TED: Jonathan Zittrain

This is Jonathan Zittrain's TED Talk from TED Global 2009. Here Jonathan discusses the notion that the world feels like it's becoming less friendly. As a Social Theorist, Jonathan thinks the opposite is true. He believes that "the Internet is made up of millions of disinterested acts of kindness, curiosity and trust".

I for one agree. I believe the internet's greatest strength is that people are willing to help other people for no profit or gain whatsoever. People go out of their way to share their own knowledge and expertise just because they now have the tools to do it. The internet is the great facilitator of 'helping'.

Starbucks: iPhone Apps

Today Starbucks have launched two new iPhone Apps: myStarbucks and Starbucks Card Mobile. Both are free to download and are designed to enhance the Starbucks experience. Have fun creating your own Starbucks drink or use your iPhone to load your Starbuck's Card or even look up the nutritional information of their beverages. The mobile team in charge of App development for Starbucks have hinted that an online ordering app may not be too far away either!

More information and both downloads are available here.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010

With the recent launch of Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010 range, the internet has become a flurry of Merc related ads and videos. Like the recent C and S classes, the new E-Class is promised as a return to what people always loved Mercedes for: solid, safe, comfortable, and reliable cars which you can be bought with utter faith.

The two best examples of the online work that Merc have pushed out, imho, are this 300x250 interactive display ad and their full 2min 53sec promotional video. The ad is featured on a large range of international sites, while the video (which has primarily been pushed out through YouTube) seems to be mostly featured across the Asian and American markets.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010: Interactive Display Ad

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010: Promotional Video

Obama's Digital Marketing

It may be tough to imagine Barack Obama not getting elected, but only 4 years ago he was virtually unknown both domestically and certainly internationally. So how did this unknown Junior Senator from Illinois get elected as the 44th President of the United States?

The folks behind Obama's Digital Marketing Strategy were Blue State Digital. They were responsible for designing and running all online marketing, and ultimately in charge of directing the technology and digital elements behind the campaign. Baring in mind, it was a campaign that generated record-breaking fund-raising and drove 13 million followers.

Here, Blue State Digital's Managing Partner, Thomas Gensemer, discusses the digital tactics behind the success of Obama's marketing campaign. All four clips come from Silicon Valley Insider as part of their Innovation video series, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

How Was E-Mail The Most Successful Tool Of The Obama Campaign?


How Did The Obama Campaign's Marketing System Work?


What Were The Three Keys To Success In Marketing The Obama Campaign?


Are Republicans Catching Up With The Obama Campaign's Marketing Tactics?

Darklight 2009: The Trailer

Darklight X is nearly upon us! Ireland's premier celebration of art, film and technology will be taking place in a number of different venues in and around Dublin's Smithfield from 8th to 10th October. Tickets went on sale last Friday and the full programme is available online now.

This is the Darklight trailer, created by Morten Vinther and the guys at Piranha Bar.



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