Britney Spears vs. The Moon

If you think you've got a good grasp on the web and its population, I have a question for ya: Which of these two topics generates more online activity — the moon or, say, Britney Spears?

Now take a look at their respective Google search results numbers (as of Dec 7, 2009), understanding the fractal geometry of search algorithms and their ability to associate pretty much anything with everything:

• Keywords: "Britney Spears" = 21,300,000
• Keyword: "moon" = 78,900,000

NOTE: For those of you who question my use of the keyword "moon" versus "the moon," there are considerably more results for "the moon" — 54,700,000 as a matter of fact — so for the sake of argument I went with the lower number to prove a point.

And that point is, as marketers it's easy for us to overlook even the most obvious elements in our audience's world in lieu of what's "new" or "hot” or “sexy.”

When was the last time you talked, texted or tweeted about the moon? You probably can't remember. With the exception of cloud cover and the occasional solar eclipse, the moon is visible Every. Single. Rotation. Of. The. Earth. Yet it's so much a part of our lives, we're guilty of paying it little-to-no mind.

There's no way the moon's been featured in the news or enjoyed as much global chatter as often as Ms. Spears has since the dawn of the mass internet in the mid-'90s. Yet this dead ball of pumice located roughly 400,000 km away from earth (depending on the time of year), which doesn't even make hit singles or find itself mired in sex scandals, is approaching four times her search results. Just something to keep in mind next time perspective is in order.

Another MB Fashion Week's in the books,

and so, the greatest client ever, Mercedes-Benz USA, has closed the curtains on its latest edition of the world's premier fashion event. I was fortunate enough to have again been selected to direct the digital video and photography for the week, my 13th.

"Mercedes-Benz Presents" Designer Narciso Rodriguez was an absolute joy to work with — as nice a guy and humble a designer I've ever interviewed. Check out one of the videos here.

A few junky iPhone shots from backstage and the runway:

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

is once again upon us — this edition showcasing Spring 2010 Collections here in New York — and for the 13th time, I'll be directing all interactive, video, and photography work under the Tents and throughout town for Mercedes-Benz. See ya on the runway.

A quick iPhone shot from this morning's Duckie Brown runway show:

Advertising IN: a new social net just for us

A quick plug for Advertising IN, the new social network designed specifically to interconnect all constituencies of the advertising business. (I include the interactive space, too.) Their promise: Exchange Information, Ideas and Opportunities with your Coworkers and other Advertising Professionals.

Agencies, individuals (a.k.a., peers), vendors, clients, freelancers, job-seekers — in truth, anyone who wishes to expand his/her professional network — are invited to join and share what's up in their worlds. I'll pay it the highest compliment one can regarding a new business concept: it's about time.

My good buddy and former coworker Wade Murray is Chief Interactive Officer, so I know it'll be über-successful in approximately one picosecond.

Go sign up and get in on the ground floor of something that's guaranteed to influence the influencers.

Oh, and though it's new and almost totally bare, my profile's here.

The new site is up

After a lengthy brand re-stage, (simplified) site redesign, and addition of a Mobile section, the new BrandSpankingNewYork.com is live.