Darticles no. 9

Confessions of an Online Skeptic
by Jenn Totten, Copywriter
I’ve always thought the idea of a “social Web” was a bit of an oxymoron. But 2009 just might be the year that wins me over.

Marketers Should Think Twice About Trade Show Spending
by Karen Albritton, President
2009 promises to be a watershed year in terms of how marketing budgets are allocated. The convergence of the tough economy, the explosion of digital technologies and changes in how people get information and entertainment should lead marketers to throw out the rule book for how to spend their marketing money.

User-Generated Content
If you don’t believe user-generated content (UGC) is one of the big trends for 2009, listen up. Strangecorp.com reports that only 14% of online consumers trust advertising, but a whopping 78% trust the opinions of other consumers. Seventy-three percent of online consumers read blogs and 36% have more positive attitudes toward brands that have them. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, one in four Internet users visit social networking sites at least once a month.

The Changing Face of the Interface
by Will Langley, Web Developer
My prediction for 2009? Without a doubt, we will see the continued acceptance of the multi-touch interface by consumers.

2009 Trends: Staying On Track with Health Consumers
by Lisa Ward, Senior Vice President, Health Care and Life Sciences
Health consumers have joined the march to the Internet and are demanding enhanced online access to health care. In fact, the 2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers by The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions shows more of a tidal wave than a trend.

Buying Real Estate in the Clouds
by Paul Smith, Senior Web Developer
The idea of buying software has always been a little weird.

Our Economic Future — from a Millennial’s Perspective
by Melissa Ilardi, Media Planner/Buyer
Despite the economic downturn, I can’t help but be optimistic of the future. My attitudes are directly linked to my age — I’m on the cusp of Gen X and Gen Y, also known as Millennials or children of the ‘80s and ‘90s (think: L.A. Gear and big bangs).

2009: Changes the Face of Media
by Ely Perez, Engagement Marketing Manager
With ever-gloomier news of an economy in recession, media professionals are looking for more flexibility and a traceable ROI that print and traditional media outlets cannot supply. Analytics are becoming more important than ever — they enable marketers and advertisers to justify their budgets and show results.

Thanks for Listening
by Todd Coats, Chief Creative Officer
An economic black cloud dampens everything. Consumers aren’t spending, while marketers scramble to recoup lost value. Couple that with new communication technologies popping up daily and we’ve gotten mired in a super-duper fractured, mucky communications landscape.