Cactus is a multi-disciplinary creative agency. Our mantra is that ideas grow brands. We believe that cacti hold magical juices that inspire Pulitzer-worthy ideas (and super hero muscles). So if you see us in the desert, take a knee and join us in worshipping the prickly beasts. Ommmm. To view our portfolio of inspired advertising and marketing ideas, visit www.sharpideas.com
Industry Insider
02.12.10:
Smart-Sign Technology
I am once again blown away by technology and its never-ending
capabilities.
I stumbled across an article in the Wall Street Journal
about Smart-Sign Technology.
When someone looks at the signs, the signs stare right back at you.
Created by Intel and Microsoft, the signs are equipped with cameras and
software that is able to distinguish age, gender and height of the
viewer. When a viewer approaches the sign, the sign can recognize
features and then display products that will appeal to that viewer. If
the viewer touches an item, the sign can then send coupons and where to
find the item in the store to the viewer’s cell phone.
This opens a whole new world to advertisers – from tracking to
targeting to out-of-home possibilities. Smart-Sign Technology opens
opportunities to track a user behavior online and then recommend
targeted purchases to that user. It’s a CRM evolution and I’m diggin’
the possibilities.
A new app for Facebook is helping people share their digital world with the tortoises who haven't yet connected. News from YOUs still gives users the control to personalize everything, even for
mediums that have historically not been user-driven -- think print and
newsletters.
So, if you have the urge to share your virtual world with those in
the real world, hop to it. Just sensor the awkward status updates. None
of your virtual friends want to hear those either.
02.04.10:
State of the Internet Address– in pictures.
Did you know that Norway has the most Internet penetration of any country? Or that 28% of bloggers are ages 35-44, more than any other age group? This infographic displays Internet trends in a new way - it can be easily digested at first glance. Thank you Focus.com for making this so clear.
Thanks to Matt for the find.
In an attempt to eliminate eating disorders and improve the
mental health of young women, Spain is contemplating a law that would
ban diet and beauty ads from airing before 10 p.m. According to Ad Age, the law would
prevent broadcasters from carrying "advertisements for things that
encourage the
cult of the body and have a negative impact on self-image -- such as
slimming products, surgical procedures and beauty treatments -- which
are based on ideas of social rejection as a result of one's physical
image or that success is dependent on factors such as weight or looks."
It's
great to see people being cognizant of the messages that children are
receiving. However, I have to wonder if this ban on beauty ads will
have any substantial effect. Even if young women don't see ads for
beauty products, they still see pop-stars, movie-stars and other
compelling supporters of the "cult of the body" mentality.
I don't know about you, but personally I reject invites to join virtual
games like FarmVille faster than they land in my inbox. But, this article makes me think twice about my hasty rejections.
Zynga, the social gaming company responsible for many of the Web's
top games, is conducting a Haiti relief campaign in three of its top
games, including Farmville, Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker. Players can
purchase in-game social goods that will 100 percent benefit emergency
aid in Haiti.
This campaign doesn't just give me warm fuzzies - it is a smart use
of existing resources to affect change. Companies don't need to
reinvent the wheel when developing social media efforts. As exemplified
by Zynga, reaching people where they are already grazing can be more
effective than encouraging them to engage in new communities.
I am once again blown away by technology and its never-ending
capabilities. 
A new 
