As I mentioned in a previous post, it’s really important for brands to know who they are.  I came across an article today about VW and Apple discussing a possible “iCar”.  This sounds like a win-win for both companies. 

Apple wins because the demographics that VW targets (or should be targeting) is similar to Apple consumers.  They are youthful, technologically savvy, and like to be unique.  Integrating the iPod and iTunes into cars would be a great test case to show the automobile industry that it should be a standard fully integrated feature in all cars. 

VW wins because this is something they could promote that would resonate with its consumers.  Like its previous promotions, it could offer a free new limited edition iPod with each new car purchase.  A great selling point (or interest point) could be limited edition colors for both the iPod and “iCars”.

All in all this looks like a money maker for both companies and something we should look forward to in the future.

YouTube announced today that it is introducing a new ad format for its videos.  Dubbed InVideo ads, the ads are semi-transparent and occupy the bottom 20% of the video frame that start playing 15 seconds after the start of the clip.  After playing for 10 seconds, the overlay ads then shrink to a smaller button.  Of course the ad and button are clickable. 

Right now, YouTube is charging a flat rate of $20 CPM (per thousand viewings).  If you look at the most viewed YouTube video of all time, it has received 55,943,502 views.  That would have cost an advertiser a little of $1.1 million.  Not bad considering some paid search campaign budgets and the amount of impressions it would have received over the past year.

I think this is an important step to get a standardized working video advertising business model.  Video Ads charging a CPC can’t be far behind.  Some kinks that probably need to get worked out are determining what ad goes on which video, can video creators limit and/or choose what ads to display, and measuring the impact of these ads on sales.

So today, I broke the 100 mile mark for the year.  This means that I have run at least 100 miles in each of the past 4 years (yes I have been keeping track) .  I used to track my mileage by manually entering into a training log on NikeRunning.com.  This past January, I began using the Nike+ Ipod System to automatically track my distances and log my results.  I have been impressed not only with the quality of the product but also the design of it.  It is quite user friendly and bottom line it works. 

The product design is only one part of why I am such a strong advocate.  The website and motivational tools that are provided also add to the experience.  After uploading my runs I can visit NikePlus.com to see interactive graphs, accumulated mileage, and personal records.  I also have the ability to challenge other people (e.g., most miles run within 30 days) and I have the ability to join running groups with people around the country. 

In terms of social marketing, they do an excellent job of creating buzz and provide opportunities to share your enthusiasm for the product.  Aside from challenging other friends to run more or interacting with others around the country,  I also have the ability to share my accomplishments.  When I passed the 100 mile marker, I was “awarded” a printable certificate, the ability to have a shareable link to an online certificate, and a medal for my personal records.  Little things that keep you motivated to keep running more.

I can also share my runs with other people on websites, blogs, or social networking sites.  Below you will find my longest run of the year (notice how I died towards the end).  Pretty cool, eh?

As more people spent time watching video clips on YouTube instead of TV, can the inclusion of commericals be far behind?

On the web today, you see advertising everywhere – on personal webpages, news sites, search pages, blogs, email, etc.  The next step is clearly video.  Someone will commercialize a way to easily insert advertising into user generated video.  Whether it be before, during, or after, commericals will start appear on these videos. 

This new pay-per-view model will finally reward viral video creators.  Why shouldn’t the fat kid making funny noises benefit from our amusement?

Being honest with your customers is key to getting the relationship you want out of them — that being long-term, loyal, consumers.  Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook were meant to give the Internet community a way of sharing ideas, creating interaction, and making connections.  Blogs and UGC (user generated content) sites like Youtube were meant to be authentic and allow individual expression.

When companies enter these communities, build product pages, and plant videos, are they still being honest with the intentions of these sites? Are companies just jumping onto the bandwagon to say that they have a Web 2.0 presence?  Alas, companies are not likely to stop strategizing and entering onto these sites but unless they create authentic connections with their customers, it’s unlikely to translate into more sales.