attendees, there were maaaaybe 25 women. Not that we’re there to get dates (well, Todd wasn’t), but come on, that should tell you something about how awkward this thing is going to be.

Just a few of the fascinating types we encountered:

The Unknown

You have no idea what this guy does. Neither does he, or at least he can’t articulate it. Examples include “I’m in a bunch of different niche markets,” or “it’s hard to explain” followed by silence. He’s been at it (whatever it is) for ten years and still hasn’t outgrown his basement. If there’s a station with free food, you can find him there.

The Lifer

This isn’t his first rodeo. Nor his second, third or fifth. The Lifer is proud of the fact that he regularly attends these events, and even prouder to point out that “there are usually more women.” He probably has a company you’ve never heard of with a name you don’t understand and an explanation you don’t want to hear. He gets off on loudly and publicly greeting everyone he recognizes from previous events like it’s the first day of school.

The I-Swear-It’s-Different

A startup-scene staple, the ISID has come up with something completely original…sorta. For example: “I’ve created a social network that lets you control who can see different parts of your profile.” “Uh…you mean like Facebook lets you do now?,” you might ask. “Well, it’s like Facebook, but better.” When pressed further, the ISID can’t come up with another reason you should use his product. Nobody is sure why he’s there.

These are just three of the many species you may run into should you find yourself a guest of one of these events. Of course, to be fair, we have to admit that there is a fourth type of person:

The Skeptic

When you’ve been to enough of these things, it’s difficult to always be completely objective and open-minded about the experience. To be even more honest, we didn’t stay for all of the company presentations. There may have been some good ones.
We were just…skeptical. (How can you avoid being skeptical when two of the presenting companies had unstaffed tables with collateral material and…mints?)

Seems that to enjoy these kinds of events – it’s best to just go in knowing what you’re likely to get. Just as it’s rare for a 15-seed to knock off a 2-seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament (see what I did there? I brought it back to my March Madness reference), it’s also unlikely that huge amounts of business will be done. Beats sitting in the office, though.

Ever been to one of these? What’d you think?