Other People’s Genius

• "Foldit" -- Using a Game to Make Non Scientists Tackle Scientific Puzzles

  

   

  Foldit is a way to turn science into a game. Users are rewarded for creating the most stable proteins. It is a great way to get many creative people attempt to decode some of science’s biggest problems. 

  Even more interesting? Scientists weren’t always the best at figuring these problems out. 

  Hooray for fresh perspectives. 

  This comes from a fantastic post by Clay Parker Jones, “Five Interesting Things, Version 2“. Not surprisingly, all five things are interesting. Read it. 

   

  Popularity: 3% [?]

• "Writing to the 2010 Consumer (From Hey Whipple)"

  This is one of the better, and least pretentious, essays on advertising I’ve ever read.

  Luke, or “Hey Whipple”, expertly and clearly explains  the shifting cultural expectations of American Consumers of brand messaging and actions over the last 80 years.

  When it comes to brands, and generally everything else for that matter, we are now a culture of “eye-rollers and skeptics”.

  Whipple concludes that action has replaced messaging.

  His bottom line:

  “Brand actions speak louder than words.
  Brand experiences speak louder than ads.
  Walk beats talk.”

  **Obligatory Old Spice addendum:

  Old Spice, the latest and greatest advertising success, took off not because of its messaging, bur because of its action. “The man you wish your man could smell like” publicity stunt of responding directly to consumers was an action rather than a message.

  Consumers wanted more of this sweet smelling man, and Old Spice, via Wieden and Kennedy, gave it to them — Directly. Consumers were astounded by both the novelty, speed, and quality of the responses. This was more than an ad, this was action. While it still looked like an advertisement, in actuality, it was a brand walking the walk, and that’s why it was successful.

  If you are interested in advertising, culture, or communications in the slightest, do read the entire essay.

  Examples:

  The Era of Authority:

  

  The Era of Authenticity:

  

  The Era of Action:

  

  Popularity: 3% [?]

• Fashion Label Only Available to Those Who Donate Blood

  Exclusivity + Fashion  to create a little bit of social good? Smart.

  Exclusivity is not the only one reason why this line will take off though.

  Wearing The Red Rail makes The ultimate luxury statement: “Not only am I more fashionable than you, but I’m also a better person.”

  This is the perfect clothing line for the Lexus hybrid driver.

   

   

  via Springwise

  Popularity: 3% [?]

Popularity: 3% [?]