In our weekly staff meetings we have an item on the agenda, “Show and Tell.” It’s our little trip back to elementary school, and an opportunity to talk about great things going on in the world of advertising, marketing, web development, and design.
In the meeting today I brought up Old Spice “Manmercials.” I think “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” is awesome! Check it out then share any thoughts in comment!
-Jenny
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Posted in Funny Stuff | 
Tags: advertising, Jenny, video, web
I need to disclaim my glee by ensuring you all that I am NOT an ‘early adopter’… Generally speaking I’m skeptical of “new revolutionary technology to change the world, save time, protect bunnies and make sure senior citizens in Florida don’t get sun burned.” But I this time I’m just too excited to not jump on the hype bandwagon…
Google is cooking up a new web product called “Google Wave”.
It’s difficult to explain, but the gist is that rather than email being a package that gets delivered from point A to point B. Google instead is treating the ‘email’ as a destination. A single package that users can connect to, edit, make additions and then notify others connected to it that it has been changed. The changes that Wave will allow you to perform include basic text editing (like email) but takes it many steps further. Easily add audio, video, polls, translations, images and just about any other media to the Wave.
The glorious thing about this is that it would mark an end to long and confusing “reply to all” email chains helping to keep everyone on the same page and make clear who is contributing what to the conversation.
In certain cases when multiple people are editing a Wave the edits will appear on everyone’s screen in real time! It’s more like having a real conversation and thus can be a huge time saver, protect bunnies and possibly keep the senior citizens in Florida from getting sun burned.
Wave is currently in beta (and probably will be for a very long time) but some invitations have been dispersed. If you’re interested leave a comment (with your email address) and I’ll send you one!
-Paul
Posted in Just Plain Neat, News | Tags: paul, product development, web
As you have likely heard, Ed is going to be leaving us soon… “bigger and better things??” tch…
Really though, we’re very happy for him. We would like to take a moment to share some of our favorite memories from his 21 years (yes, 21!) with GCI. Please read, laugh, cry, and add some of your own!
Some memories to get us started:
- transitioning to our first(!) computer in 1988
- finally getting Ed to use a color monitor in 1998
- good dogs and bad dogs in the office (elaboration on this is sure to come)
read on….
Posted in GWHIZ | Tags: around the office, Ed, News
Pack rat that I am, I have been living out of cardboard file boxes for the last year as I have completely tapped out my mod, GCI-supplied, Ikea storage system. Sorry, but I love a paper trail and I have files upon files of completed design projects stashed away here in cardboard boxes. But today Donnie GAVE me HIS woefully empty Ikea storage cabinet. All he had to do was remove his carefully filed Trident gum and a small ball of twine and BAM-I’ve got a cardboard upgrade. Thanks Donnie.
—Martha
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Donnie, files, Martha
October 30th, 2009 |
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For those of you not familiar with Paul Thomas, he is a kick-butt designer, photographer, and web developer; and luckily for us, he has been with GCI for a little more than a year now.
Follow Paul’s lead and you’ll have the bad-economy monster running scared:
1) Reinvent yourself as needed. You are so much more than any one skill. When it’s logical, offer more interconnected services to your customers.
2) Keep doing an awesome job. As things change it is good for your customers to know they can always depend on you for quality work, an impressive turn-around, and a professional attitude.
3) Focus on how great it is to be doing what you do. When things are stressful it is be easy to feel jaded. Passion and enthusiasm for what you do is great for your endorphins (and your customers will appreciate it).
4) Remind people that you are still around and want to help. It can be as simple as a message like this or a phone call.
5) IF ALL ELSE FAILS… Get cast in a movie that provides scary props, like monster teeth. No one will mess with you, especially that would-be-tough, bad-economy monster.
-Jenny
October 12th, 2009 |
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Often, here at the studio, interesting photos or recent news happenings are forwarded throughout the office, followed by scattered responses or comments. This particular day, the feedback was particularly amooosing and the steaks were high in what became a pun cowntdown…
This is the original photo Paul sent that started the mad cow disease
On Oct 7, 2009, at 12:22 PM, Paul Thomas wrote:
Taken during a protest by dairy farmers of something having to do with their cows.
On Oct 7, 2009, at 12:34 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
Boy that cop’s shield is really getting creamed. (I know, some people will milk any opportunity for a bad pun.)
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:26 PM, Paul Thomas wrote:
no point crying over spilled milk… unless you’ve been maced, then cry away.
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:30 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
Oh boy, we’re just starting to skim over the pun possibilities here. Think we can come up with more than 2%?
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:31 PM, Paul Thomas wrote:
You bet we can! Hopefully we can figure a whey to keep this joke from spoiling.
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:33 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
Cheese, that’s another good one.
"Anarcowst"
October 7, 2009 1:46PM Donnie Miller wrote:
I bet those are the cows the cream cheese comes from. That all I got.
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:47 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
She seems to be alone. I guess she believes anarchist cows should be seen, but not herd.
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:47 PM, Paul Thomas wrote:
Rogue bovine! Mad cow! It’s a disease on society!
On Oct 7, 2009, at 1:57 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
How do you know? Are you such an expert that you’re outstanding in the field? Looking pasture diagnosis, how do you propose we get this cow out of Monterey, Jack?
On Oct 7, 2009, at 2:24 PM, Paul Thomas wrote:
As much as I hate to digest this defeat I’ll take this grazing in stride. I’m no expert in the fields of cows and related disudders. The cow can stay in Monterey, so long as it’s shelfish life doesn’t expire.
Just-the-same, there’s just something that curdles my blood about such rude, no– icy, ‘cream vulgarity’! The smug look on the mans’ face just makes me want to teat cookies and drink water out of spite!
On Oct 7, 2009, at 2:36 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
It takes a big man to know when the bull is so deep it behooves him to just turn away and mooove along. And as much as you may be cowed by the edam man’s vulgarity, steer clear of any retribution. Don’t let him prod you into doing something you may regret. Just turn away and show him your dairy air as you hoof it home to your cottage.
"Lest we forget" caused a final creative stampede
On Oct 7, 2009, at 2:57 PM, Paul Thomas wrote:
lest we forget…
“Oh, teat squeezer you shot that swat geezer
His shield has blocked the stream, but your supporters know what you mean
Long after the herds disband, your sour milk will still stand
A reminder in the streets of what it means to walk a mile in your teats”
On Oct 7, 2009, at 3:11 PM, Ed Mund wrote:
Ode to a Poor Constable:
His sweatbreads saved by shield,
His goggles did not yield.
But the crowd looked on with disdain,
As they caught a whiff of methane.
Yes even cops get scared
When milked in a public square.
And now that we’ve had our fun,
Please, no more bloody puns.
-courntey
Posted in Funny Stuff | Tags: around the office, copy writing, courtney, Donnie, Ed, paul
October 7th, 2009 |
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Our boss, Connie Lovelady was the recipient of the 2009 Women of Influence award by the South Sound Business Examiner which recognizes achievement in business and community service. On Sept. 29th we all went to an Academy-Awards caliber celebration where we watched Connie, along with seven other remarkable women, walk the red carpet of recognition. And it’s high time too. Here’s an abbreviated list of Connie’s accomplishments:
• In 1987 Connie was one of the first women sponsored into Rotary International. Connie actively serves on numerous Rotary committees, has served as a Board Member and in 2007– 2008 was awarded the C. Dale Ferrier Vocational Service Award , for Outstanding Professional Achievement and Dedication to the Principle of Service and Community Leadership.
• Connie has served for 20 years as the chair of the Lacey Rotary Annual Community Improvement Awards, which honors businesses and service organizations that have contributed to helping make the community a better place to live.
• Over a 16 year history, Connie actively participated on the Lakefair Committee, acting as a float judge, a princess judge as well a designer of the annual Lakefair themed logos.
• As a Member of Thurston County Chamber for more than 18 years, she has served as a past member of the Board of Directors, and donated her services to design the current Chamber logo.
• As the recipient of numerous awards for design excellence, over the last 30 years, GCI has earned the reputation as one of the most respected design and advertising agencies in the Puget Sound area.
• GCI’s memberships include: Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Olympia Master Builders, Association of Washington Businesses, Thurston County Economic Development Council, Women’s Business Exchange, and Lacey Rotary.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: News
September 14th, 2009 |
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In spirit of our reminder to our e-blast subscribers not to wear white (since labor day has passed), I wanted to share some marketing faux pas, which I would say are far more embarrassing (and costly) than a white jacket!
From Ahajokes.com, examples of translations in advertising gone awry:
Coors put its slogan, “Turn it loose,” into Spanish, where it was read as “Suffer from diarrhea.”
Clairol introduced the “Mist Stick,” a curling iron, into German only to find out that “mist” is slang for manure. Not too many people had use for the “manure stick”.
When Gerber started selling baby food in Africa, they used the same packaging as in the US, with the beautiful baby on the label. Later they learned that in Africa, companies routinely put pictures on the label of what’s inside, since most people can’t read English.
Pepsi’s “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation” translated into “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave,” in Chinese.
When Parker Pen marketed a ballpoint pen in Mexico, its ads were supposed to say “It won’t leak in your pocket and embarrass you.” However, the company mistakenly thought the spanish word “embarazar” meant embarrass. Instead the ads said that “It wont leak in your pocket and make you pregnant.”
Also in Chinese, the Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan “finger-lickin’ good” came out as “eat your fingers off.”
When General Motors introduced the Chevy Nova in South America, it was apparently unaware that “no va” means “it won’t go.” After the company figured out why it wasn’t selling any cars, it renamed the car in its Spanish markets to the Caribe.
Colgate introduced a toothpaste in France called Cue, the name of a notorious porno magazine.
Posted in Funny Stuff, GWHIZ | Tags: education, Jenny, product development, web
This is a cool performance art piece. It makes me glad that we have a “Just Plain Neat” category on our blog!
-Jenny
Posted in Just Plain Neat | Tags: Jenny, music, other art
August 27th, 2009 |
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We do everything advertising day-in day-out and we love our jobs! And sometimes we really let our creative juices flow just for the fun of it. Check out these neat and totally original wallpaper graphic designs created by our staff. If you see one you like, download it and give your desktop a little GCI sizzle. It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Enjoy! -The Team
Who Fruited?
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What is art?
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Sand Face
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Let Them Advertise
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Light Writing
Posted in GWHIZ, Just Plain Neat | Tags: around the office, Design, e-blasts, gci
