Camping 101: A Relaxing Way to Travel

I did not grow up an avid camper. In fact, images of soaking wet sleeping bags, bug-ridden campsites and a lack of running water filled my mind. However, I come from a long line of extended family that told me for years camping is the most relaxing vacation you can take. In 2009, my Aunt and Uncle generously opened their Class A RV to us, and we camped with them often over the next two years. We liked campaign so much that we made the big decision to purchase a Travel Trailer of our own In the Spring of 2011.

Many of you may have the same hesitancies that I did when thinking about camping. Tent camping can be difficult if the weather is not perfect. No running water and electric can be tricky, especially if you have young children. But many campgrounds offer so much more then you think. Here are some tips to help dip your toe into the wonderful world of camping:

New Camper Tips

• Rent a cabin: Many campgrounds offer cabins for rent. This is a great way to test out the camping way of life, without purchasing a recreational vehicle. Cabins can come in all forms, with or without running water, private bathroom and kitchens. If any of these are on your must have list, make sure you check what types of cabins are available.
• Rent a RV: You can rent an RV from a company, just like a car rental. There are also private motor home rentals, or RV swaps that are available. This is a great way to test if you are comfortable with everything that goes into a camping vacation. From towing a travel trailer, driving a motor home, leveling your home away from home and extending the canopy there is no better way to know then to practice.

• Attend an RV Show: Even if you are not ready to purchase a trailer, RV shows can be so much fun. There are RV shows held across the country, with the largest held in Hershey, PA. Walking through countless RVs of all shapes and sizes will give you a great idea of what they have to offer. And if you are ready to buy, RV shows can be a great place to get a deal.

Best Area Campgrounds

Beth Page Camp Resort: This campground in Urbana, VA is aptly named a Camp Resort. It truly has something for everyone. The docks on the Tappahannock River lead directly to the Chesapeake Bay for fishing and crabbing. There is a fresh water lake with a sandy beach and the 3 pools, water slides and splash park make options for all ages.

Granite Hill Camping Resort: Located in Gettysburg, PA, Granite Hill offers access to all that the historic city has to offer. Touring the memorials in Gettysburg, shopping for antiques or fishing on their 3 acre trout lake are ways to spend the day at Granite Hill. If you are looking for a fall trip, their Halloween parade is not to be missed.

Heritage Cove Resort: Raystown Lake is an 8,000 acre lake nestled in the mountains of Huntingdon, PA. This state park offers 29,000 acres of bike trails, picnic areas, beaches, cliff diving and boating fun. Heritage Cove boasts their own boat launch, beach and water front sites. Go during the week and head out on the water for swimming, tubing or water skiing.

 

 

 

Digital Dads

All eyes are focused on Dads this weekend and there is no shortage of online chatter (including this post) about Digital Dads. I consider myself well connected and previously I may have thought it was a byproduct of the industry I’m in, but it’s good to see that Dads are “ranking” and therefore getting their due from marketers. Adweek article

We work hard, we shop online, we clean the house, we post pictures of our kids on Facebook using Instagram, and yes, we do make major purchasing decisions – jointly of course 😉

There’s a great infographic on Mashable about Digital Dads and our use of technology.

62% of Digital Dads say they’re more tech-savvy than the average 15-year-old.  While my kids aren’t anywhere close to 15, I can see that their proficiency with technology at such an early age is a sign of great things to come. While we may consider ourselves Digital Dads, the generation we’ve created will undoubtedly be more versed in technology than we are and we should do what we can to embrace that.

At the end of every workday, I’m greeted by a wonderful chorus of “Daaaaadddy!” and knee-level hugs, promptly followed with my daughter grabbing my iPhone off the desk in the entry. I turn it over to her since, at four years old, she is adept at searching YouTube for Littlest Pet Shop videos and knows the songs I’ve downloaded for her by the album cover art.  My two-year-old son doesn’t complain: He plays with my old iPhone 3G because it isn’t worth a dime in the marketplace.  I have no problem being without my phone because I stay connected in the evening with my iPad, reading emails or news I couldn’t follow during the day. And, once or twice a week, I catch up with Facebook posts.

However, this weekend is Father’s Day and I’ll need to take back my phone. Saturday, I have to post pictures on Facebook of the kids at Sailabration, and Sunday while I’m on the golf course, I’ll use my golf app to find out EXACTLY how many yards it is to the pin, so I can make my club selection.

Monster Jam – Fun for the Whole Family

Every year, my family gets together and takes a trip to Baltimore to enjoy Monster Jam. We’ve been to 1^st Mariner Arena many times for the show and have always enjoyed ourselves. However, when we heard they were taking over M&T Bank Stadium for the first time last year, we were doubly excited. If you have not seen a Monster Jam show, this weekend gives you the perfect opportunity, and here are a few reasons to go:

Top 5 Reasons to go to Monster Jam

1. The stadium setting is perfect for this event. The larger arena allows for higher jumps, faster trucks and bigger stunts. Also, the fact that it is held outdoors means the noise is not as deafening, and earplugs are recommended, but not required! (It also gives you another reason to see M&T Bank Stadium in all its glory outside of football season!)
2. Grave Digger! This iconic monster truck is familiar to even those that are not monster truck enthusiasts. At this weekend’s show, you get to see not one Grave Digger, but TWO of them! They never fail to put on a phenomenal show.

3. The Party in the Pits is a great place to take the kids prior to the event. Meet the drivers, get autographs, and stand in amazement at the size of the trucks up close and personal.
4. The BMX Stunt Team will take your breath away. Their talent and daring will keep you on the edge of your seat, as they flip and make death-defying jumps around the course.
5. And finally, my personal all-time favorite reason to attend a Monster Jam show is to people watch! The show appeals to young and old, and it’s always entertaining to watch people’s reactions and enthusiasm as the trucks participate in each event. Make sure you check out the hairstyles and outfits in the stands.

So, if you’re on the fence about whether you should go to Monster Jam or not sure if the event is for you, hopefully you’ll reconsider. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to see M&T Bank Stadium transformed into mounds of dirt, broken and battered cars and obstacles. And, just seeing those loud, gigantic trucks careening around the track will make you want to put a lift on your car and drag race after the show!

Lights, Camera, Action!

On the set of the new CCBC TV shoot

It’s 6AM on the Catonsville campus of the Community College of Baltimore County. The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies and a 40% chance of rain, and it’s overcast and humid. In front of the new Library building, white vans begin to pull into the parking lot. Portable tents are erected. Production equipment is unloaded, blue and orange balloons are blown up, and a 40’ banner congratulating CCBC’s graduates is hung between the columns on the front of the building.

Meanwhile, the talent has arrived and is directed to a room inside the building. For the first scene, which features a girl in Pizza Delivery garb, we have a young actress named Ana Maria. Her hair and make-up are being done by a stylist, and wardrobe options are laid out for her. (They choose a red shirt and a matching black/red hat.)  More “extras” arrive and enter the building for further instructions. This talent crew is made up of students, faculty and staff – all of whom will be important parts of the scene in both the foreground and the background, and all of which are volunteering their time today.

It’s 7AM, and production equipment is assembled and nearly ready for the shoot. Lighting is arranged in the foreground and the background, since there is no natural sunlight. The weather has held out so far, and everyone is hoping that the rain holds off until we can get this first shoot “wrapped”, as they say. The talent is eating breakfast at a makeshift outdoor kitchen, where the production crew’s chef has prepared egg and cheese muffins and turkey sausage. Coffee is brewing.

At 8AM, everyone is in place. The talent is ready. The cameras are rolling, and we are standing by to witness the beginning of the TV shoot. Most importantly, it is not raining.

In the midst of all the activity is the Producer, Lynda. She is detail-oriented and boisterous. She’s constantly on a walkie-talkie, instructing someone to do something or go somewhere. She is the consummate middle man and peace keeper. She’s also the keeper of the time on several levels: she makes sure everything is on schedule, and literally tracks the timing of each shoot to make sure the filmed segments are the proper length.

The director, David, is quiet and unassuming, but has a distinct vision. He prepares the scenes, yells “Action” and “Cut”, and is ultimately responsible for getting enough footage to complete this portion of the spot. If something is amiss, he knows it and makes adjustments. If he wants to change something, it’s changed. He is the genius behind the filming.

The Art Director and Creative Director are also on the set. They are in good spirits and focused on the shoot, ready to make creative suggestions if necessary. They were the ones who set this process in motion, creating the storyboards which would later be translated into film. They’ve been involved in the process from the start, and will ensure that the concept of these spots are carried out as they’ve envisioned.

CCBC’s video expert, Nate, is shooting some segments for a “Making of” video, and prepares to interview Chris, Director of Marketing at CCBC, about the shoot. Mary DeLuca, the Senior Director for College Communications, is standing nearby. A photographer and assistant arrives to capture some stills of the actors for the College’s internal communications and some digital ads. Jodi, CCBC’s Director of Creative Services, is there to greet them, and briefs them on the shoot.

After 30 takes and about four hours of preparation and filming, the Director has enough footage for the allocated eight to ten seconds of footage needed for this portion of the :30-sec. TV spot.  And, that’s a wrap!!! Check out CCBC’s first portion of the “Making of” video here:

Travel Tuesday: Southeast Asia

Where in the world has Media Works been?

This Travel Tuesday, Danielle is personally taking you across the world to Southeast Asia!

Just over a year has passed since I spent 12 months living and working in Bangkok, Thailand and ultimately loving what is often called, “The Land of Smiles.” During my time abroad I worked as an English teacher at an all-boys private school. This was by far one of the most exciting, challenging, and unforgettable experiences of my life. Not only did I explore Thailand, but also traveled to other “exotic” destinations such as Vietnam and Laos. If you ever get the chance to travel to Southeast Asia, below are some “must-see” places and things to do. I encourage everyone to visit these unbelievable countries at least once in their lifetime.

Bangkok, Thailand

There was nothing that could have prepared me for my travels onto the streets of Bangkok. The city is constantly buzzing and much like New York City, it appears as if it never sleeps. Street vendors line the sidewalks, all cooking and selling authentic Thai dishes. Cabs, buses, cars, motorbikes or “motos”, and tuk-tuks (open air trucks) zip in and out of traffic. The sights, smells, and sounds are all intoxicating and grab your attention. Bangkok is full of culture and history that the locals are proud of and often celebrate. Below is a picture of a “Wat” or temple that we visited on one of our days of exploring through the city.

Another high traffic area of Bangkok is Khao San Road, also known as the “Backpackers Road”. You may recognize this name if you have seen the movie “The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This area is a central hub for travelers who are exploring South East Asia. Whether you are just passing through, or staying for months, you won’t be disappointed. The street is lined with vendors selling everything from knock-off Ray Ban sunglasses to edible scorpions, which is not advised for consumption. There are guest houses everywhere you turn with the friendliest Thai people ready and willing to accommodate you. Travel agencies are eager to book an exciting adventure worth every “baht” (Thai currency). Below is a look at one of the many street performers on Khao San Road.

Chang Mai, Thailand

This northern part of Thailand is quiet with breathtaking landscapes. Rice fields go on for what seems like forever and although it is just a days’ worth of traveling from Bangkok, its feels as if you have been transported to another land. While there, we stayed at a B&B called “The Secret Garden”, which was the perfect place to relax. The streets are quiet with many people traveling on bikes. The open air markets offer many opportunities to try new foods as well as purchase interesting souvenirs. Chang Mai is best known for their love and care for Elephants, which is the symbol of the nation. While there I was lucky enough to visit an Elephant Conservation Center. At the center we spent time getting to know the elephants by training, riding, and even bathing them at the end of the day. It was an exciting and unforgettable experience!

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

If you’re looking for paradise, this may just be it! Located amongst the Southern Islands of Thailand, the beauty of this island is magnificent. Easy to travel to and from Bangkok either by bus, plane, or train, it was well worth the trip. With crystal blue waters, tropical huts, white sands and pure tranquility, this location must be added to your bucket list. We were fortunate enough to spend two weeks there and every moment was memorable. Most days were often spent on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, sun-bathing. The nights were filled with beach parties going into the early morning hours. As mentioned above, “The Beach” was filmed at this location and probably gave Maya Bay its notoriety. It has become quite the tourist spot but still has not lost its beauty.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

October of 2010 was a month I spent traveling up the coast of Vietnam. We began our travels into Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. Only spending a few days there we decided to go sight see and explore. We visited the Vietnam War Museum which gave us look into another view of our history. The exhibits were extremely moving and emotional. We also booked a trip to take a river boat down the Mekong Delta, which has so much history it was an eye-opening experience. We then visited Vietnamese communities that live along the river selling unique jewelry, pottery, and food. Eventually we took a bike tour and then also a guided tour through the small canals in what could be described as a canoe.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Working our way north up the coast we stopped in Hanoi. This was much like the others cities we had seen, but our main reason to visit Hanoi was the chance to see Halong Bay. While researching what to do we constantly heard of the “Junk Boat” tour. After purchasing tickets we set off for a 2 day/3 night tour of Halong Bay. The bay was just as stunning as we had been told. We spent one night on the boat and the second night on an island in the middle of the bay called, “Castaway Island”. With no running water or electricity this was a jarring experience. Days were spent swimming, canoeing and boating. Niight swimming offered the chance to watch the water light up with glowing plankton. This is a sight I will never forget!

Fun Fact: The topography of Halong Bay was used to help James Cameron create the land of Avatar.

Travel Tuesday: North East

Where in the world has Media Works been?

Many of us at Media Works love to travel both near and far. We also love sharing what we do! So, here is our 1^st edition of Media Works’ own Fodor’s/Zagat/Photo Book of the North East. With the summer nearing, we wanted to share our favorite places with you. We wish we could have included all of our favorite cities of the North East, but for now, here are a few!

Baltimore:

Number #1 must-visit city on our North East list! Although most of us at Media Works are biased about this city, as it is our hometown, there are a few must-see’s in Bal’more:

• Spend a Summer Day at Camden Yards
• Track down the Gypsy Queen food truck via twitter
• Sail around the inner harbor on the Urban Pirates Ship
• Visit the Visionary Arts Museum

Boston:

Boston is definitely one of those cities that’s off-limits to Baltimore Ravens fans from November through February, although Newbury street is quite beautiful covered in snow!  A great way to tour the city on a beautiful day by street and water is the Duck Tour, or you can do the Freedom Trail to see all the historic places in the city. We know a few great spots that must be checked out when in Baaaaahstan

• The Met – Be sure to try the Paris burger.
• The Sam Adams Brewery
• JP Licks – Delicious ice cream!

Chincoteague

This island, located in Virginia, is best known for its horses. This family-friendly island offers picturesque views of both the bays and the ocean. Whether you are staying in a quaint bed and breakfast, or their award-winning camping resorts, you are sure to have great and relaxing stay. Our top three must-do’s are:

• Pony Penning – this is when the hundreds of horses cross the sound from one island to another
• Woody’s BBQ – be sure to enjoy the pit beef sandwich’s
• Etta’s – You can dine outside and enjoy the local seafood

          

Hyde Park, NY

Welcome to Hyde Park, heart of the Hudson Valley, and gateway to the region’s Great Estates including FDR & the Vanderbilt’s . Nature lovers can trek on miles of trails, crisscrossed by ancient stone walls, or simply stroll along the majestic Hudson River. The pastoral beauty here has inspired painters, poets and even politicians.

Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania

Split Rock Resort & Golf Club is a wonderful family fun vacation spot twelve months a year – snow tubing in the winter and boating in the summer.  Located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Lake Harmony is an affordable and fun getaway!

Things that you definitely don’t want your kids to miss while at the resort include:

• Indoor Water Park located right at the Split Rock facility – plenty to do for a toddler to an adult and open all year round.
• Bowling, Arcade games as well as a Movie theater – plenty to do on a rainy day.
• Snow Tubing at the local ski resorts, such as Jack Frost and Big Boulder – inexpensive and tons of fun for the kids!

New York City

The city that does not sleep:  There is so much to do in New York City, from taking in a show, to shopping, to eating at delicious restaurants. We have a few must-eats in NYC.

• Bobo’s Restaurant in the West Village – For an appetizer, try the Salade “Bobo” of the Gnocchi aux Champignons.  As an entree, the slow cooked Arctic Char was delicious.  Not only was the food delicious, the atmosphere was lively and fun.
• Gyu Kaku – This Japanese BBQ, in 3 locations across the city, is both exciting and mouthwatering! You cook delicious meat and fish on a BBQ in front of you, and don’t forget to end your visit with the smores!
• Ellen’s Stardust Diner – With an old fashion diner feel, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is where Broadway hopefuls wait tables; Waiters/Waitresses sing and entertain guests while they enjoy burger and milkshakes.  A truly FUN dining experience for all ages!

          

Portland, Maine

Portland is a lovely and quaint city to visit in the summer, and a short drive if you happen to be in Boston. There are 3 must do’s in this city:

1)      Eat lunch at Duck Fat – the name sounds appalling, but they have the most delicious fries and panini’s you will ever taste

2)      Visit the Shipyard brewery and taste their seasonal unique ales

3)      Take a Sunset cruise and see all the lighthouses that Portland is known for

Rhinebeck, NY

Located on the banks of the majestic Hudson River, Rhinebeck is a beautiful historic area in Northern Dutchess County, NY and is 100 miles north of New York City. It is a tourism destination boasting 437 National Historic Register Sites, fabulous restaurants, charming boutiques and shops, and numerous B&Bs.

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia has come a long way from the days of Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell. Movies like National Treasure, Philadelphia and Rocky along with shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia have put this city on the map. Here, you can find an amazing combination of American history and modern food, fun and entertainment that make Philadelphia one of the most exciting cities on the East Coast.

Things you should do while you’re in the City of Brotherly Love:

• Jog up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and relive the famous scene from “Rocky”
• Grab a Philly Cheesesteak Sub at the Reading Terminal Market
• Go shopping on South Street
• Catch a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park

                         

Fuel Economy Rules May Affect Future New Car Sales

As if rising gas prices weren’t bad enough, now consumers have something else to worry about when it comes to buying a new car in the future. Current proposed fuel economy rules and the Obama administration’s previous fuel economy mandates may raise the average price of new passenger cars and light trucks by nearly $3,000! NADA released a study on April 12^th about the effects these proposed standards will have on the consumers and the new vehicle market, and their Magic Eight ball shows: Outlook Not So Good.

So, how did we get to this place, where most Americans will not be able to afford a new car, much less the gas they need to fuel that car? To understand what’s at the core of this issue, we need a little history lesson. Get ready for some acronyms:

In 1975, Congress enacted the CAFE program (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. There are two major players involved with CAFE: The NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration), which administers the CAFE program and is responsible for setting fuel economy standards; and the EPA, which provides fuel economy data and calculates the average fuel economy for each manufacturer.

With direction from President Obama, the NHTSA and EPA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas emission regulations for MY 2025 light-duty vehicles. These new regulations will effectively raise the price of the average car/light truck by $3,000. While the goal of this legislature is good – it addresses our dependence on imported oil in the US, looks to save consumers money at the pump, and attempts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases – it seems that in our haste to pass legislation for the greater good, these new regulations may create a very bad situation for new car buyers and manufacturers.

In fact, NADA estimates that nearly 7 million lower income consumers, such as college students and working families, will not qualify for auto financing for these higher priced new cars. Higher new car prices, a poor economy and tougher Bank restrictions for loans will make it more difficult for the average consumer to buy a new car. (NADA’s study is based on a report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on consumer expenditures, which analyzes consumer debt-to-income ratios.)

So what do we do? Hope for better public transportation? Dream of new technologies that will make cars more fuel efficient? Move closer to the office and walk to work? Buy a used car and guzzle gas the old fashioned way? I will refer to the Magic 8 Ball for the solution:

Opening Day 2012: The Good, the Bad and the Brady

Twenty years ago, three of my high school friends and I left school a little early to go to Opening Day. For us, the draw was the new stadium and Brady Anderson. With a pair of borrowed binoculars from a man seated next to us, we watched Brady warm up in the outfield while answering his seemingly innocent questions: Where did we go to school? What did we think of Camden Yards? Who was our favorite player? Why do you like Brady so much? Little did we know that we were sitting next to Dan Rodricks, and we would make the Sun’s headlines the next day: “Four Dulaney Teens Use Opening Day to Ogle Anderson.”

So what’s changed since that beautiful spring morning in 1993, when Camden Yards was brand new, Opening Day was exciting and the stadium was packed with hopeful fans looking ahead to a great season? Unfortunately, a lot has changed, but not necessarily for the better.

Let’s face it…the Orioles will be lucky to avoid a 15^th losing season this year. Once again, pitching is a major issue. We also don’t really have a good lead-off batter, and Adam Jones is batting clean-up. (Huh?) And do any of the players remember what “the Oriole way” actually means?

However, the Orioles have whipped up a few improvements to try and lure fans to the park this year. We’ll start with the food. There’s now a better variety of food and drink options! Rick Dempsey’s opening a new brew pub and restaurant, and Baltimore’s own Gino’s has a presence now. Eutaw Market is the ballpark’s version of a convenience store, and Stuggy’s, a Fell’s Point hot dog favorite, is making its debut at Camden Yards.

The Orioles haven’t quite caught on with the standing room only crowd, but they’ve added a new Roof Deck in center field that comes close. It includes two rows of seats if you’d like to watch the game, but chances are, you’ll probably want to sit on the cushioned deck chairs by the umbrellas and have a beer.

Perhaps the most noted change this year is that the Orioles have been pushing their Legends ticket packages.  They’ve erected six statues of Oriole greats, (Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Earl Weaver, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr.), and will be unveiling their statures during certain points throughout the season. I can hear James Earl Jones’ voice saying, “If you build statues, they will come.” We’ll see if this actually works.

Another stadium improvement could be a benefit or a liability. And, knowing how our pitching has been the past few years, it will most likely be the latter. They’ve shortened the right field wall by four feet near the flag court. Why not make it a little easier for the visiting teams to hit a home run?

For me, this season marks the return of my beloved Brady Anderson. In a new role as a special assistant to help with strength and conditioning, I am looking forward to seeing him once again at the park. If he can help the Orioles to win a few games (hopefully more than they lose), I will consider it a good season. And let’s not forget that there’s another wild card spot out there this year. Maybe, just maybe, we can keep the spirit of Opening Day alive throughout the season.

Early Morning TV Shake-up

It’s being billed as the possible end to the longest winning streak in TV history.

We’ve all heard about the late night TV wars but less has been written about the early morning TV wars – namely the competition between The Today Show and Good Morning America.  Though each of these two shows enjoys number one status in different markets around the country, nationally the Today Show has been number one since December of 1995!!

ABC executives have been obsessed with breaking this streak for years.  The margin has been closing with GMA trailing Today by only 137,000 viewers last week – the closest it’s come in five years.

This could all change next week when Katie Couric, one of the most popular Today Show hosts of all time, sits in on GMA for a week as guest host. Couric will be filling in for the vacationing Robin Roberts.

Couric will have had an anchor role at the 3 major broadcast networks – starting on the Today Show and then switching to CBS Evening News in 2006.  After a five year stint which did not have much of an impact on the ratings, she signed off but stayed with CBS as a news correspondent for 60 Minutes.   She has now signed a contract with ABC for her own daytime talk show “Katie” scheduled to begin airing this fall.

Immediately following Couric’s departure from The Today Show, Meredith Vieira stepped in fresh from The View.  This was a seamless move and The Today Show remained on top of its game.  That has not been the case in the latest anchor change and the rumors have been flying of Ann Curry’s dismissal.  Across town, GMA has also had its shake ups – most recently Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer leaving and being replaced by George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts.

Whoever wins the ratings next week will have a nice jumping off point as we get nearer to May sweeps and all the “stunting” (quest for ratings) that will ensue.   Regardless, Katie fans can turn in to GMA next week to once again see her perky early morning routine.  And for those who are not fans of Katie, it may be a good time to tune in to The Today Show or check out the new and improved CBS This Morning with Charlie Rose and Gayle King (of Oprah fame).

Can You Blur a Brand?

Written by our March guest blogger Chris Richards of Fanpagetoolkit, a Philadelphia-based start-up pioneering a Facebook commerce and marketing platform for businesses, brands, and individuals.

Marketing never stops, does it? Sitting down this past weekend to watch some TV, my marketing brain immediately switched into gear when a popular reality show showcased some beverage products in one scene. Normally, this would not catch my eye, as the show is essentially about drinking, but my eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to looking at the bottles. The interesting thing was that the products were completely censored with a blur effect! Without much thought, though, I clearly recognized the bottles as the iconic Snapple iced tea beverage, even through the heavy censoring blur.

How did I recognize these fuzzy images as a particular iced tea brand? Am I a superhero? Do I have X-ray vision? No, Snapple just has great branding. Its brand was able to “defeat” the TV censor’s blur, and convey its message to me, the viewer.

There and then, I concluded that you can’t blur the brand (or the good ones at least).

Marketing 101 tells us that the brand is everything. But, it’s also been said before many times that a brand is more than a name, and my point is not to re-hash those sentiments. What interested me this weekend, however, was the apparent power of a brand to literally cut through a TV censor’s digital blurring effect. No, I couldn’t read the name Snapple on the bottles as the reality stars sat down for breakfast, yet, somehow the brand came through. What made it so powerful?

Just as a fun demonstration, I took some snapshots of household food items and added a blur box around their labeling, just as you might see on a reality TV show. My guess is that a majority of you can deduce what most of these items are, if not all of them, right off the bat.

 

 

What gave it away for you? Was it the colors? The fonts? The images? The shapes of the containers? The true power of all the brands pictured is their ability to create one cohesive “being” that is able to be recognized quickly and easily.

Who wouldn’t recognize the iconic ketchup bottle of Heinz? Or, what about the bold and simple white letters of GOYA? Even the Ragu pasta sauce bottle is somewhat iconic. All it takes is the sight of a blue border running across the top of a computer screen for me to realize that someone is browsing Facebook. I don’t need to see the details, and I don’t need to know the context. These brands just maintain that much power because all of the core, identifying elements come together so perfectly.

So, if a brand is defined by the sum of all its different parts (logo, text, colors, design, etc.), it is clear that companies should be asking themselves, “Does our brand pass the blur test?” Whether literally or metaphorically “blurred,” when it comes down to it, only the strongest brands will pass this test in the eyes of the consumer. Passing the test is a matter of standing out.

These days, there’s a lot that can “blur” our brands. I’m not just talking about TV censors. People are exposed to thousands of advertising messages each day, and the countless messages create a “haze” of their own. In order to combat this haze, every brand needs a clear differentiating factor. Maybe your packaging is extremely unique (Coke, Fiji Water, VOSS Water). Maybe you are uniquely reaching fans by marketing on Facebook extremely well. Or, maybe your brand’s most powerful asset is word-of-mouth discussion and skepticism.

Whatever it is, every brand needs a hook. But a differentiating hook, alone, is not enough to cut through the haze. The hook has to support the entire brand entity and all the separate components that make the brand. Brands that are able to understand this and play to their strengths are the ones you’ll see through the haze. They’ll pass the blur test.

Stripped of context, thrown into a sea of messages, or blurred to viewers, does your brand have the power to stand out? Does your brand pass the blur test?

For more information I can be reached on Twitter at @seerichards