Writing an Effective Promotional E-Mail

I just read a great short article on crafting an effective promotional e-mail message on PCmag.com and thought I should share it. The author offers some great, simple steps that anyone can implement when promoting products or services. Some of the tips include: personalize the message, start with a question and don't use large images.

Make certain that you are maximizing the effectiveness of your e-mails. Don't Spam. For rules on what constitutes SPAM read the CAN-SPAM act. This is the FCC regulation that defines what is and is not SPAM in the U.S.

Click here to read the article on PCMag.com.

Why is this food so fast?

I was talking with one of my advertising classes the other day about the nature of advertising to children, specifically food products. While there are regulatory bodies in place (The FCC, FDA etc.) there remains a significant gray area in regards to most standards. Ultimately leaving the decision of what is ethical messaging up to the advertising agency and/or producer of the product.

We specifically addressed the ever evolving McDonalds Menu, and came to a consensus that it is good that McDonald's wants to at least give people a healthier alternative to their standard fare by offering items like salads and apple slices. Skepticism remains as to weather or not this is just a marketing ploy, an attempt to capitalize on popular trends, a change made out of a sincere concern for the customer's health or some combination of these factors.

Here is an interesting article about 10 things that the food industry does not want you to know (from Yahoo) click here

Funny Motivational Posters

I love the new Battlestar Galactica - not necessarily because of the CGI (which is the best ever produced for TV) but because of the intricate storyline(s) and the depth of character development not to mention the stellar acting. When you get sucked into this show you will forget that you are watching TV and actually identify with the characters and issues. A very difficult task to accomplish in any medium especially Sci-fi for TV.

You may have seen some funny motivational posters floating around on the Internet. A friend of mine recently sent me a great collection from www.demotivateus.com, and I had to share a few. Thank you to whoever created these, you made me laugh.