Archive for September, 2006

‘Survivor’ has seen its share of controversy, and one element of the new season is adding fuel to the fire. Producer Mark Burnett’s announcement that contestants will be separated into tribes based on race has caused a stir, and the debate rages on in Answers, prompting questions about tonight’s premiere.

Will it be interesting? Is this an example of segregation or clever casting? More importantly, is it a good idea?

While the public discusses this controversy, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has decided to reserve judgment until after the show airs. Meanwhile, Mark is hitting the talk show circuit to promote the show. Yahoo! had the opportunity to ask Mark about his rationale. What was he thinking?

Here is what he had to say:

Our rationale for dividing Survivor tribes by ethnicity was based upon our belief that racial differences were highly unlikely to matter when the modern world was removed.

Survivor takes place on an island where economics, ethnicity and social class count for nothing. What is important is your ability to build a fire and catch fish. On an island, the value system by which we judge others and even choose to associate or align with others is totally different from choices that may be made in the modern world. Add to this, the political nature of Survivor and the questions are “Do I like this person?” and “Can I convince this person to vote for me?”

Survivor is probably one of the greatest leadership and management tests you can witness. It’s almost like firing someone who works as your subordinate, then the next day, asking them to lobby “your boss” to give “you” a promotion. Survivor is the equivalent of this where the very people you play a part in getting rid of, are asked to turn around and reward you for it.

I believe that most people are inherently good and very few people are intentionally bigoted. It’s all about whether you actually get to know people and getting to know them in a totally fresh environment such as on a desert island further reduces any potential for bigotry.

Were we correct?? Time will tell. All I can say is that the series will pull no punches and will at the very least show that it’s impossible to stereotype people once you meet them and (even vicariously) live with them as they struggle to build a world together while still looking out for themselves.

I agree with the NAACP in that there is no escaping the reality that race is a complex and emotional issue in America -- one we are still reluctant to confront and address and I am happy that they have reserved judgment until they watch the series. I would encourage anyone to follow this lead and watch at least a few episodes to get a clear picture of how the dynamic will play out.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think about his answer. The question is still open to the community if anyone wishes to weigh in with their own answer.

Mario

• A Flickr Engagement
• For the Holga peeps: the Photomedia Center Holga Show call for entries
• Deborah Lattimore's fish eye photos have been featured in Popular Photography magazine
• Tag-o-rama: "toolanimal", "blue, red, yellow", "towersoflight", "bokehsoniceseptember13"
• Mark your calendars for the upcoming Day in the Life, Saturday September 23

Photo from konaboy (who celebrates his "Flickrversary" today).

An image is worth a thousand words. Now, how much is an image and a video worth? It’s been three months since we released video ads on the Google content network and we've seen a variety of interesting ads during that time – some that performed well and others that weren't quite ready for prime time. Over the next three weeks, we'll be sharing some of the key attributes of the ads that performed well. We'll start by sharing the tips below on creating rich and engaging video ads.

First, make sure that the opening image is engaging. Here are a few tips for the image:

• Memorable Image: Your opening image must capture the user's attention, and keep it.
  
• Vibrant Colors: The opening image has to entice users to hit play, so catch their eye with rich, sharp colors.
• Text: Although a stand-alone image can work as an opening image, we suggest that you include a few words to describe the product, service and/or company you are promoting.
• Call-to-Action: An opening image with a call-to-action is highly recommended. Informing the user that they can learn more by clicking play usually increases play rates.
• Multiple Sizes: In order to increase the number of placements where your ads can show, include an opening image in all of the following sizes 300x250, 250x250, 200x200 and 336x280. Please note that your image may be resized if it doesn't fit one of these sizes.
  

Second, you'll want to review these tips to ensure that the content of your video ad itself is as compelling as possible:

• Key Messages: Because users may not watch your entire video, make sure you deliver your key messages early in the video.
• Keep it Engaging: Video should be entertaining, informational, and relevant. Unlike TV advertising, you only have a captive audience if they choose to continue watching your ad. Whenever it appears on a site, your video ad will be your only communication with that site’s users, so it’s important to be clear about what your business offers. And remember, your audience won’t just respond to what you say, but how you say it.
• Short and Sweet: Although videos can be up to 2 minutes in length, we’ve found that users start dropping off significantly if ads are longer than 45 seconds.
• Make it Audible: Video ads allow you to use both sight and sound to communicate with your consumers – so make sure that the voices and/or soundtracks you use complement your overall message. If you are using a soundtrack, the music should not drown out any voices.
• Call-to-Action: Make sure you communicate to your users what you’d like for them to do – visit your store or site, call a phone number, complete a purchase – so they’ll have clear next-steps once the video’s completed.

Now, to check out these tips in action, take a minute to watch this ad for Zero-G. (Note: The advertiser whose ad is featured will not accrue clicks or impressions, so feel free to enjoy the ad.)

We hope you've found these tips helpful and please join us next week when we’ll cover monitoring performance and optimization.