Dear subscriber, November has been a big month for Bannerblog, as we welcomed the first of our advertising partners, Eyeblaster Inc. The partnership with Eyeblaster is a near perfect fit for us, since many of the campaigns featured on Bannerblog were created and deployed through Eyeblaster across the world. Read more about it here including our commitment to donate 25% of all revenue to charity. Speaking of chairty Ashley has been growing a moe for the last 3 weeks and there's still time to donate some money for Movember. All donations are tex deductable and the money go towards issues with Men's Health. November also saw the introduction the Job Board. Over the past 12 months the site has developed into thriving resource for the creative community and with traffic reaching 40k unique users a month, we figured a jobs board is a natural fit. We’ve got jobs listed for Ogilvy, DDB, RMG Connect and Glue just to name a few - we even have a position for a Online General Manager at Foxtel. Still think we’re missing a few bells and whistles? Not Web 2.0 enough for you? Send us your suggestions!
Agency Glue [UK] Brand Mini This superb banner for Mini UK caught the eye of the the Bannerblog Team this month for its simple and effective use of interactive video to demonstrate the benefit. View
Agency Dare [UK] Brand Lynx (Unilever) Using a microphone as input, you get to "blow" all over the stunning young lady, and remove her unfeasibly limited clothing in the process. And as the site points out, “despite the cold - size matters. You need broadband for the best experience” View
For those readers unfamilar with the sport known as Cricket, take a quick look at the Wiki entry here. This year’s Ashes Series has seen a huge increase in the number of brands looking to engage with a dedicated fans and bored office workers online. Bannerblog is keeping an up-to-date list of games, virals and promotions here and below we provide you with a random selection: Agency Tribal DDB [AU] Title Australia Strikes Back Agency Soap Creative [AU] Title Backyard Classic Catch Agency Preloaded [UK] Title Defend the Ashes
Lovely Pop: Sensual Hellmann's Ketchup IBM: Fly Swat Vodafone: Van IBM: Business man IAB Creative Showcase (AUS) The newly launched IAB in Australia has called for submissions to the creative showcase. More Info
The jobs board has kicked off well with a wide variety of jobs already posted after just one week. Here is a few. Interactive Art Director / Designer DDB Seattle - USA Interactive Designer Glue London - UK Senior Web Designer Tequila Shanghai - China Integrated Producer (Interactive) CP+B - USA Thanks for continuing to support Bannerblog, and keep the submissions rolling in. Remember, we’ve got a News section now which is growing rapidly and we’re filing stories every few days and would be happy to promote your latest campaign. Drop us a line cheers, The Bannerblog Team
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Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 06:20 PM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: Newsletter

Beuraucracy is a funny thing. It's a little like testing medicines - some may know they work for most - but "officially" we all have to wait until the "official" precentages are right.

Anyway - this little announcement has a few people excited in the UK, now we can run standard IAB sizes at 30k (I'm assuming for all formats) - to add that litlte bit extra in the execution.

Now I'm not sure about the rest of you but I've been publishing 30k files across all formats, most of the time for the last 2+ years (there are some exceptions - like yahoo and a handful of fringe or multiple site buy bookings for planners looking to get home before 6, and, excel formula wizard types who tell you that the targeted campaing is in fact he same site structure they've been presenting for the last 7 years [since 1999 according to this]) - of course.

Lets not even start with "standard" or polite options in regards to video (600k+ minimum, easy). Without interaction.

And I honestly can't remember when I was told no to even 31.6k - because it saved the flash guys 3 days (thats 1 k per day) in specialist compression reduction techniques to target my "unofficial" 30k limit. Hell you can even save some bytes if you add up the bytes: 1 KB (one KiloByte) = 1,024 Bytes - thats 24 extra bytes per 1000 if your good with the lingo - also you've got some flexibilty with the Block allocation when you view the size in lsit form on your PC/mac.

Kids, don't always believe what you hear from the buyers/planners - they like to keep it very very simple - they are flexible, and they will move - and may even dance if you ask them with the right tone of conviction and passion.

Sure 30k is good news, but now we should be aiming for 50k "unofficially".

From little things big things grow.

Posted by tobie at 12:01 AM | Link to this Article | 4 Comments
Archived in: Industry News

The Creative Showcase has been going strong in the UK for a while now (it's a great place to grab banners from) and we've decided to start one up in Australia. And when I say 'we' I mean Mike from Profero and the other peopel not Bannerblog.

The Australian Creative Showcase will be judged quarterly and hopefully will be a good chance for some friendly competition.

It's free to enter so get submitting as there's been some nice work done lately by everyone.

Note: The first round clsoes very soon (Monday, Nov 27) so get your entries in ASAP

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 09:06 AM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: Awards

There's a new generation of webmail email clients rolling in. Yahoo have recently launched a new version with all the features you'd expect from a desktop app - drag n drop, preview pane etc etc etc. and it's very very good.

Poke were tasked with the launch marketing - and in the vein of Nikepro and Adidas Stella Mcartney, the Yahoo! Mail Ultimate Championships Games Grand Final two thousand and six were born to this world.

Hone your skills, practise your technique, and maybe, just maybe, you could be the best of the best. Better even than the "experts" - four emailers from different walks of life - with different demands from their chosen tools.

A toungue in cheek "poke" at super-flash-wank sportsporn websites - disguised a promotion.

Posted by tobie at 08:51 PM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: Interesting Promotions

I've had the luxury of working in some of the best studios that London has to offer in recent years, Agency Republic being amongst them in a big way - I really, really like this latest piece of work www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/sixjourneys.

It might have seemed difficult to surpass the recent (well this year anyways) A-S campaign (again from AR), but with the combination of great writing from real-world authors (yes... copywriters are still "real"), really lovely illustration, and smooth rolling animation - I think it's wonderful - and guess what - it communicates as well.

Posted by tobie at 04:19 AM | Link to this Article | 2 Comments
Archived in: Interesting Promotions

Once again Dare has delivered on it's eternal promise of interaction and gratification of the (almost) highest level for Lynx with www.lynxblow.com. Using a microphone as input, you get to "blow" all over the stunning young lady, and remove her unfeasibly limited clothing in the process.

She lookes very, very cold, and therefore has way too much on. Not sure about the wardrobe though - it looks like she washed up on an iceberg - anyone like a crack at being Man Friday?

Good clean snowbound fun.

Just go this in from the guys on the ground:

Shots from the shoot for all those who want to spoil the magic - or see how it's all done.

Really good to see more budget going into online.

Posted by tobie at 03:58 AM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: Viral

It's still work in progress but the first 5 jobs have been posted onthe Jobs Board.

it's a nice mix of creative an executive roles with the Ogilvy position a nice gig for who gets it.

We'll honour our pledge to post the first 20 positions for free (only 4 spots left) so get in quick and post your jobs now. All the info can be found here.

We'll be integreating the jobs board into the left nav, newsletter and main site over the next few days.

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 01:00 AM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: BB News

Rather than just promote the game we at Soap made I thought I'd cast a wider eye on the promotion of this years Ashes series. For those outside of Australia & England this may mean little to you but this is Crickets equivalent of the World Cup. But only two countries compete.
Big Warnie Agency: ?
	The marketing started early this year with Big Warnie being launched on the English earlier in the year. With a 28ft tall Warnie being driven through London. You can view the TVC's here
VB: Boonanza II Agency: George Patterson Y&R Melbourne
	The successful Boony campaign is back again this time with Ian "Beefy" Botham in tow. Boonanza II "Battle of the Tashes" The dolls proved so popular last year they were selling on Ebay for as much as $200. And some still selling now. Below is a sample of how the dolls work when you physically interact with them. However the technology really shines when they comment after hearing audio triggers from the broadcast of the Ashes on TV. There is also an internal timer inside which triggers the dolls to talk during certain times like the Melbourne Cup. If you have them both together they will also engage in small talk. This was supported by a huge campaign promoting Boony (A cricket Hero) as the next Prime Minister. You can view the 2005 and 2006 ads on Youtube. A full breakdown of the campaign can be seen here.
Roadshow: Ashes Clashes Backyard Classic Catch Game Agency: Soap Creative
	Then there's our little Classic Catch game to promote not the Ashes but a DVD covering the last 35 years of the Ashes. This is one of my fav games I've been involved in.
3: Mobile Ashes Agency: Euro RSCG 4D
	With 3 as the principal sponsor for the Ashes you'd expect something big. They are pushing their live coverage of the Ashes on the 3 phones with a "virtual stadium" where users can upload their face to show support for either team and go into the draw to win tickets.
Wolf Blass : Chant for your Army Agency: Clemenger Blue
	Here is another virtual stadium for Wolf Blass called Chant for your Army but this one is executred really well. You can also type in a chant and have it spoken back to you (even if it is in a computer type drone) it's still as funny as it used to be typing rude words in on an old Mac.
Ford: Tonk a Pom Agency: WDG
	Another beautiful looking site this time for Ford called Tonk a Pom. There's a Backyard cricket game which is similar to the Bring it on Game or really like the whack a penguin game that was so popular. This one is very nicely polished and probably has more client product product showcased in the microsite than all the others combined but does its nicely. ps. What does tonk mean?
Herald Sun: Stick it to the Poms Agency: Visual Jazz
	To promote the collectable pins available in the newspaper the Herland Sun created this nice cricket game.
Daily Telegraph : Australia Strikes Back Agency: Tribal DDB
	Like the saga that is Star Wars the Ashes series is a long and complicated, intertwined story. Get an quick update on what's happened over the years with this funny animation. Much in the same vein as 42 Below's style of story telling. Which is just fucking GAY!
Virgin Atlantic Slashes Agency: NetX
	Post a sledge upon Slashes.com.au to support your team. The part I like about this site is the classic sledges.
Gatorade Is it In You? Agency: Tribal DDB
	Join Yabba as he starts the Aussie Posse on Is it In You Yabba, the aussie character who makes you cringe to think this was an Aussie agency who did this, looks like he's never drunk Gatorade before in his life. With lots to do on the
Red Label Cricket Agency: Unknown
	Not much to see here for Jonnie Walker's Red Label Cricket but I couldn't be bothered signing up to the members area.
Classic Ashes Catches Agency: Unknown
	Why it's hard not to biased when you do the same concept I will say this Classic Catch game for Commonwealth Bank has twice as many characters to choose from :)
Fox Sports: Stick Cricket
	Fox Sports have brought out the big guns with a hosted version of Stick Cricket. Probably the most popular Cricket game on the web and a big contribute to time wasting around the world.
NineMSN: Ashes Mini site
	NineMSN have produced a Ashes mini site which contains info, videos and a trivia game. You can also download these adorable Ashes Meegos for you Messenger program.
SMH: Ashes Mini site
	SMH's Ashes mini site contains all the usual info but will need to offer something more in the coming weeks to compete against the other publishers offerings.
XXXX: Beach Cricket Tri-Nations Agency: Fluoro
	XXXX have gone all out this year by creating a Beach Cricket Series which will play out across Australia after the Ashes is finished. Perfect for those Poms who just won't go home :) They've enlisted three former captains from the game with Border, Gooch and Walsh heading up the teams and the TVC's For those that can't make it you can play the online game version.
Sky: Defend the Ashes Game Agency: Glue London
	Here's another fun flash game I was sent from Sky in the UK. This game is really fun to play and nicely polished.
Channel 4: Bring it on Game Agency: Hollar
	Another game from the UK, this time for Channel 4. I'm unsure if there is a TV show connected with this but they have some beardo cricket fan who is pretty scary. I like what happens when you choose to play the Aussie's.
Test Catch Cricket Agency: Inbox Digital
	I'm not 100% sure this is for the 06/07 series but anyway it's a fun cricket game for First National in the UK.
If you have seen any other promotions for the Ashes around, from anywhere in the world, please send them in to us via the submit page.

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 05:56 PM | Link to this Article | 2 Comments
Archived in: Interesting Promotions

Bannerblog's regular feature as seen in B&T magazine's Creative Eye: November 10th Issue.
	1: IBM: Business Man Agency: Ogilvy [US]
What could have been a boring white paper type banner has turned into something you can’t help but be mesmerised.

	2: Dolby: Light up the night sky Agency: Freestyle [US]
Crank up your speakers to really experience this one. The interactive lightning adds a nice touch. It was this experience with a Red Bull can that sold it to me though.

	3: Apple: Ipod Nano Agency: Unknown
This is the perfect extension to a great ad.

	4: Coke Zero Campaign Agency: Glue [UK]
A well executed and fun campaign for Coke Zero in the UK. See Beach, Boy Band, Gigs, Goggles & festival.

	5: Mini Spin Art Agency: Unknown
Both Mini and HP produced similar artistic ads.  Who was first aside, it’s quite interesting being able to create a piece of art in a banner and have that submitted to the campaign’s online gallery at Roof Studio.

As I'm limited to 5 every issue and I didn't have time to consult all the editors on my selection this month I missed these banners that are worth a mention. Locite Honeymoon ADIDAS A3 Virgin Money Dragon AAA Crash SAAB Extra Equiped

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 09:54 PM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: B&T Top 5

Bannerblog won Best of Industry (for Blogs) in the 2006 Web Awards.

All the editors will be getting their stylish commmorative Leather Bomber Jackets. Jealous? While it feels good to win (no wait it feels better to beat other people) if you check the list of winners they pretty much handed an award to any old MOFO that entered. Seems I've invented a new catgory. Whinging winners :)

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 03:05 PM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: Awards

Below are the finalists & winners for the 2006 AWARD awards. This is 90% of the nominees with some being submitted on CDROM and thus no live URL is available. If you do have a URL email me and I'll update this page. I'll refrain from casting my opinion on the nominees. There's a few that are worth checking out. Others are passable.

Website & Campaign Website
Client: McDonalds Agency: Tribal DDB WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL	Client: Yahoo! AU & NZ Agency: Host/Glue Society WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL
Client: BMF Agency: BMF	Client: Child Cancer Foundation Agency: Tribal DDB NZ
Client: Caltex Agency: George Patts Y&R	Client: Mitsubishi Motors Agency: Clemenger Proximity
Client: Staedtler Agency: Host WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL	Client: Lexus Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi
Client: Propecia Agency: Insight NZ	Client: Canon Agency: Leo Burnett WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL
Client: Tourism NT Agency: Frost Design
Online Ad
Client: WWF Agency: Leo Burnett WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL	Client: IBM Agency: Ogilvy One Seoul WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL
Client: Nike Agency: Ogilvy One Seoul WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL	Client: Lion Nathan Agency: Tribal DDB NZ
Online Game
Client: 42 Below Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi NZ	Client: Warner Bros World Agency: Clemenger Proximity
Client: Echo Bridge Agency: Soap Creative WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL	Client: IAG Insurance Agency: M&C Saatchi
Viral
Client: Panasonic NZ Agency: Clemenger BBDO NZ	Client: British Council Agency: M&C Saatchi WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL
Client: Virgin Mobile Agency: NetX/Host/The Glue Society WINNER: BRONZE PENCIL	Client: Stadtler Agency: Host
Client: NetX Agency: NetX
Digital Campaign
Client: Nike Agency: M&C Saatchi	Client: Ferrit Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi NZ WINNER: SILVER PENCIL
Client: Virgin Mobile Agency: NetX/Host/The Glue Society WINNER: SILVER PENCIL	Client: British Council Agency: M&C Saatchi

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 08:49 PM | Link to this Article | 1 Comments
Archived in: Awards

What better way to sell a $400 USD blender than show it blending all sorts of household items. Going back to the good old days of advertising where people actually demonstrated the products in the ads.

My fav is the bag of marbles into dust.

They've put together a site called Will it Blend (much more interesting than the Late Show's Will it Float) which contains all the videos and product information.

It's certainly entertaining and will put the Blendtec brand in front of millions of people without them having to spend millions on product placement, endorsements or traditional media. Great work.

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 06:04 PM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: Interesting Promotions

We'll be launching a new Jobs Board next week which is explained here.

We'll be posting the first 20 for FREE, so just mention this offer in your email :)

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 08:30 AM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: BB News

Out of interest I went through the database and tallied what the breakdown of the countries is for all the banners posted on this site. The figures are not surprising. Note: this site started out as an Australia only site in the first 3-4 months so the Aussies had a major head start. Also with 100+ banners with the agency set as "Unknown" this could even up the stakes considerably.

With submissions increasing every week I see the Aussie's being out numbered in the next 3 months.

NOTE: I'm a dunce at Excel and that's why the graph is in reverse. Aus should be on top but I coudln't get it to go up there.

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 06:54 PM | Link to this Article | Comments
Archived in: BB News

We are happy to announce we have received the go ahead from Eyeblaster to sponsor the site for the next 3 months. (Insert sound of party popper)

This is great news for all those people who like the site. There should be minimal changes to the site and it's great to see a company like Eyeblaster see the worth in the resource we have worked so hard to maintain the last year.

It not only means we now have a little bit of money to help maintain the site it also means we have the capital to continue to enhance it.

Also we'll be donating 25% of all sponsorship money to Oxfam Australia. We reserve the right to change the charity during the next round of sponsorship.

Posted by Ashley Ringrose at 08:48 PM | Link to this Article | 1 Comments
Archived in: BB News