AOL has changed it’s logo.
It is not a change for the better.
This is the easiest post I have ever written, because the visuals tell the story.
I really need to dial up my chutzpa and get into branding one of these days…..
OLD AOL Logo:

New AOL Logo:

I just learned about Fifth Third Bank’s new “Don’t Be That Guy” promo which drives new student checking accounts.  It’s a nice account for students entering college (read more here) and comes with $20,000 in scholarships available thought their sweepstakes.  According to MediaPost, the effort, includes www.53.com/students, in-bank and college campus signage, t-shirts, cinema advertising, [...]

The New York Times reported yesterday that Tropicana is reverting to its familiar orange juice packaging after hearing from upset consumers and bloggers.
From the article:
The about-face comes after consumers complained about the makeover in letters, e-mail messages and telephone calls and clamored for a return of the original look.
Some of those commenting described the new [...]

In yet another example of a new packaging design trend that turns “Branding” into “Blanding”, Sierra Mist has changed their logo and bottle design.
As with other packaging redesigns I have seen recently, there is nothing “New and Improved” about the drink, no special promotion, no advertising campaign or any other reason I can see why [...]

This is a book after my own heart – marketing lessons inspired by the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, KISS and Madonna.

And yet it’s not trivial to compare how great artists inspire loyalty, emotional connections, identity, community, and repeat purchases. And the very best ones understand the business concepts of delivering value, consistency, reinvention while staying [...]

Starting tomorrow, 9/11 of all days, I’ll be on the road and hoping to see lots old and new friends.

Tomorrow I am speaking at the JFAM:Live! Fall 2008 Symposium at the Bloomberg Building in NYC. JFAM is a catchy acronym for the Journal of Financial Advertising and Marketing, run by Bill and Samantha Wreaks. [...]