At San Diego’s Comic-Con, the first insight to the movie was revealed by Marvel Studios, and remember to mark May 6, 2011 on your calendars as “Thor” storms into theaters!

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the epic adventure “Thor” spans the Marvel Universe from present day Earth to the realm of Asgard. At the center of the story is The Mighty Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth and forced to live among humans as punishment. Once here, Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

The screenplay for “Thor” was penned by Mark Protosevich as well as Ashley Miller & Zack Stentz, and Don Payne. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige will produce the film. Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, and Marvel Studio’s Co-President, Louis D’Esposito, will executive produce.

FarWest Entertainment has launched a global initiative Project Lotus, to find, train, groom five girls who will form a Pan-Asian girl band, to be called (tentatively) the Asian Spice Girls.
Five talented Asian women will be selected from China, Japan, Korea, Philippines and India. Music composer Shamir Tandon will be choosing the Indian singer.

When contacted, Tandon said, “The search is being organised by Elliot Kennedy, who, apart from being a Grammy winner, is a producer and has worked extensively with Spice Girls and many others like Celine Dion, Robbie Williams and Blue.”

Five girls will be shortlisted and sent to Honk Kong, from where one of the girls will be selected. The band will sing only in English and auditions will be held in Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai.

Project Lotus culminates in the formation of 5 beautiful, intelligent and talented young Asian women from Japan, Korea, China, India and the Philippines.

The group will experience a development academy with some of the industry’s biggest names, record music, DVD’s and a TV special. A documentary in English will be filmed of this experience.

INDIA AUDITION INFORMATION
PROJECT LOTUS is the search for 5 girls to star in a new Asian girl band. PROJECT LOTUS will bring together five beautiful, intelligent and talented young Asian women from China/Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and The Philippines.

PROJECT LOTUS is an opportunity for YOU to launch your SINGING CAREER and become an ambassador for INDIA.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
•Prepare a verse and chorus from a song of your choice.
•Dress to impress as you may only get one chance to shine in front of our judges.
•Bring your own light refreshments/snacks as it could be a long day.
TO QUALIFY FOR AN AUDITION:
•You must be 18 or over and under 25 years of age on September 1, 2010.
•You must be female.
•You must bring identification to prove your age (drivers licence / birth certificate / passport).
•You must be available within a month to attend a second audition if you are successful in the first round.
•You must not have a recording deal, a publishing contract, a management contract or any other agent representation agreement that you are unable to terminate without restrictions / obligations.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PRELIMINARY AUDITION: CONTACT:

Alchemist Group India CRITERIA: Female
Asian
18 to 25 years old
English speaking
Singer
Dancer
Musician (optional)
VISIT:

India Facebook Page
EMAIL:

audition.girlbandasia@alchemistindia.net
PHONE: +91 96193 69666

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., (BUSINESS WIRE) — For more thanfive decades, Barbie(R) has inspired girls to dream, discover and explore a world without limits. Celebrating her 125th career this year, Barbie(R) kicks-off a global campaign to further inspire girls by partnering with The White House Project and Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation, as well as announcing today Barbie’s(R) “10 Women to Watch in 2010″ list. Additionally, for the first time, consumers can help select Barbie(R) doll’s 125th career by voting on www.Barbie.com/Vote and choosing from among Architect, Computer Engineer, Environmentalist, News Anchor or Surgeon. The winning 125th career will be unveiled on February 12th at New York Toy Fair.

“For more than 50 years Barbie has served as a reflection of fashion, culture and aspiration to girls of all ages. Barbie inspires girls to try on different careers, encouraging them to play out their dreams and explore the world and all of its possibilities,” said Stephanie Cota, Senior Vice President, Barbie Marketing. “We believe role-playing with Barbie leads to real life opportunities and are very proud to partner with organizations who continue to inspire girls and women with the belief and confidence that they can do anything.”

With more than 120 careers on her resume – spanning from registered nurse to rock star, veterinarian to aerobics instructor, pilot to police officer – Barbie(R) doll continues to take on aspirational and culturally relevant roles while also serving as a role model and agent of change for girls. She first broke the “plastic ceiling” in the 1960s when, as an astronaut, she went to space four years before man walked on the moon. In the ’80s she took to the boardroom as “Day to Night(TM)” CEO Barbie(R), just as women began to break into the C-suite. And in the ’90s, she ran for President, before any female candidate ever made it onto the presidential ballot. In 2010, Barbie(R) doll takes on several new careers, including snowboarder, ballroom dancer, pizza chef and race car driver.

“In creating Take Our Daughters to Work Day, I had the opportunity to take girls into workplaces that they might never have seen, and through these experiences, their aspirations changed and grew. When we started The White House Project, we had to show girls they could aspire to the top workplace of all: the Oval Office,” said Marie C. Wilson, Founder and President, The White House Project.

“Through Barbie, and its ‘I Can Be’ President Barbie, little girls have had the opportunity to lead the country from their living rooms and bedrooms, or get out their Barbie and Ken dolls and call a joint session of Congress. We at The White House Project are thrilled to be partnering with Barbie as she celebrates her 125th career and continues to inspire girls of all ages to follow their dreams.”

“I Can Be(TM)…” Signature Partners

Throughout the year, Barbie(R) will inspire girls by closely working with signature partners, including The White House Project, Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation, and a group of 10 highly accomplished, noteworthy women Barbie(TM) has named “The 10 Women to Watch in 2010.”

•The White House Project: Working to advance women in leadership with the project mission “add women, change everything,” The White House Project and Barbie(R) have partnered since Barbie(R) doll first ran for the Oval Office in 1992. This year, The White House Project, a non-profit/non-partisan organization, and Barbie(R) are partnering to ignite a national movement to encourage girls – the next generation of leaders – to dream and achieve through mentoring programs. Barbie(R) and The White House Project are co-authoring a declaration in support of girls to be presented to The White House. Focused on the importance of mentoring and a commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders, Barbie(R) and The White House Project will call upon 1 million girls to sign the Declaration once it is drafted.
•Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation: As the lead sponsor of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work(R) Day, a global event which activates millions of kids to visit workplaces on April 22nd, Barbie(R) and the Foundation are engaging girls through mentoring, experiential content and workplace events. By helping bring millions of girls to the workplace, Barbie(R) and the Foundation are allowing girls to envision the future and encouraging them to share their dreams with other girls.
•”10 Women to Watch in 2010″: In 2010, Barbie(R) honors 10 women who continue to serve as ambassadors of dreams and role models for women’s leadership. Barbie’s “10 Women to Watch in 2010″ salutes women who continue to innovate and forge paths to be followed by others. Each of the women on the list is a trailblazer in her respective field, has a legacy-making year ahead of her in 2010 and continues to dream big, both for herself and for a future generation of girls. As part of her role as one of the “10 Women to Watch in 2010,” each woman has committed to mentor a girl, through Barbie(R), in celebration of Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work(R) Day.

The Barbie(R) “10 Women to Watch in 2010″ list includes the following nine women. The 10th woman will be announced in February timed to the unveiling of Barbie’s 125th career to spotlight a woman in that industry:

•Gretchen Bleiler, Olympic Snowboarder
•Tavi Gevinson, Fashion Blogger
•Cindi Lieve, Editor-in-Chief, Glamour Magazine
•Brittany Lincicome, LPGA Golfer
•Danica Patrick, Professional Race Car Driver
•J.K. Rowling, Author and Businesswoman
•Rachel Roy, Fashion Designer
•Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine, and Founder, National CARES Mentoring Movement
•Marie C. Wilson, Founder & President, TheWhite House Project

“The Barbie brand is recognizing women leaders who span different ages, ethnicities and industries. We are proud to honor these spectacular women, spotlight their contributions and reinforce to girls that anything is possible,” said Cota.

Barbie(R) “I Can Be(TM)…” Online

•Global Online Campaign to Select Barbie’s 125th Career: For the first time ever, girls around the world are able to help Barbie(R) doll select her next milestone career. Polls will be open from mid-January through February 10th, and the winning career will be unveiled at a special event at New York Toy Fair on February 12th, 2010. The new career doll will be on shelves in Fall 2010. Vote at www.barbie.com/vote.
•Barbie.com: Serving as a resource for both girls and parents, Barbie.comSM will feature a dedicated and content-rich “I Can Be(TM)…” micro site that will house mini-documentaries spotlighting fascinating women and careers girls can explore, along with various role-play, career games and activities. “Big girls” can also become fans of Barbie(R) on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and network with her on LinkedIn.

Barbie(R) “I Can Be(TM)…” Product:

•2010 I Can Be(TM)…Product: In 2010 Barbie(R) doll continues to take on aspirational and culturally relevant careers with the introduction of I Can Be(TM)… a Rock Star, Pet Vet, Newborn Baby Doctor, Dentist, Race Car Driver, Babysitter, Snowboarder, Ballroom Dancer, Preschool Teacher, Ballerina and Pizza Chef. Each of these dolls allows girls to “try on” and imagine themselves in different roles and careers. Girls can also extend their play online, as each toy comes with a special code that unlocks online games specific to that particular theme — allowing girls to further play out the career online.

Global Events

Celebrated around the world as a global campaign to inspire girls, “Barbie(R) I Can Be(TM)…” events will take place with localized events and executions, including highlights below:

Canada – Canada will launch the Barbie(R) “I Can Be(TM)…” academy, which will invite girls and moms to physically try on different roles and learn first-hand about a variety of careers. The event will also celebrate Barbie’s past careers for moms and girls to see where Barbie(R) has been and is headed.

Latin America – Throughout Latin America, “I Can Be(TM)…” camps will be hosted to allow girls to immerse themselves into different careers and professions, meet inspirational women and literally try on their futures.

Nuremberg – At Nuremberg Toy Fair in early February, three one-one-of-kind dolls will be unveiled honoring three well-known, accomplished and aspirational women.

United Kingdom – The United Kingdom will be partnering with the Women and Work Commission to reach out to girls and reinforce the message that “girls can be and do anything.”

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) (www.mattel.com), is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R)R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R) brands, including Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2009, Mattel is recognized among the “100 Best Corporate Citizens,” as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and as one of FORTUNE Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.” With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs approximately 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel’s vision is to be the world’s premier toy brands — today and tomorrow.

About The White House Project

The White House Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors — up to the U.S. presidency — by filling the leadership pipeline with a richly diverse, critical mass of women

About Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation

After its creation in 1993, the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work(R) Day quickly became the largest public awareness campaign in the United States because of its advocacy for girls’ issues through girls being seen and heard and fully participating in all segments of society.

The public was enthusiastic about and aware of the need for the program which has grown to be celebrated by millions of youth and adults in over 3 million U.S. workplaces yearly and in over nine countries globally. By bringing millions of girls to the workplace, the Foundation and Barbie(R) are enabling girls to envision their futures and encouraging them to share their dreams about work, home and community life.

This year the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation begins the revamping and enlargement of its website www.DaughtersAndSonsToWork.org and encourages hosting organizations to visit the site to download planning materials and activities which can be used by youth ages 8-18 during the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work(R) Day and throughout the year.

BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by Mattel, Inc. © 2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Please visit WWW.BARBIEMEDIA.COM for more information

SOURCE: Mattel, Inc.

It’s GAME ON For Generation Y!

“Farmville now outpaces Twitter.” “One in four people plays social games online.” “More than $1.8 billion worth of virtual goods has been sold in virtual worlds.” These are just some of the headlines we see today about the popularity of online gaming, but what does this all mean for Gen Y and for brands?
Studies show that half of Gen Y plays online games, with women ages 18-34 being the most-active players and purchasers of goods in virtual worlds. In full disclosure, we have recently launched a game targeted at Gen Y women, with seven brand partners. It is easy to add more brands and is attractive for the players. It’s a win-win for both.

The eight months we spent developing this game has been a period of great learning and discovery. We have absolute certainty that there is a rabid, growing audience of Gen Y gamers that are willing to play with various brands. Here’s what we learned and how your brand can participate in the online gaming phenomenon:

You’ve got to give to get: We all want a deal and most times we will go out of our way to get one. Ever been to a warehouse sale at Barneys? The thrill of getting a deal is key and if brands can deliver an offering that either accelerates game play or adds value in virtual goods or other, they will be welcomed.
Limited edition: Create demand around your brand offering by either limiting the offer to a certain number of players, giving away a limited-edition product or providing them a way to show off to their friends. The same psychology here applies to that of people’s shopping habits. Employ some form of exclusivity in your offering and you will be more apt to get a quick response coupled with the engagement and word-of-mouth you seek.
It’s not all about you: Really, it’s not. For Gen Y, it’s all about them and their beliefs — regardless of what vehicle you market with. Specifically with gaming, it’s critical to be cognizant of why the user is there and recognize that this is not the time to disrupt them. Online advertisers have become adept at loud, in-your-face experiences. The gaming space is not the platform to do this with. Instead, be clever. The game player cares about exploration and winning. Tactfully insert yourself in their world by being thoughtful of their experience and you, too, will win.
Deliver a consistent and ongoing message: We’ve done significant research over the last few months on how brands have been integrated into games. What fascinates me most is the lack of consistent and constant messaging — I have yet to see any brand deliver an ongoing campaign on the same game with continuity.
While this space is new and it’s hard to determine what success looks like, it is the same as any medium — success will not be found in a one-off test. Let’s not forget what many years of marketing education has taught us. Although the platforms have changed, the basic fundamentals have not. Maintaining a constant, consistent and on-going message is a critical component for any long-term marketing success.

The online social gaming industry is still emerging and brands are still experimenting with how they can get involved. Although this is a relatively new phenomenon, playing games is not and the psychology of the gamer is the same as the offline game players of generations past — challenge and entertainment.

As marketers, we must take the time to understand and respect what motivates an individual to participate in game-play and then construct our campaigns to live harmoniously within this setting.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The site will remain under the management of founders Jim and Emily Greer following the closing on Aug. 1.

GameStop chief executive J. Paul Raines said, “”Kongregate advances GameStop’s digital strategy by providing a gaming platform for casual, mobile and browser games that can be promoted and played by our existing gamers.”

Kongregate joins GameStop’s own Jolt, an online game service whose first game includes the free-to-play Legends of Zork browser game. GameStop’s strategy is to promote its online games to the millions of people who come through the doors of its retail stores every day. Now it can also promote Kongregate’s games the same way. Kongregate has grown to 10 million users a month on the strength of its Flash-based games produced by independent game developers. Those users spend about 23 million hours a month playing free-to-play games, where users can play for free and spend real money on virtual goods as they go. Kongregate’s backers include Greylock Partners, Bezos Expeditions, and an angel group led by LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman.

But it remains to be seen if GameStop, the world biggest game retailer with more than 6,000 stores can deal with life in the era of digital distribution, where retailers are sometimes viewed as unnecessary middlemen.

Warner Bros will lead the way promoting its intellectual properties on and in the official comic-con bag that will be received by attendee.

Warner Bros. Entertainment and Comic-Con Team Up On Official Bag for Comic-Con International: San Diego 2010

One of 11 Unique Collectibles Will Be Distributed to Each Comic-Con Attendee During Official Check-In, Featuring “The Big Bang Theory,” “Chuck,” “Fringe,” “Human Target,” “Nikita,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “The Looney Tunes Show,”"Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated,” “Clash of the Titans”or “Brightest Day”
BURBANK, Calif. (July 2010) — For the past four years, Warner Bros. Entertainment’s limited-edition, signature oversize canvas tote bags have been a must-have at Comic-Con, with tens of thousands of fans flocking to the Warner Bros. booth on the convention floor to snag one, and Entertainment Weekly once dubbing them the Con’s “ubiquitous accessory.” This year, Warner Bros. Entertainment (WBE) and Comic-Con are teaming up to put one directly in the hands of every attendee, with the Studio signing on as sponsor of the Comic-Con International: San Diego 2010 Official Bag.

•For Comic-Con 2010, the Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Marketing (WWTVM) unit has created 11 unique designs for the bags, with one side featuring the official Comic-Con 2010 artwork designed by WWTVM and the other side representing titles from across a number of WBE divisions, including Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment
•More than 125,000 collectible bags (24″X29″) have been produced and will be distributed to attendees when they check in at Comic-Con throughout the five days of the convention, including Preview Night
WBE and Comic-Con are unveiling artwork for four of the WBE bags, as well as artwork for the official Comic-Con side of the bags:
◦Warner Bros. Animation series “The Looney Tunes Show,” coming soon to Cartoon Network
◦Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s “Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame,” inspired by Warner Bros. Animation’s hit animated series based upon characters from DC Comics. The Videogame is available on Wii and Nintendo DS September 7. New episodes of “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” air Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network, and “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” Season 1, Part 1 is available on DVD August 17.
◦DC Comics’ best-selling “Brightest Day” comic book series
◦Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray™, DVD and digital download release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Clash of the Titans,” available July 27
•To download images of “The Looney Tunes Show,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame,” “Brightest Day” and “Clash of the Titans” bag sides, as well as the official Comic-Con 2010 artwork side of the bags, please click here:
www.thewb.com/comiccon/officialbags2010
•To download images of the creative fashions that fans have put together utilizing the Warner Bros. bags in the past, please click here:
www.thewb.com/comiccon/bagswardrobe
•Other sponsored bags will feature the following titles:
◦Warner Bros. Television series “The Big Bang Theory,” “Chuck,” “Fringe,” “Human Target,” “Nikita” and “The Vampire Diaries”
◦Warner Bros. Animation series “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated”
•For additional information about Warner Bros. Television activities at Comic-Con, follow us on Twitter @TheWBdotcom and use hashtag #WBSDCC, log on to www.thewb.com/comiccon, and read news at www.thewb.com/blog.
Created annually since 2006 by the Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Marketing unit specifically for Comic-Con, the highly sought-after totes provide devoted fans with a handy carrying case for all the merchandise they take away from the Con and serve as mobile billboards for a selection of the Studio’s key Comic-Con titles.

My story is about me and a girlhood friend who were separated, but miraculously reconnected 23 years later.

The magazine’s program is designed to give celebrity women a chance to direct subject matter about real women stories, and bring it to the masses.   They choose 3 stories a year.  Go to glamour.com for more details.

Cartoon Network Enterprises and licensee Jazwares will reveal the first action figure for animated TV series “Robot Chicken,” which will lead up to the launch of a toy line. The 5-inch figure will be available this week, as well as an Adult Swim swag bag and an exclusive 2010 Comic-Con T-shirt. “Robot Chicken” co-creators Seth Green and Matt Senreich will also be on hand to sign autographs.

Toynami, which recently became the master licensee for UNKL, will also have a presence on the show floor. At Comic-Con, they will debut three toy lines with characters that include Gastro-Normous (the introductory character in the Dad Gummit Blobs line, which will be exclusively for sale at the show), SearchR and Viking. In addition, Fifth Sun has also recently partnered with UNKL for an apparel line (tees and hoodies), which will premiere in February at MAGIC. Licensing Street represents UNKL.

USA Network also returns to promote its original series “Burn Notice,” “Psych” and “White Collar” with cast- and producer-led panels.

Archaia, a graphic novel publisher, will be showcasing various properties and Archaia will host over 40 writers and artists for autograph sessions and meet-and-greet opportunities at its booth at Comic-Con …
GrapevineStar Entertainment will be at Comic-Con highlighting its MeMe and My World, Tex DunRight, World’s Favorite Cowboy and London Manga properties. Comic-Con has become one of the centers for new content and intellectual properties for film and TV… says Jacob R. Miles III, CEO of GrapevineStar

Meanwhile at this past weekend’s London Comic-Con, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics featured an exhibition of cover art and an original prop display, including the Tumbler Batmobile from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. WBCP worked with London Film and Comic-Con to celebrate the 75th anniversary of DC Comics. The collaboration formed part of a yearlong slate of activities taking place around the world to mark the anniversary. The exhibition of DC Comics cover art from the golden age of comics through to the current day, featuring popular DC super heroes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern, were exhibited in a dedicated DC gallery that will be branded with DC wall murals from new WBCP licensee Coolerwalls. The DC Comics exhibition featured original movie props from DC movies Batman (1989), Supergirl (1984) and Superman (1978). Visiting fans also had the opportunity to pose for pictures with life-size models of Batman and Superman, and there was an on-site shop selling a range of DC-branded products, including wall murals from Coolerwalls, posters from Pyramid and mugs and bags from Half Moon Bay. London Film and Comic-Con was held at Earls Court

The service, launched in February by the Sequoia Capital-backed Bubble Motion, has soared to 2 million overall users in just a few months, quadrupling their first-month launch of 500,000 in March. Paid subscribers have been on a atmospheric rise, as well – the service had just 200,000 paid subscribers in April.

The company now plans to roll out parallel launches in Japan, Indonesia and the Phillippines.

“Growth to date has exceeded our wildest expectations,” said Tom Clayton, president and CEO of Bubble Motion. “At this point, it really has started to take a life of its own. Moreover, we believe that we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg here, as our traction to date has come from only a fraction of the addressable market.”

In essence, Bubbly — BubbleBlog to users in India -– is a phone service that allows users to record voice blogs, which are then shared with their “followers,” who dial a special code to listen to messages. It has caught on with Bollywood celebrities, who record messages for legions of fans. While listening to messages from fans and family is free, subscribing to a celebrity blog costs 10 to 30 rupees, or $0.21 to $0.65 a month to get notifications when there’s a new message.

“With so many mobile social networks looking for scale and revenue, Bubble Motion is proving that a new model exists for such services and can make money even in emerging markets,” said spokesman Kevin Jordan.

Part of Bubbly’s success has been fueled by the sign-on from Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachan, whose Bubbly followers outstrip his Twitter audience, with 270,000 followers on Twitter and 350,000 on Bubbly.

The company partnered with service providers Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications to deploy the technology, which is available in all of India’s 23 telecom circles. As Bubbly catches on, content rises, with comedians and politicians signing on to record voice blogs, which in turn pushes subscription rates.

“Bubbly is being promoted differently in different circles, and what we’re seeing is that where we have regional and local stars voice-blogging, our adoption skyrockets,” Clayton said.

The technology behind the service has had to be retooled to handle the higher-than-expected volume, Clayton said -– with the initial goal of allowing a maximum of 100,000 followers to a blog (meaning the power to notify 100,000 subscribers instantly when a new voice message is available).

“Now, as our users have blown through those follower numbers — within the second month of launch, we have now designed the system to handle over a 1 million followers each and are quickly scaling that to 10 million-plus followers each,” Clayton said.

The service is already seeing its share of copycats in the fiercely competitive and booming mobile market in India, but Clayton said he’s confident his company has a head start and strong grip on the engineering

“There is a significant network effect here, so we’re moving fast to capitalize on this momentum and roll out the largest countries as fast as possible,” Clayton said. “Right now, we’re trying not to get distracted by new entrants, but rather are focused on execution and the ultimate goal of building communities and connecting people through voice.”

Background – Econsultancy was founded in the UK in 1999, it provides training, reports, research, case studies, buyers guides and advice for the digital marketing sector. The CEO and co-founder of Econsultancy is author, Ashley Friedlein. There is also an active jobs board. Econsultancy has over 85,000 members to date. In 2009, Econsultancy also launched an American office, operating from New York. Econsultancy won the Association of Online Publishers’ award for Specialist Digital Publisher 2009.

Here is a recent post from Econsultancy on Ten ways to advertise your business on Facebook.

By Econsultancy’s Kevin Gibbons
The marketing potential of Facebook is huge, but many companies struggle to devise a strategy that’s suitable for such a social platform.

But there are more than 400m active users of Facebook, meaning whatever your product or service, there’s a huge potential market there.

So, how can you use the platform to promote your brand? Here are some of the ways marketers can approach it.

Make a Facebook page

Let’s start with the most obvious; do you have a Facebook page?

Since the website began inviting users to ‘like’ business pages rather than ‘become a fan’ of them, it’s much less intrusive and people seem to be far happier about this slightly more subdued way of showing their approval.

If you’re marketing a lively brand or product, don’t make do with a dull standard Facebook page, make your landing page lively and interesting.

Promote your page offsite

Don’t expect your potential fans to find you on Facebook without a little support. Add a ‘Find us on Facebook’ button to your website, email marketing communications and even printed brochures, so that people know you’re on there.

You may disagree, but I think that having a Facebook page shows that a brand is interactive and personable. So, even if people don’t bother looking you up, they may be left with a better impression of your brand.

Make your page interesting

What are you going to do with your Facebook page? Will you post deals, links to blog posts, competitions, notes, photographs of your corporate summer party (guilty!)?

You need to add content to your page so that your fans have something to interact with and so that they see your brand in their news feeds, building brand awareness.

Have a clear content strategy before you start building the page, otherwise you could suddenly be left scrambling for something to say.

Have a clear idea of what you want people to do

What are you hoping to achieve with your Facebook page? If it’s just brand awareness then you want content that people will interact with on the page. If you want to get fans to click through to your site, you’ll need links to offers and exclusives.

If it’s to create brand advocates, you need to create applications and games that people will share with their friends.

If you don’t know what you hope to achieve, then you won’t be able to create appropriate content.

Use Facebook ads

Will your marketing budget stretch to some paid Facebook ads? You can use keywords from people’s profiles to target your advertising at relevant demographics, (female friends who’ve become engaged tell me they see nothing but weight loss ads from the moment they change their relationship status!).

So, you can target people of a specific age, gender, educational level, workplace, even location.

It is a fairly cost-effective way to market your brand. You may even decide to use your advertising to drive people towards your fan page and give it a proper kick off.

Build a Facebook app

Can you create an interactive app? Some of the cleverest Facebook marketing is app-based, with the potential to turn viral and suddenly create enormous interest in your company.

You can build games, quizzes and other types of dynamic content that people will use and share.

If you don’t have the skills inhouse to create this kind of content, many business have sprung up that will develop an app with you to market your brand.

Make your content easy to share

Do you have a blog back on your website? Linking works both ways, you shouldn’t just be driving people to your site through Facebook.

In fact, you should also give people the opportunity to alert their Facebook friends to interesting content on your company website. Add a button allowing people to share the article on Facebook, as well as to Tweet it, Sphinn it, Digg it, Buzz it, or whichever your social platforms of choice are.

Make it as easy as possible for people to spread your brand message.

Create and interact with Facebook groups

Join some relevant Facebook groups and maybe even create a few. This will allow more people to see your brand, giving you the chance to build a fan base without paying for advertising.

Of course, this is a dangerous tactic if you’re a bit blunt. You mustn’t simply charge in and start trying to sell to people who are busy socialising. Instead, you should offer tips, support and advice, building confidence in your brand.

Is there a cause or campaign your company believes in? Maybe you’re a debt management company campaigning against payday loans, or a restaurant campaigning for more local food to be eaten in your town?

Create a group that promotes your cause and you’ll be able to interact with people who wouldn’t necessarily ‘like’ a brand but are very willing to support a campaign they believe in.

Give your fans exclusives

If someone has updated their Facebook page to show friends that they like your brand, you really ought to reward them.

Give them exclusive deals, sneak previews of new products, discounts – special offers to show you appreciate their support.

Use Facebook analytics

Having created a Facebook page, you need to need to monitor the success of the page. Facebook’s analytics tools allow you to see what kind of content works well.

Once you’ve created a page, you’ll be able to access this information through Facebook Insights, meaning you can see how people are interacting with your content, what demographics they belong to, which countries they are in, how many people have signed up, how many people have unsubscribed.

Make use of this information. It’s free and it will inform your developing Facebook strategy.

Don’t forget

If you’re a marketing professional, it’s not just your business you can promote through Facebook – you can also market yourself and build connections with other people in your sector.

There are groups, discussions and a thousand other ways to connect. You can even have different settings for your work-related ‘friends’, meaning they never need to see that picture of you after 12 vodka shots…

Social Gaming

Social Gaming and Virtual Goods
US market size for virtual goods will reach $1.6 billion in 2010, with social gaming contributing $835 million of that total. The report, “Inside Virtual Goods: The Future of Social Gaming” is the latest in-depth study in the Inside Virtual Goods series, co-authored by Justin Smith and Charles Hudson.

“2009 was the year that casual games like Zynga’s popular FarmVille took over the major social platforms and changed the way millions of people socialized with friends online. Casual games introduced a rich, new way of interacting with friends on social networks, and saw the highest engagement numbers that the online entertainment industry has ever witnessed,” Justin Smith, founder of Inside Network’s InsideFacebook.com & InsideSocialGames.com, says. “With tens of millions of returning users, and millions of new visitors daily, it is no wonder that the social gaming industry saw significant M&A activity: an up-to-$400 million acquisition of Playfish by Electronic Arts, and hundreds of millions of dollars in additional venture investments. Social games are now impacting businesses across the media landscape,” adds Charles Hudson, VP of Business Development at Serious Business, and host of the annual Virtual Goods Summit.

The second research report in the Inside Virtual Goods series, “Inside Virtual Goods: The Future of Social Gaming 2010″ concludes that social games will alone make up half of all virtual goods revenue in the United States this year.

To get in and fully understand and get in the virtual goods and social gaming game, here are some must attend conferences and events to be held this year:

Virtual Goods Summit 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (PST)
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (PST)

The Virtual Goods Summit is focused on the emerging market opportunity for virtual goods and economies. Once restricted to the world of online gaming, virtual goods and currencies are beginning to influence the development of social networks, community sites, and many other new and exciting markets. The market for virtual goods continues to grow – join us for two days of engaging talks and panels designed to highlight important trends in this fast growing market. With estimates suggesting this market will grow from $1 billion in 2009 to $1.6 billion in 2010, this is a must-attend event for those in the games, social media, and entertainment markets.

Virtual goods beyond games
Designing free-to-play games for maximum engagement
The virtual goods market in Asia
The virtual goods market in Europe
Virtual goods and mobile applications
Free-to-play MMOs and virtual worlds
Monetization infrastructure for virtual goods
Best practices for engagement and player lifecycle management

Social Gaming Summit
11th November, 2010
The first London Social Gaming Summit is a one day event focused on the intersection of games and the social web. The event focuses on helping social games developers build, monetise, and grow their social games. We’re bringing together the leaders in free-to-play games, social networking, and payments infrastructure for a full day of panels and talks.

Virtual Goods Summit
12th November, 2010
The first London Virtual Goods Summit is a one day event focused on the emerging market opportunity for virtual goods and economies. Once restricted to the world of online gaming, virtual goods and currencies are beginning to influence the development of social networks, community sites, and many other new and exciting markets. The market for virtual goods continues to grow – join us for engaging talks and panels designed to highlight important trends in this fast growing market. With estimates suggesting this market will grow from $1 billion in 2009 to $1.6 billion in 2010, this is a must-attend event for those in the games, social media, and entertainment markets.

GrapevineStar

MTV Networks Acquires Social Express, Forays Into Social Gaming           by Gavin O’Malley, from MediaPost
Hoping to refresh Nickelodeon Digital’s offerings, MTV Networks on Thursday agreed to buy games developer Social Express. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to MTV, the acquisition marks its first entry into the popular social gaming space.

Per the deal, MTV Networks will develop social games based on original IP, as well as shows and characters from MTV, Nickelodeon and its other brands, with the first games expected to be introduced in the third quarter of the year.

MTV Networks also expected to leverage Social Express to launch a publishing platform for independent game developers.

Social Express will be integrated into Nickelodeon Digital, with Social Express co-founder and CEO Tony Espinoza overseeing social gaming strategy and development as vice president and general manager of social gaming for MTV Networks’ Nickelodeon Kids & Family Group.

Neil Souza, co-founder of Social Express and FoulPlay Media, will be vice president of technology, social games.

Both will report to Dave Williams, senior vice president and general manager of games, Nickelodeon Kids & Family Group, who reports to Stephen Youngwood, executive vice president for Digital, Nickelodeon /MTVN Kids & Family Group.

“They are set to be a key part of our growth strategy,” Youngwood said regarding Social Express and MTV’s broader gaming strategy. In May, MTV Networks game sites attracted more than 22 million unique visitors and ranked as the number one destination in the online gaming category.

MTV Networks game sites include AddictingGames.com, Shockwave.com, Nick.com Games, Nick.com Arcade, Neopets, GameTrailers, and Xfire.

The acquisition of Social Express is the latest gaming initiative for the Nickelodeon Kids & Family Group, which has also launched AddictingGames on the iPhone with the AG iNetwork and introduced a virtual goods platform to the site in the past year.

Based in San Francisco, Social Express’s veteran management team boasts former executives and developers from Apple, AOL, Yahoo and Zynga.

Casual games are serious business these days. For one, they are believed to be largely responsible for continued traffic gains at Facebook. Over the past year, traffic to the social network increased 185% compared to the same week last year. As a result, Facebook surpassed Google in terms of overall traffic for the week ending March 13, according to Hitwise.

Perhaps in response, Google in April announced the acquisition of an Israeli startup named Labpixies, which develops casual games for both the Web and mobile devices. Terms of the deal were not released, but an Israeli news source reported that Google paid $25 million for the company.

Another Company acquiring Social Gaming companies is Grapevine Star Entertainment, “Social Games are at their infancy, the most popular social games will be the birthplace of new media’s next licensable character based intellectual properties”….says Jacob R Miles, Chairman of GrapevineStar

GrapevineStar is launching a social game strategy that leverages its cause and character based intellectual properties. The company is currently reviewing social gaming companies. Interested social game companies should contact the company at info@grapevinestar.com

As demoed recently by Apple’s Steve Jobs, ads on computers are about to undergo significant changes. Everything from tracking to animation will be altered in the process (for the better). Ad agencies & video ad networks will be able to provide real-time, interactive experiences that aren’t limited by plug-ins.

Here are some of the ways ads are going to change:

Real-time, in-depth analytics. Analytics for video is often separated from web analytics, but with the HTML5 video tag, this will no longer be the case. Playing video natively in the browser allows for a whole new level of analysis, including all video actions, engagement, % complete and view through rate (VTR) being trackable and linkable to standard web analytics such as funnels and conversion rates. For advertisers, this will make it easier to measure the effectiveness of video ads.

Measured interaction. Being able to engage and interact with a video introduces a whole new experience for the user (and publisher). The ability to play video natively in the browser opens a new world for those posting video online while allowing them to gain valuable feedback from viewers. While this scenario above has always been possible on the web to some degree, the difference now is that it will be seamless and ubiquitous (no downloading software, plug-ins or annoying interruptions). A user will be able to watch a video, interact with an ad, buy a product, and then return to the exact spot in the video without interruption.

A more entertaining experience. Imagine watching a video of the latest fashion striding down the runway at Milan. Click items that interest you to learn more information or pull up the designer’s website for direct purchase. Viewers will have the ability to interact with ads without interrupting their viewing experience. Furthermore, these ads can be fully immersive and full-page, moving beyond just the video dimensions The advertiser can track what users are doing and respond accordingly, allowing them to dynamically change the ads within the video and the interaction points — on-the-fly, via small changes in HTML and JavaScript. No video production or re-encoding necessary.

All’s well that sells well. HTML5 is probably the most significant update for all kinds of rich media. Especially for video, which has long been awkwardly implemented in browsers, fortunately the path looks clear for the future of in-browser video. As any good advertiser knows, videos create emotion & emotions mean sales.

(C) Media Post Communications

Instead, Def Jam Rapstar is like a karaoke game – but with all rap tracks. It will come with over 40 tracks and a microphone, and cost $70 for the 360 and $60 for the Wii. Apparently it will also have some weird free styling, user generated feature. Like, you’ll freestyle over part of the song, record it, and upload it online.

What rhymes with terrible idea?

I don’t know, but I am actually interested in this game. With a strong enough track list, this could be a fun and awesome tool. For one thing, it’s not like Dre or 2pac has an incredible voice you could never hope to match – so you’ll actually be able to learn and perform the songs in this game. From there, how shocking would it be – assuming you’re as male and nerdy as we think you are – for you to bust out a perfect “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” while hanging out with your friends?

Of course, that’ll all depend on the quality of the track list. So far, 20 of about 40 tracks are known, and they are:

“A Milli” by Lil’ Wayne
“Best I Ever Had” by Drake
“Children’s Story” by Slick Rick
“C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu Tang Clan
“Da Rockwilder” by Redman and Method Man
“Gold Digger” by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx
“Juicy” by Notorious B.I.G.
“Just A Friend” by Biz Markie
“I Get Around” by 2 Pac
“I Get Money” by 50 Cent
“It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube
“JJ’s Beat” by DJ Premier (Freestyle track)
“Live Ya Life” by T.I. featuring Rihanna
“Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
“On the One” by Just Blaze (Freestyle track)
“Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa
“Put On” by Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West
“So Fresh, So Clean” by Outkast
“They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” by Pete Rock and CL Smooth

If you thought that Lady Gaga’s large doe-eyes in her “Bad Romance” video looked just a little well, too doelike, that’s because they were. Her eyes were digitally altered to appear bigger.

FDA has not approved new contact lenses that give the appearance of wider eyes. But that hasn’t stopped the exaggerated, cartoonish look from catching on among the fashion-conscious, creating a demand for special circle contact lenses that are sold illegally in the U.S. — which doctors say could be dangerous for those who wear them.

Like any contact lens, prolonged wear can lead to infections that, although rare, can be serious, experts said. If the contacts don’t fit properly — too tight or too loose — they can scratch the cornea, which can cause vision problems.

“Lady Gaga’s broad creative talents and the way she connects with her fans in her own unique manner made her a natural choice for Polaroid,” says Stephen Miller, co-chief executive officer of PLR IP Holdings. “Polaroid has had a special connection with its customers for years, we are delighted to be partnering with Lady Gaga to continue with that tradition and bring new and exciting products to the next generation.”

Rubie’s Costume Company to Make Lady Gaga Costumes

Rubie’s Costume Company has been granted the license for Lady Gaga, licensed by Bravado International Group. Pop star and musician Lady Gaga is known for her wild collection of outfits. Her signature style includes wigs of all length and styles and her unique couture costumes.

Rubie’s is now the worldwide licensee of Lady Gaga Halloween costumes and accessories. The costumes will be available for Halloween 2010.

“This is our first time exhibiting at the Anime Expo, and we think that our lineup of titles launching over the next six months is the perfect fit for the show’s attendees,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. “We have highly-anticipated new entries in the Harvest Moon and Rune Factory series with Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar and Rune Factory 3, the triumphant return of the Lufia series with Lufia: Return of the Sinistrals, and the fun and fright-filled rhythm game, Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove.”

Information on each title is listed below. For more information on Natsume or any of these titles, please visit www.natsume.com

Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar (DS)

The bazaar is now open! Zephyr Town’s bazaar was once the grandest in the world, drawing customers and peddlers from all four corners of the Earth. These days, though, the bazaar has more tumbleweeds than customers. Maybe you can turn its fortunes around! Raise animals, harvest crops, craft rare delicacies, and then sell your wares at your very own shop! Can you bring prosperity back to Zephyr Town?

Lufia: Curse of the Sinistrals (DS)

The Sinistrals, four beings of legendary power, have returned to bring humanity to its knees. It’s up to the fiery monster hunter Maxim and his eclectic band of adventurers to put a stop to them once and for all. Their adventures will take them across an expansive world packed with dangerous enemies, powerful items, and diabolical puzzles!

Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon (DS)

It’s an adventure that will transform you! The people of Sharance and their horned Univir neighbors are embroiled in a bitter conflict. An age-old hatred between humans and monsters divides them. You are an adventurer with an unusual secret: you’re half human and half monster. Are you the one who can unite the humans and the Univir? And will you be in time to stop the growing evil force that threatens to destroy them both?

Gabrielle’s Ghostly Groove (DS)

Gabrielle’s having a bad day. She sneezed her soul right out of her body! She’ll have to travel to Monster Town, the home of all things that go bump in the night, to get help. Only by busting out the ghostliest dance moves and thrilling and chilling people will she be able to scare up the power she needs to get herself back into her body! It’s a spooktacular rhythm adventure!

For more information on any of these titles, please visit www.natsume.com. You can also follow all of the latest Natsume news at www.natsume.com/facebook and www.twitter.com/natsume_inc.

About Natsume

Natsume Inc. is a worldwide developer and publisher that specialize in unique and family-oriented interactive entertainment software for a variety of platforms. Most known for publishing Reel Fishing and Harvest Moon, Natsume is dedicated to producing quality video games. For more information about Natsume Inc., visit www.natsume.com

Hulu Plus supports browsers on the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X platforms, certain Samsung Internet-connected television and Blu-ray Disc players, and Apple’s iPhone 3GS/4, third-generation iPod touch, and iPad devices. Hulu (and Larry Hryb, Xbox Live Director of Programming at Microsoft) promises support for other devices, including the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 game consoles. People can request invitations to join the service until Hulu ramps up the service to let anyone subscribe.

Netflix already offers a subscription streaming service alongside its DVD-by-mail program, and Crunchyroll and The Anime Network are among the subscription streaming services that focus on anime.

Lanzano, who brings 28 years of advertising experience to his new post, maintained that despite ongoing fragmentation within the media landscape, TV remains the premier medium for advertisers and agencies.

“The latest TVB Media Comparison Study shows by every measure that television reaches more consumers every day than newspapers, magazines, radio and the Internet, and that more people spend more time with TV than with any other medium,” he maintained. “That same study also shows that 71% of people learn about products and brands from television. Our competitors are left in the dust.”

Since joining the TVB from MPG US, where he oversaw all client accounts and led strategic and operational duties for MPG’s marketing service professionals across the country, Lanzano has become bullish about the power of mobile DTV.

“Mobile is such an exciting opportunity because consumers overwhelmingly want the ability to watch live programming on their mobile devices,” he said. “Advertisers are beginning to see mobile DTV as the next great marketing opportunity.”

Lanzano also used his 30-minute presentation to stress how local TV broadcasters need to see the Internet — not as a rival to television — but as a complement. “Television ads drive consumers to the Web,” he emphasized.

Lanzano concluded that TV stations’ websites are a also becoming a significant growth contributor to station revenues. “Local broadcast TV interactive revenues are projected to hit $1,361 million in 2010, up from $1,153 million in 2009,” he said. “I believe this revenue will only continue to grow.”

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/16897

It’s coming to Amazon soon, too.  Check it out!

Grapevine Star Entertainment, (www.grapevinestar.com) based in the Dallas-Ft worth area has been working with intellectual property owners in South America, Korea, Japan and China to help them integrate and leverage intellectual properties and new media to generate licensing and merchandis revenue. Visit GrapevineStar at the Seoul Character & Licensing Fair 2010. Are you looking for a gateway into the Korean contents market?

The Seoul Character & Licensing Fair has become one of Asia’s largest licensing exhibitions. For the past 8 years, the licensing exhibition encompassing content business and industry has provided information about trends and issues to relevant industries. The exhibition deals with all kinds of items for licensing including characters, animations, comics, games, broadcasting and entertainment. It has made progress as Asia’s largest licensing trade fair with participation of over 190,000 and 170 companies at home and abroad every year.

Seoul Character & Licensing Fair 2010, the largest of its scale, will take place on July 21(Wed) ~ 25(Sun) at Hall A, B and C, Coex, Seoul. The fair is expected to be attended by many outstanding businesses and companies at home and abroad in dealing with characters and contents. Especially, various B2B programs such as showcases, business meetings and conferences are added to provide you with ideal business environment.

We wholeheartedly welcome exhibitors and buyers from all over the world. Our aim is to provide participants with international networking opportunities for direct communication, thereby contributing to your successful business. We will offer you a professional support from preparation to the end of the fair.

Kate is one of several dozen people profiled by gravitytank, a Chicago-based strategy and design consultancy, as part of a comprehensive new study examining the social, cultural, and technological impact of today’s mobile software applications. As part of the survey, gravitytank:

- surveyed 804 smartphone users, 301 of whom own app-enabled phones (either Apple’s iPhone or HTC’s G1) to develop a quantitative picture of how they use their handsets and integrate apps into daily life

- studied (ethnographically) 20 app-phone users in their native environments

- interviewed 20 mobile app developers to understand the business opportunities they see, the challenges they face, and the realities of what it’s like to compete in an increasingly crowded app marketplace

This much is clear: app-enabled phones are transforming the way we live in meaningful ways. App-enabled phones herald the rise of a new mobile computing platform that culminates a revolution in miniaturization, connectivity, and speed that has been guiding the technology industry for many years. This shift is having deep impact on how people connect to each other, how they inter act with brands, what they buy, and how they buy it. Less than 12 months after Apple opened its App Store, these changes are already having a direct impact on people’s daily routines and be haviors, because they tap into a deep-rooted desire to lead more optimized and productive lives. gravitytank’s research reveals that apps and app-enabled mobile devices have become digital Swiss Army knives for modern living, because they provide con sumers with near-instant access to the information and services they need to enhance the opportunities each day presents — any place they go.

For example, Kate doesn’t use apps frivolously. “I don’t need iFart, iGirl, or iBeerpong,” she says. Instead, she uses them to get more done personally and professionally, to track and achieve goals, and (every once in a while) to have some fun. “I just want to get the information I need faster and better,” she explains.

Kate is not alone. According to gravitytank’s research, 50% of app-phone users view apps as essential tools for getting more done and staying organized. They view apps as an indispensable tool to manage information, tasks, work, and relationships in their busy lives. The profile of today’s app users doesn’t match the male-dominated, business-focused image of the stereotypical smartphone owner. The new generation of serious app users is gender-balanced and highly educated. Their ranks include plenty of full-time moms and college students.

What’s consistent across these users is that they’re time-pressed, and they want help: 78% of app phone users believe there are never enough hours in the day, and 77% report they are always looking for ways to use their time more effectively. That makes the fact that app phone users report spending, on average, two hours per day with their phones, with almost 40% of that time devoted to app use (not including text, email, and calls), all the more remarkable. Most of that is spent in short bursts — our survey shows that app users interact with their phones 30 times a day. All that time spent with app-phones comes at the expense of other devices: Serious app users report that they now use their TVs, laptops, and MP3 players less because of the functionality enabled by their mobile apps.

Users who see apps as essential tools to get things done are willing to pay for their benefits: 69% of these users tell us they have purchased an app in the last month, spending a total of $6 on average. Of the average 21 apps currently on their phones, approximately 25%, are paid. As Greg, a sales manager and app user from Chicago, told us, so long as an app delivers, “paying is a no brainer, if you think it’s going to make your life better.”

“Until very recently, ‘mobile productivity’ meant email and calen dar access — the tools you use in connection with your job,” says Michael Winnick, managing partner with gravitytank. “With the shift to apps, we’re seeing a much broader definition of what it means to be productive. In addition to calendars, to-do lists, and note-taking tools, the category of users we call Life Optimizers are equally attached to the apps they use for nutrition, exercise, finance, shopping, hobbies, and access to media content. In the same way that the distinctions between “life” and “work” have become increasingly blurry within the population at large, the new definition of productivity includes these life-enhancing tools alongside such standbys such as spreadsheets, instant messaging, and presentation slides.”

Put another way, apps are a very personal kind of software. Indeed, it’s useful to stop thinking about them as software at all, and instead compare them to music. Like music, apps are a social phenomenon — we love to talk about them, try them, compare them, and share them. They have one-hit-wonders, instant clas sics, and America’s Top Forty (in the guise of the Apple Top 25). They have different genres, from somber, to shocking, to frivolous. And just like music, the collection of apps on our phones tells us — and others — something important about who we are, what we care about, and what we want to become.

The comparisons to music hold for app developers as well. With the advent of dedicated apps marketplaces like Apple’s App Store, mobile carriers no longer control how apps are distributed. The result has been a stunning proliferation of creativity and in novation among software coders and entrepreneurs. The new apps marketplaces are open to one and all — from self-taught teenagers who build apps after school to venture-backed startups founded by wannabe software moguls. With tens of thousands of app titles to choose from, competition is fierce and the pressure to land a spot on a Top 100 Downloads list is intense. Suddenly, app development has become a hit-driven business that places a premium on creativity, utility, and user-experience. To generate real sales, however, developers need to learn new skills; namely, the ability to promote and market their apps in a crowded sales environment.

gravitytank’s research indicates that app-enabled phone hand sets that will change how we organize and live our lives in pro found ways. As this trend continues, we anticipate these changes will extend beyond individual phone owners, and even beyond the traditional domain of the technology or mobile wireless indus tries. Apps are poised have a dramatic impact in a wide range of fields, from education and health care to retail and financial ser vices. “As software, apps are very lightweight,” says gravitytank’s Winnick. “Yet they represent something large and important: the advent of a mobile technology paradigm that may be just as sig nificant as the birth of the Web during the mid-1990s. When we look at how apps will influence consumer behavior and the way in which software will be developed, distributed, and sold, we see that we are just beginning a social and technological transformation that will have major implications for years to come.”

Michael Jackson Estate Secures Official Merchandiser
Bravado, a global music merchandiser, has been chosen as the official manufacturer and distributor of Michael Jackson-branded products worldwide. “Bravado is the perfect partner for the estate of Michael Jackson merchandise,” says John Branca and John McClain, co-special administrators for the estate of Michael Jackson, in a joint statement. “The reputation of Tom Bennett and his team for creating compelling merchandise and providing strong product support is stellar. We are delighted to be working with them.”
A collection of licensed product is already available at retailers such as Hot Topic, Target, Old Navy and JCPenney, as well as online at www.michaeljacksonmerch.com. The line of more than 200 items includes T-shirts, “Thriller”-inspired jackets, “Who’s bad?” onesies, sunglasses, handbags and novelty items.

“We are thrilled to expand our services to become the exclusive merchandiser for Michael Jackson-related products,” says Tom Bennett, chief executive officer of Bravado. “Creating this new line alongside Michael was a privilege of a lifetime; it truly celebrates Michael’s unmistakable style and irreplaceable talent, and helps commemorate and preserve the legacy that is Michael Jackson.” The deal expands upon another with AEG Live, which had Bravado as the exclusive merchandiser for Jackson’s London tour.

“Michael Jackson merchandise will follow the leads of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Tupac expanding and growing for many years to come” says Jacob R. Miles III,  CEO of GrapevineStar Entertainment, a new media, licensing and products focused company.

Just about everyone who ever met Michael Jackson will be on television tomorrow, as the anniversary of his death brings a blizzard of reports on either how it happened or what it has meant.

Those who prefer to remember Jackson primarily for his music can turn on the radio, where several stations will go all-Michael.

Jackson died a year ago tomorrow, at age 50, on the eve of a comeback tour. Those who will talk about him include his mother, Katherine, in a paid interview for “Dateline NBC.”

His brothers Jermaine and Tito will talk with Don Lemon on CNN, while ABC’s “2-0/20″ will look at unanswered questions about his death.

The CBS “Early Show” will have artists like Marc Anthony and LL Cool J talk about Jackson, and TV Guide will show a new documentary, “Gone Too Soon.”

Here are some TV programs, all tomorrow unless noted:

ABC: “2-0/20″ special, “Michael Jackson: After Life,” 9-11 p.m.

CBS: 8 a.m. hour of “The Early Show” is devoted to Jackson.

CNN: “Michael Jackson: The Final Days,” 8 p.m., with Don Lemon, followed by a Larry King special tribute, 9 p.m.

E!: “True Hollywood Story” (repeat), 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.; “The Last Days of Michael Jackson,” 10 a.m., 3 and 8 p.m.; “Michael Jackson,” 11 a.m., 4 and 9 p.m.

Fuse: Starting today, in heavy rotation through Sunday: “A Tribute,” “The Inside Story,” “Remember His Time,” “Devotion.”

MTV: “Michael Jackson Top 10 Video Countdown,” 5-6:30 p.m.; “Michael Jackson’s Influence,” 6:30 p.m.

NBC: “Dateline,” 9 p.m., Katherine Jackson interview.

TV Guide: “Gone Too Soon,” 9-11 p.m.; “Michael Jackson’s Entourage: Where Are They Now,” and “Michael Jackson: His Family Dynasty,” 11 p.m.

VH1: “The Jacksons: An American Family,” noon-5 p.m.; “Famous Crime Scenes,” 11:30 p.m.

And on the radio:

WBLS (107.5 FM): Musical features all weekend and comments from celebrities and friends. Supporting the Rev. Al Sharpton’s tribute tomorrow afternoon at the Apollo.

WCBS-FM (101.1): Listener-voted countdown of top 40 Michael songs, tomorrow at 9 a.m., plus Jackson songs all weekend in “Hall of Fame.”

WHTZ (100.3 FM): A Jackson song every hour tomorrow.

WKTU (103.5 FM): “MJ All Day,” 24 hours tomorrow, followed by Jackson music and specials all weekend.

WKXW (101.5 FM): Tribute with Joe Henry, tomorrow at 7 p.m., leading to a Jackson weekend.

WRKS (98.7 FM): Kicks off all-Jackson weekend tomorrow at 6 a.m. with the D.L. Hughley morning show. Also supporting “Throwback Comes to Harlem” concert at the Apollo, tomorrow night at 9, celebrating Jackson.

WXRK (92.3 FM): Jackson in a 5 p.m. minimix tomorrow.

Sirius/XM: Hourly Jackson songs tomorrow over “80s on 8,” “70s on 7″ and other channels.

The Giving Pledge is an effort to invite the wealthiest individuals and families in America to commit to giving the majority of their wealth to the philanthropic causes and charitable organizations of their choice either during their lifetime or after their death.

Each person who chooses to pledge will make this statement publicly, along with a letter explaining their decision to pledge. At an annual event, those who take the pledge will come together to share ideas and learn from each other.

The Pledge is a moral commitment to give, not a legal contract. It does not involve pooling money or supporting a particular set of causes or organizations.

While the Giving Pledge is specifically focused on billionaires, the idea takes its inspiration from efforts in the past and at present that encourage and recognize givers of all financial means and backgrounds. We are inspired by the example set by millions of Americans who give generously (and often at great personal sacrifice) to make the world a better place.

What do you think about this billionaire initiative?

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2010-2014, global entertainment and media spending is expected to rise from $1.3 trillion to $1.7 trillion by 2014, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The US E&M market is expected to grow at 3.8% CAGR reaching $517 billion in 2014, from $428 billion in 2009. Fast changing consumer behavior is expected to be the catalyst of the entertainment and media industry change over the next five years,

Ken Sharkey, US leader, entertainment, media & communications practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers, notes that “… the digital pace of change has proven to be even quicker than anticipated with consumers embracing new media… and digital downloads at often-unexpected speeds… the continued fragmentation of the E&M sector will fuel greater experimentation by both established industry giants and niche players… ”

Digital services continue to be the primary growth engine, but traditional revenue streams are expected to remain significantly larger throughout the forecast period. The industry will need to embrace digital not as a competitor to traditional services, but as a complement. Digital spending in the US is expected to account for 26% of all E&M spending in 2014, up from 19% in 2009.

While there are signs of a rebound, advertising is unlikely to return to former levels. By 2014, the US advertising spend is expected to still be 9% below its level in 2007. Overall US advertising is expected to increase at a 2.6 % CAGR from $159 billion in 2009 to $180 billion in 2014. In the US, Internet advertising is expected to surpass newspaper advertising spend in 2010.

Advertising spending for Internet, television, radio, out-of-home, and video games are expected to be larger in 2014 than in 2009, while consumer magazines, newspapers, directories and trade magazines are expected to be smaller. These projections reflect the market fragmentation and consumer behavioral changes. The advertising industry is responding to consumers’ shifting attention and migrating towards total marketing or total brand communication. Brands are changing their focus from advertising on a medium, to marketing through, and with, content.

Consumer feedback and usage provides the only reliable guide to the commercial viability of products and services, and the global consumer base is being used as a test-bed for new offerings and consumption models. PwC has identified three themes that are expected to emerge from changing consumer behavior and the industry must anticipate and pre-empt the needs and wants of consumers.

Rising power of mobility and devices: Advances in technology are expected to see increasingly converged, multi-functional mobile devices come of age as a consumption platform by the end of 2011. By 2014, US mobile Internet access subscribers are projected to increase to 96.1 million, a 40% CAGR from 2009.
Growing dominance of Internet experience over all content consumption: Increasingly, the consumer has moved beyond thinking of the Internet as an end in itself, and expects all forms of media to embed the convenience, immediacy and interactivity of the Internet. People are already consuming magazines and newspapers on Internet-enabled tablets, and streaming personalized music services in preference to buying physical CDs.
Increasing engagement and readiness to pay for content-driven by improved consumption experiences and convenience: Consumers are more willing to pay for content when accompanied by convenience and flexibility in usage, personalization and a differentiated experience that cannot be created elsewhere. Local relevance is also expected to enhance the content providers’ ability to charge.
Digital migration and consumer behavior changes have put extreme pressure on existing business models. The proliferation of platforms and rising consumer expectations mean companies can no longer ‘be everything.’

“The industry must radically rethink its approach to monetizing content in capturing new revenue sources, from transactions or from participation with others operating in the evolving digital value chain… ” added Ken Sharkey.

Segment highlights In the US:

Internet access and Internet advertising is expected to continue to outperform the other E&M segments, with 8.8 % and 7.7% CAGR, respectively
Video games (6.4% CAGR)
TV subscriptions (6.5% CAGR)
TV advertising (5.3% CAGR)
Radio (4.6% CAGR),
Filmed entertainment (3.6% CAGR)
Out-of-home advertising (3.2% CAGR)
Consumer and educational book publishing (2.5% CAGR)
Business-to-business publishing (0.9% CAGR)
Recorded music (-2.4 CAGR)
Newspaper publishing (-2.8 CAGR)
Consumer magazine publishing (-0.5 CAGR)
Overall, US consumer/end-user spending is expected to grow by 3.7% CAGR

Reasoning Mind is a highly acclaimed math program that makes learning math in second through sixth grades not only easy but downright fun.

“Reasoning Mind engaged our students from grade 2 to grade 4, and that has been expanded to grades 5 and 6,” said Gerald McElvy, vice chairman of the program. Until he retired a few weeks ago, McElvy was president of the Exxon Mobil Foundation, which has given $4.4 million over the last five and a half years to Reasoning Minds, about a fourth of the program’s financial support.

Reasoning Mind uses computers and artificial intelligence to help children realize that they can do math, McElvy said.

“After receiving an initial review of the program, Dallas ISD executive director Shirley Ison-Newsome and a team of Southeast Learning Community principals visited several schools in Houston, where the program was being used successfully.

“Very young children were able to articulate the operations they were engaging in using mathematics vocabulary; the children maintained math journals and could explain what they had written and the mathematics behind it.”

Reasoning Mind classes started in 26 DISD schools in January, and the program has been well-received by teachers and more than 3,000 students.

“For our teachers, it has been great to watch the partnership and support they are provided as they ‘grow’ little mathematicians in their class,” McElvy said. “I look forward to watching the full year of implementation on next year, not only to see the growth in mathematics academic achievement, which I know will happen, but to also see the confidence and ‘I can do’ attitude of the children continuing to grow and develop.”

McElvy said that DISD leadership wants to evaluate the program after a full year of use before deciding on broader implementation.

Reasoning Mind is also helping DISD in a communitywide effort to improve math performance by engaging organizations to provide tutoring and other support for students. The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is providing office space and services, and discussions are under way with Big Thought, YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

The program at the Salesmanship Club’s private J. Erik Jonsson Community School in Oak Cliff has resulted in math proficiency levels that match those of students in the Park Cities, principal Sandy Nobles said.

This fall, under the leadership of Ison-Newsome, 25 to 30 DISD elementary schools will adopt the program. If funding can be obtained, as many as 50 DISD elementary schools could take part.

Seeing progress

A Russian mathematician who settled in Houston with his family, Dr. Alexander R. “Alex” Khachatryan, is the founder, president and CEO of Reasoning Mind.

He found that with the Reasoning Mind program, it took just one semester to close the achievement gap between the scores of the predominantly Hispanic students of an inner-city school in Houston and those of the average white student. Similar improvements were reflected among advanced math students.

The program caught the attention of Houston businessman Ernest H. Cockrell, who is now chairman emeritus of the program, and Cockrell recruited oilman and civic leader Forrest Hoglund, who has homes in Dallas and Houston, to serve as vice chairman.

Hoglund, now chairman of the program, and his wife, Sally, have donated millions of dollars to Reasoning Mind through their foundation. And Hoglund, who led the expansion of Houston’s Museum of Natural Science and is chairing the capital campaign to build the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, has been the engine driving Reasoning Mind after accepting the torch from Cockrell.

Reasoning Mind, which is based in Houston and also has a corporate office in Moscow, says its goal is to serve a half-million students by the middle of this decade.

It uses program coordinators to train teachers and visit each campus biweekly.

Reasoning Mind recruits students from leading universities to serve as program coordinators, including Yale, Cornell, the University of Chicago, Princeton, Rice, Baylor, Columbia, Stanford, Spelman, Duke, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, the University of Texas and Texas A&M.

Teachers get extensive training in mathematics, and students get a curriculum that builds deep understanding through a logical progression of mathematical ideas.

Students master each objective before moving to the next lesson, meaning each student progresses at his own pace.

By offering problems of various difficulties and using artificial intelligence to adapt what each student sees based on previous performance, Reasoning Mind ensures that advanced students are challenged and that struggling students get the help they need.

Every problem comes with a step-by-step solution. An attractive interface, colorful graphics and games are interspersed with the curriculum.

Students read and watch mathematical concepts being illustrated on the screen and then demonstrate their understanding through interactive exercises.

Happy students

Using the Internet to distribute the program to schools helps keep costs low – Reasoning Mind costs the school districts around $150 per student per year, and philanthropy pays an additional $100 per student. The goal is to lower the schools’ costs to $70 per child.

In a survey taken earlier this month by more than 5,000 students who used Reasoning Mind this year, 93 percent said they liked learning math with the program, and 70 percent said they liked math more after using Reasoning Mind.

With math mastered, chemistry, physics and biology lessons propelled by Reasoning Mind will not be far behind, Hoglund said.

Besides the Hoglunds and the Exxon Mobil Foundation, other big donors include Jim and Judy Gibbs, McDermott International , Gerald and Sylvia McElvy, the Meadows Foundation, MediSend, the Harold Simmons Foundation, the Wachovia Foundation and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

To donate to Reasoning Mind, call Julie Fry at 832-476-9241 or e-mail jaf@reasoningmind.org.

A new report from IPG’s Mediabrands’ Magna Global says online advertising will climb 12.4% in 2010 to $61.0 billion. Plus, it will grow 64% from there to over $100 billion in five years.

Magna says online advertising will rise by 11.7% in 2011, an average rate of 11.0% through 2015. Overall, worldwide advertising estimates have been pegged at low- to-mid-single-digit gains in 2010.

The company estimates that North America will see a 12.3% rise in online advertising to $27.2 billion in 2010, hitting $45.2 billion in 2015.

Currently, the report says paid search continues to be one of the strongest components of all online advertising, roughly accounting for half of the $29.8 billion in revenues worldwide. It is pacing tup 16.5% over 2009 results. In North America, Magna estimates paid search to be at $13.1 billion for 2010, a 16.4% gain.

All other online advertising — display, email, video — will grow more slowly, 8.7% higher, to get to $31.2 billion worldwide.

Latin America will continue to be the fastest-growing region, notes Magna — reaching $3.5 billion of total supplier advertising revenue in 2015, on an average rate of 13.3% growth over the next five years. The biggest specific markets — China and Russia — will experience the greatest gains.

2010 CALL FOR ENTRIES: 

***JULYy 31,2010 DEADLINE.***

ALL OCCASION ART FOR GREETING CARDS

ELIGIBILITY

Artists of all ages and abilities are eligible.  Artwork must be original.

 ART STYLES AND THEMES

The Courage Cards All Occasion Collection will be designed for business to business communication.  Artwork must have a corporate, professional feel.  Word art and graphic design are acceptable.  Themes include:  Birthday, Thank You, Get Well, Sympathy, Anniversary and Achievement. 

 AWARDS

A license fee of $300 will be paid for every piece of selected artwork for All Occasion Courage Cards.  Selected artists will be notified by email or phone. 

 ENTRY

FREE!  No entry fee for this All-Occasion Art Search.  Submit copies of your work along with a summary listing the title and art medium of each entry.  DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS.  Artist name and art title should also appear on each entry.  Mail entries, artist contact information and summary list to: 

COURAGE CENTER

COURAGE CARDS

3915 Golden Valley Road

Minneapolis, MN  55422

Almost three-quarters of chief financial officers at major entertainment and media companies say digital and mobile represent the industry’s biggest growth opportunities, despite a challenging business climate.

CFOs say they are finally seeing measurable growth in digital revenue even as declining sales from traditional media and the economic downturn combine to leave overall industry revenue stagnant, according to a new Ernst & Young report.

Figuring out how to manage that shift while maintaining pricing is the difficult balancing act they face. “Revenues are dropping due to the unbundling of media and the reduction of per-unit pricing, challenging CFOs to identify innovative ways to reach their financial objectives,” said John Nendick, global media and entertainment leader for Ernst & Young. “However, as the demand for digitally delivered entertainment continues to increase significantly, CFOs feel optimistic about revenue potential.”

But they can’t be happy with the downward pricing trends. The consulting firm estimates that by 2012, the average per-unit price of video and music content will decrease by almost 25% from the per-unit price in 2009. That’s on the heels of a 55% and 12% drop, respectively, in the prices of music and video between 2006 and 2009.

Total home video and music spending this year — including digital and physical products — is estimated at $28.5 billion, down from $36.4 billion four years ago.

The Ernst & Young study, which surveys CFOs at 75 global media and entertainment companies, also revealed that executives have aggressively adopted cost-cutting measures to offset contracting revenue and view technology as a way to produce content faster and more cheaply.

More than two-thirds of CFOs consider that emerging media platforms, such as e-books and mobile content, will have the greatest impact on the industry in the next two to three years. Underscoring the rise of digital media, Ernst & Young projects that 27% of households worldwide will have broadband connections by the end of the year and 55% will have 3G devices by year’s end.

The firm’s index of digital media users, growing at an annual rate of 32%, is expected to reach 2.2 billion by 2011 — more than double the total for 2007. To keep up with new media trends, CFOs say getting real-time information on where consumers are heading will help their companies better adapt product offerings, keep pace with current demand and anticipate future trends.

But the report warns that even as companies experiment with new business models, “they need to focus on maintaining revenues in the areas that have been their mainstay in decades past. CFOs cannot forsake traditional earning in their quest for the digital jackpot.”

Executives surveyed in the Ernst & Young study spanned companies including News Corp., The New York Times Co., ABC, Facebook, Hulu, Interpublic, Major League Baseball, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.

LIMA) today announced that The Twilight Saga: New Moon, the second installment of Summit Entertainment’s blockbuster film series based on the popular vampire romance novels, was named License of the Year at last night’s Opening Night Awards Ceremony at Licensing International Expo 2010 in Las Vegas. In addition, licensing programs supporting the Twilight property were honored in the entertainment and retail awards categories.

In all, LIMA presented 16 International Licensing Excellence Awards recognizing the best and most successful licensed properties and products in seven categories: Art, Character/Toy, Corporate, Film/Television/Celebrity/Entertainment, Sports and Sports-Themed Entertainment, Promotion and Retailer. Nominations were solicited from across the licensing industry and winners chosen by a vote of the LIMA membership.

“This year’s International Licensing Excellence Award winners include classic brands such as Barbie and Scrabble as well as new properties and products that are popular with a wide variety of audiences,” said Charles Riotto, President of LIMA. “The association congratulates all of our winners, who exemplify the creativity of our industry and the strength of licensing as a brand builder.”

All awards are based on calendar year 2009. The winners, by category, are:

ART
• Best Art Program: Paul Frank
• Best Art Licensee: LF USA’s Kids Headquarters Investments Division (for Paul Frank Apparel)

CHARACTER/TOY BRAND
• Best Character/Toy Brand Program: Barbie (Mattel, Inc.)
• Best Character/Toy Brand Licensee – Hard Goods: Digital Blue (for LEGO electronics)
• Best Character/Toy Brand Licensee – Soft Goods: Mighty Fine (for Peanuts T-shirts)

CORPORATE
• Best Corporate Brand Program: Food Network
• Best Corporate Brand Licensee – Hard Goods: Creative Designs International, a Division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (for Black & Decker Junior role-play products)
• Best Corporate Brand Licensee – Soft Goods: adidas Originals (for Vespa footwear and apparel)

FILM, TELEVISION, CELEBRITY OR ENTERTAINMENT
• Best Film, Television, Celebrity or Entertainment Program: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
• Best Film, Television, Celebrity or Entertainment Licensee – Hard Goods: Cardinal Industries, Inc. (for The Twilight Saga: New Moon The Movie Board Game)
• Best Film, Television, Celebrity or Entertainment Licensee – Soft Goods: National Entertainment Collectibles Association (for The Twilight Saga: New Moon apparel and accessories)

SPORTS AND SPORTS-THEMED ENTERTAINMENT
• Best Sports and Sports-Themed Entertainment Program: ESPN
• Best Sports and Sports-Themed Entertainment Licensee: Electronic Arts (for FIFA videogames)

PROMOTION
• Best Licensed Promotion: Scrabble at Subway (Hasbro, Inc.)

RETAILER
• Best Retailer: Nordstrom (for The Twilight Saga: New Moon)

OVERALL BEST LICENSED PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
• The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Summit Entertainment, LLC)

Hassenfelds Inducted into LIMA Licensing Industry Hall of Fame
Following the awards presentation the licensing industry honored the lifetime achievements of licensing industry pioneers Alan G. Hassenfeld and the late Stephen Hassenfeld of Hasbro, Inc. Among the first to recognize the impact toys and games could have in telling a story, the Hassenfelds built the company into a top toy licensing partner for many brands, and many of Hasbro’s own brands have become licensing juggernauts in their own right. Noted for their philanthropy, the Hassenfelds have been involved in hundreds of charitable and social causes through The Hasbro Children’s Foundation and other endeavors.

Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation Charity of Choice for 7th Consecutive Year
For the seventh consecutive year, LIMA selected the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF) as its charity of choice. The Foundation works to improve the treatment, quality of life, and long-term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors. All proceeds from sales of a special tribute book honoring the Hassenfelds and the Licensing Excellence Awards nominees were donated to the CBTF.

There’s no arguing that word of mouth (WOM) marketing impacts sales. And while a large number of people talk about content they found online, three-quarters of the time those conversations take place offline.

A recent study from Yahoo on WOM marketing demonstrates that the Internet has grown more influential when it comes to informing people through conversations about brands, even more so than TV in certain categories. The study also finds that the best vehicles for influencing WOM come from consumers who play in social networks. These “Conversation Catalysts” drive a disproportionately higher percentage of WOM activity.

While many marketers have little doubt that the Internet can influence WOM marketing nearly as much as TV, the huge gap in budgets for online versus television tells a different tale, says Radha Subramanyam, Yahoo vice president, who heads corporate and media research. “There’s a bit of an intellectual gap in how marketers spend their budget that doesn’t exactly tie to ROI,” she says.

Although only 7% of all brand-WOM conversations occur online, 38% of people have brand-WOM conversations both online or offline influenced by the Internet, which Yahoo estimates at 74 million people.

Among the media channels influencing WOM, the Internet has grown while others like television and print remain flat. The level of Internet references rose to 15% in January 2010, compared with nearly 12% during the same time in the year-ago period.

Despite the buzz around social media and its role in WOM, most conversations take place face to face. Media — both online and off — are influential in driving these conversations, but it’s important to note that 76% of WOM conversations take place in person.

Two-thirds of WOM is positive, and only 8% is negative, according to the study.

Certain categories such as financial and automotive appear to do better than health and health care and personal care and beauty. The study recognizes a 17% impact on finance from the Internet, compared with 8% for television. Yahoo believes that impact has a 1% bump to 18% on its network.

The study finds that Yahoo’s audience drives more WOM marketing for automotive and finance categories. While the Facebook and YouTube audiences both have a considerable reach, a much higher volume of auto and finance WOM occurred among the Yahoo audience since January.

Automotive in Yahoo’s network drove 54% of WOM marketing volume compared with 48% in Facebook; 46%, YouTube; 21%, MSN; 17%, AOL; and 15%, Hulu. Finance in Yahoo’s network drove 55% of WOM marketing volume, compared with 48% in Facebook; 40%, YouTube; 23%, MSN; 17%, AOL; and 14%, Hulu.

Conversation Catalysts have become the most valuable WOM segment, because they have a large social network, belong to clubs, organizations and social groups, and often give advice in five or more product categories. They are 20% more likely to mention the Internet in brand WOM conversations.

This trend is driven by millennials, Subramanyam says. “This generation is moving into the years of life where they think about purchases. These kids are now becoming adults,” she says. “This generation is the first that literally grew up with the Internet.”

As millennials become the new adults, marketers will see an interesting cultural shift, Subramanyam says.

Even so, there’s a missed opportunity in understanding that traditional Internet marketing has a bigger impact on word of mouth, says Brad Fay, chief operating officer at Keller Fay Group, and marketing consultant at McKinsey. “There’s a big opportunity to drive word of mouth using something as simple as a brand Web site,” he says. “The study found it’s the number one component to drive word of mouth through the Internet.”

About 15% of all conversations include something from people who found the information online, Fay says. People sit side-by-side with a mobile device in hand, talking about restaurants, clothing stores or services they read about online, he says.

The study concludes that Internet content can significantly impact WOM activity, especially on sites that serve this market segment known as Conversation Catalysts.

Yahoo partnered with Keller Fay to observe WOM activity from more than 18,500 survey respondents between August 2009 and January 2010. WOM conversations were tracked with the assistance of a 24-hour diary and follow-up contacts to answer standardized questions about brands and companies they talked about.

Much has been made of mobile applications as branding and advertising vehicles, but they’re also playing a role in encouraging m-commerce, according to a new study. The survey by electronics comparison shopping site Retrevo found the proportion of people that had bought something with their cell phones had doubled to 20% in just the last four months.

Of those who have made a mobile purchase, 42% did so using applications capable of transactions. Further, the iPhone, which offers some 200,000 apps, was the most popular type of smartphone when it came to mobile shopping.

Since consumers have flocked to mobile apps because they’ve typically provided a smoother user experience than mobile Web sites, it makes sense apps would gain ground as shopping tools.

But Retrevo’s latest Pulse Report found mobile users are still apprehensive about transferring credit card information to their phone. When asked what would make them more likely to buy something from a retailer via cell phone, 24% said not having to provide credit card information, and 13% said if credit card data was already stored with a retailer.

That suggests the easier retailers make it for customers to store account information, the more comfortable people will be to buy with their phones. To that end, Retrevo cited services such as Amazon’s PayPhrase, which lets customers create a unique phrase and a four-digit PIN to verify accounts and speed up online purchases.

Amazon last year also launched a mobile payments service for third-party developers and merchants that allows consumers to use their Amazon accounts to make purchases on other mobile sites or apps.

PayPal and other companies also provide mobile wallets, and some speculate that the major U.S. wireless carriers may eventually get into the payments game, as NTT DoCoMo has done in Japan — but perhaps not until m-commerce becomes more widespread.

More than half (53%) of those surveyed by Retrevo said they hadn’t made a mobile purchase to date and had no plans to. But another 27% said that though they hadn’t bought anything yet via cell phone, they would eventually.

So currently, about half of mobile users are open to mobile shopping — but only 20% have actually used their handset to buy goods. That still leaves room for plenty of room for growth for retailers and others looking to extend their business to mobile devices. Converting potential mobile shoppers into buyers will be the hard part, but an app offering some type of mobile wallet would appear to ease the process.

To mark the event, FIFA.com, the world’s official football website, and Google have collaborated on a range of online features to help supporters keep track of how each team is doing throughout the tournament. Whether you’re searching for FIFA World Cup news or want to voice your opinion on a player’s performance, we have a number of ways for fans to stay on top of the action:

Follow your team while browsing the Internet: stay up-to-date when you’re online with the FIFA.com Chrome extension. Get a live feed of FIFA World Cup results, news and match statistics and if you’re supporting a particular team, personalise the gadget for alerts of goals scored by your team as they happen
See the latest scores and schedules in search results: search for [world cup], [world cup spain], [world cup group g] and more, and you’ll see live scores, latest results and match schedules at the top of your search results. You’ll find quick links to game recaps, live updates, standings and team profiles on FIFA.com
Follow the tournament on your personalised home page: get all the latest information on FIFA World Cup teams, players and matches streamed to your very own home page with the iGoogle Gadget. If you want to know more about where all the action is happening, click on the ‘venues’ tab to take a closer look at the stadiums
Get a feel for what it’s like to be there: FIFA.com and South African Tourism have used Google Maps to add information about the host cities, stadiums and attractions, giving people easy access to these sights with Street View and 3D views : maps.google.com/exploresouthafrica

You can get access to all of these features from FIFA.com and Google by visiting google.com/worldcup

Matt Stone, Head of FIFA New Media, commented: “In a landmark initiative, the world’s greatest football site, FIFA.com, has teamed up with one of the world’s leading search engines, Google, to give the global community of football enthusiasts unprecedented ease of access to the news and information they crave. From live feeds to in-depth data on matches, teams and venues, FIFA.com and Google provide every Internet user with a privileged, personalised experience of the World Cup.”

New on FIFA.com for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
FIFA.com, available in six languages, is the official online destination for the FIFA World Cup. In 2010, for the first time, FIFA.com users will select the Man of the Match for each of the FIFA World Cup’s 64 games. To interact with FIFA.com and other fans, it is simply a matter of joining the free FIFA.com Club, to enjoy features such as the online Panini Sticker album.

Match data and statistics in unparalleled breadth and depth
FIFA.com will also provide FIFA World Cup match data and statistics in unrivalled breadth and depth, ranging from top-level information to key game statistics plus granular data such as blow-by-blow detail on passes, each player’s speed, and distance in the course of each match.

News, video, features, games and one-stop-shop
With a full range of news, video highlights, player profiles, historical data, behind-the-scenes access to the stars, games, polls, travel features and a one-stop shop for retail, event ticketing, accommodation and hospitality, FIFA.com offers football enthusiasts around the world the most comprehensive online service for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

About FIFA.com
FIFA.com, the world’s official football website, is the online heart of football.

Recognised as the world’s most authoritative football website, unrivalled for depth, insight and accuracy, FIFA.com reliably and impartially delivers the global football message across multiple digital platforms to an international community of millions of professionals and enthusiasts.

Constantly updated, FIFA.com (live since 1995) offers the latest news, video highlights, historical data, contact with the stars, behind-the-scenes access, and — through the free FIFA.com Club — a global meeting point for people who care about football.

In addition, FIFA.com supplies a one-stop shop for retail, event ticketing, accommodation and hospitality. Through serving the global football community it also delivers value to the six FIFA Partners (adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, Hyundai, Sony, Visa) and FIFA World Cup™ Sponsors (Budweiser, Castrol, Continental, McDonald’s, MTN, Mahindra Satyam, Seara, Yingli Solar).

FIFA.com is predicted to generate over 10 billion page views during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Lady Gaga is inspired by glam rock artists such as David Bowie and Queen, as well as pop musicians such as Madonna and Michael Jackson. She has also stated fashion is a source of inspiration for her songwriting and performances. Gaga was ranked the 73rd Artist of the 2000-10 decade by Billboard. As of May 2010, Gaga has sold over 15 million albums and over 40 million singles worldwide. In May 2010, Time magazine included Gaga in its annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.

Lady Gaga is proof that Hip Hop, R&B’s influence on Pop Culture is alive and well. The African-American segment of urban music continues to influence pop, rock, country and more.

She began her career with Streamline Records, an imprint of Interscope Records. During her early time at Interscope, she worked as a songwriter for fellow label artists and captured the attention of Hip Hop, R&B artist, Akon, who recognized her vocal abilities, and got her signed to his own label, Kon Live Distribution.

Interscope seemed to be on a roll with its first few releases, the label was faced with criticism for manufacturing what was considered cookie-cutterhip-hop. That changed when, in 1992, Iovine financially assisted Suge Knight and Dr. Dre in the initiation of Death Row Records, and arranged for Interscope to distribute its records. The joint venture hit pay-dirt when Death Row and Interscope released The Chronic, the solo debut album from Dr. Dre. Released in December, the album became a seminal hit into the new year; eventually going triple platinum, and furthermore introduced the then up-and-coming Snoop Dogg—whose own debut album Doggystyle was released in late 1993 and became a monstrous success as well, selling over 800,000 in its first week of release.

Following the success of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Death Row, Interscope became powerful labels in the industry, both collectively and respectively.

Before she was Lady Gaga, Germanotta had initially signed with Def Jam Recordings at the age of 19, after Island Def Jam Music Group Chairman and CEO L. A. Reid heard her singing down the hallway from his office.

Look for more Lady Gaga collaborations with Beyonce and other Hip Hop and R&B artists in the future as she continues to broaden her audience worldwide and continues to influence pop culture on a global scale.