Who remembers the old Facebook layout? Who remembers this guy?
Better yet, who remembers about a year ago when everyone, including me, totally freaked when the layout was upgraded to a more “intuitive, user-friendly” interface?
How did they know I would grow to love the new layout and eventually dismiss previous, technically-inferior layouts as Web 1.0 rubbish?
Well, they’re at it again.
And this time…(deep breath)… I trust them.
What are your thoughts on the proposed upgrades to Facebook?
At one time or another, you’ve spammed an audience with direct mail, e-mail, or another tactic. It’s ok, me too. By spamming, I mean direct contact that interrupts someone’s day with a less than stunning, relevant message.
We love the measurability. “2.3% redemption! It paid for itself.” Even the CFO’s happy. But is it the whole story?
I suggest we learn how to quantify the impact on the 97.7% that tossed us in the trash. Are they annoyed? Do they consider us intrusive? Are we less likely to be noticed next time, when we actually have something to say? It’d be a useful metric to have when the budget gets carved up, and people testify as to “what works”.
So, the loofah’s. Like you, I get a legal sized discount card monthly from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. They undoubtedly pay for themselves in redemption. Then again, you’d have to live under a rock to pay full retail there. And the years of deep discounts make me far less likely to stop by for a gift. I bet my 500 thread count pillow case it’s killing brand equity and long term sales.
For a funny, NC-17 take on BB and B, here.
Matt Jones
Leo Burnett’s UK office just released predictions for 2009 via Youtube. Here’s an opinionated review:
2 things I like
1. They have a point of view on our times
2. They’re using the web to spread it quickly
3 things I don’t
1. Cliché packed – “pace of change is accelerating”, “tipping point”, “brands are vehicles”; check, check, and check
2. Conventional wisdom packaged as trends, e.g. trust is critical to brands, organizations that go the extra mile will prosper, etc
3. Excessive animation distracts
Skeptics of account planning will find much to dislike (and have). But my own prediction is that it results in client inquiries, i.e. “can you come talk to my team on your ’09 predictions”. Then they can offer specific and actionable suggestions. If that’s the case, score 1 for LB.
What do you think?
Matt Jones
