Can You Marvel at Ethnic Pride and Still Mock It?

As an emerging minority (white, middle-aged American), I’m often envious of the deep cultural bond of minorities (hence my confessed, sincere desire to be African American). But I’m also quick to poke fun at Racial stereotypes because they’re so wonderfully taboo and controversial. Here’s me with SMPFilms’ “Mr. Safety” in NYC quoting the “five dollar…

If She’s Pretty and Asian… She’s Probably a Computerized Virtual Composite

NOTE: Made a video about this. Watch it! So you’re trying to sell some candy in Japan (Glico’s Ice Nomi), and you sign  a pop band that appears to be an SNL parody of Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show (see “fun fact” at end). Sales are up, but you decide you could sell another 30% of…

Which Trailer Makes You Want “Dead Island” More?

Two trailers, with dramatically different approaches. The first is about a girl’s death, and takes the viewer backwards to experience it. The second, released recently, shows more game play, and is certainly more “blue” with its cursing and rap music. From a marketer’s perspective, I like the sequence. The first creates intrigue and emotional connection…

Why Choices Are Bad

Choices are bad. We don’t like them. The fewer the better. This video builds off of communism and ideology and stuff, but gets to the pretty practical too… like the anxiety provoked by selecting a wine or the choice of sex. Courtesy of Laughing Squid. It’s kinda depressing actually, so maybe you’d prefer some LOLCats.

Health & Community: Pictures & Video’s Impact

I’ve seen YouTube’s power as a community, and occasionally it rallies on behalf of an individual or cause related to health. However I’ve yet to see a health community that’s truly powered by images and video (and involves patient-to-patient peer support leveraging webcams and the Internets). In general, I like when the power of new-technology…

Why YouTube Subscribers Don’t Matter

In general, YouTube creators (and viewers) are a bit obsessed with sheer numbers of subscribers. It’s fool’s gold, friends. While early views are often predicated on developing a subscriber base, as a creator’s presence on YouTube matures, subscribers simply don’t matter nearly as much as people think. What matters is quality not quantity. I’d trade…