30 Days, 30 Videos - Day 2: Choose a Different Ending

One of the best uses of interactive media to engage and emotionally compel users to think twice about the consequences of their actions.

30 Days, 30 Videos - Day 1: Think Different

The Problem:

Not sure if anyone else has noticed, but it has been a while since I last update my blog. It seems the more time that passes, the more difficult it is to get back into the groove of things. I miss blogging, but more importantly I miss how blogging stimulates my creativity. For a guy who makes his living off of his creativity this is not something I should take lightly.

The Solution:

I am going to jump start my blog by finding 1 video everyday that I want to share. I don’t need to write a single thing about the video, just need to find it and post it up on my blog. Now if I know myself it will be very difficult not to include any commentary on the video, but if I am short on time then all that is required for the next 30 days is 1 video per day. This is a commitment I am ready to take on.

Here goes nothing…

What Defines a Thought Leader?

For the last 2 weeks I have been borderline obsessed with reading and learning everything I can on Alex Bogusky. For 21+ years Alex has created many groundbreaking campaigns including the Subservient Chicken, the Hulu campaigns (with Alec Baldwin) and the tremendous work he has done in re-invigorating the brands (and bottom lines) of Burger King (see video above) and Domino’s Pizza.

As of July 1, 2010 Alex has officially stepped down as co-chair of Crispin Porter + Bogusky in order to pursue a life outside of advertising. Now there are a plethora of amazing blog post summarizing the times and (ad) life of Alex, but for a really thorough and heartfelt recap I would recommend reading Anthony Kalamut’s post entitled “Employee Number 16 Resigns. The Day Alex Bogusky Said Good-Bye To CP+B, MDC and Advertising”

There is so much that inspires me about Alex and I could easily write an entire blog post, or a series for that matter on his impact on my career and life, which is amplified when you consider I only started studying his work in the past month. Instead, I will leave that adventure for another time, perhaps when it isn’t 3:13am. :)

What I will say is this; for me the true sign of a thought leader is someone who can demonstrate an alternative way of doing something that eventually forces you to reevaluate the way you perceive the world. This is precisely what Alex has done for me. His bold work elicits great excitement from within me and almost re-calibrates my standards and forces me to aim higher. What else can you ask from a guy that you have never actually met before?

Alex, you will be missed my friend.

Facebook The Movie Set to Release Oct 01, 2010

I am certain the news of this movie (officially titled The Social Network) will receive plenty of negative feedback and snarly remarks because it is directly targeted at a web savvy audience that is naturally more inclined to be outspoken and to broadcast their thoughts via social media. Especially, considering the majority of social media broadcasters (twitterati and bloggers) seem to produce a disproportionate amount of negative content.

I know most people will be quick to downplay their excitment for this movie, but I got to be honest, I personally can’t wait to see this film. As a social media marketing advocate and loyalist the content of this movie hits close to home.

The cherry on the top is that one of my favourite directors on the planet is also involved in this film - the legendary David Fincher, who of course is the man behind films such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ,The Game , Fight Club just to name a few.

I also found it interesting that Justin Timberlake stars in the movie as Sean Parker, who just so happens to be one of the tech innovators I admire most.

Personally, I can’t wait till October 1, 2010 when the film is schedule to debut.