What is the cost of quality performance?

In its second weekend, The Dark Knight has surpassed $300 million at the box office - having been out for only ten days and is well on its way to becoming one of the top grossing movies of all time. (In case you are curious, click here to see the complete list.)

Not only that, but on The Internet Movie Database's (IMDB) top 250 movies (of all time), The Dark Knight is now rated #1. This surpasses The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather movies, Pulp Fiction, Schindler's List, Casablanca and even Star Wars.

My brothers agreed, hands down, Ledger made the movie and each time he was on the screen they didn't want the scene to end. (I have not seen it, so I cannot comment.) In doing some poking around online, I noticed a number of stellar reviews from users agreeing with my brothers saying, "what Ledger created was one of a kind" and Ledger gave "the performance of a lifetime."

A few weeks before his death, an interview was released saying Ledger admitted to locking himself in a hotel room for a month to get into the role of The Joker - who Ledger described as, "psychopathic, mass murdering, schizophrenic clown with zero empathy."

This role was so disturbing it was rumored Ledger was unable to shake it after the movie was completed, leading to constant mental pain and an unshakeable sense of turmoil and ultimately leading to his death. Was the treatment worth it?

Critics and fans who have seen the movie will agree it was worth it to prepare for his performance as The Joker - but, it may have cost him his life. Does anyone agree THAT was worth it?

The begs the question, what would it cost you to give the performance of your life?

-K

A lecture for the soul

Randy Pausch, the inspiring man I wrote about in this blog, has lost his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 47.

Randy will be remembered as being a courageous fighter with a gentle soul. His inspiring story will be remembered for years to come as well as his "Last Lecture."

Rest in peace, Randy.

-K

WDOK's Christmas in July weekend

Driving in to work this morning I had my radio scanning my programmed channels as usual. "Indians playing the Twins this weekend..." [SCAN] "The Akron police department was especially busy last night..." [SCAN] "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose..."

Wait a minute, it's July - not Christmas!

As part of 102.1 WDOK's Christmas in July promotion they are celebrating Christmas early this year - all weekend long! I listened as an endless amount of callers made their claims on why this was a good or bad idea. When a caller opposed their ideas, Trapper Jack rang Christmas bells in hopes the gentle ringing would ease them in to the holiday spirit.

The whole promotion is very nicely played, however. WDOK's website is decorated with their holiday themes complete with falling snowflakes.

And with that I must wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy last weekend in July.

-K

Finally a Sign.

Logos. What are they and why are they so important? The dictionary describes it this way. “Logo - also called logotype. a graphic representation or symbol of a company name, trademark, abbreviation, etc., often uniquely designed for ready recognition”.

For those of us in marketing we know and understand the importance of the visual message a logo or typeface can evoke. Yet so many people put little thought into their design and use. Signs in ancient times were symbols of services and goods as many were not able to read or write. Today your image is everything and can cause a decision or mindset before the sales process even starts.

It is with this in mind we always encourage our clients to think about the feel, emotion and message points that their logo and brand will transmit to their publics.

Yesterday we were thrilled when our sign was added to our new location. Now people can find us easier and it is a reminder of our branding that will encourage the connection to our company.

So here is a question - What does our logo stand for? Send in your comments and I will share in my next posting.

Bruce

Drink from a drop

I have to thank my brother for this blog idea, as he can always be counted on for finding me out of the ordinary blog items.


This new carafe is designed to resemble a water drop, "frozen in time." The tip of the drop is removed to become the drinking cup.



Is this a useful, unique item - or is the wacky item market getting carried away?

-Katy

A social networking warning

For those of you who aren't up with social networking news, here is a story about having a night out, signing on to a social networking site and writing to your friends. The problem with this, however, is posting things that could wind up getting you into legal trouble once you sober up.

Click here to MSN's article, Don't drink and drive, then post on Facebook.

Word of the day

The word of the day is: Demographic segmentation

Definition of demographic segmentation - Dividing consumers into groups based on selected demographics, so that different groups can be treated differently.

For example, two advertisements might be developed, one for adults and one for college students, because the two seperate groups will be attracted to different types of advertising appeal.

-Katy

An exciting day for Cleveland

Can you feel it? Football season is almost here! In fact, the first day of Cleveland Browns training camp started today. This always makes me excited - but, today was extra special.

I was ecstatic to read this MSN article written by Peter Schrager, an expert contributor to FOXSports.com on the latest edition of the NFL Power Rankings. Why you ask?

"Everyone's going ga-ga over Cleveland this summer, and with good reason," is the quote about the Cleveland Browns which are picked number 8 OVERALL.

Number 8? Number 8?! We haven't been picked that high since the days of the Kardiac Kids or Bernie Kosar!

What in the world does this have to do with business, Katy? Easy.

Because of this ranking, people will become more anxious about the Browns football, so they will travel to Berea to watch the training camp (and spend money on gas). Also, they will need to wear Browns apparel to watch them at training camp, so they will visit their local store to buy wearing apparel (and spend more money). Then, these Browns fans will be so hyped up that they will go to a game (and spend money on tickets, food and beverages - hey, it is Cleveland!)

Maybe some people can't quite get it together to go to the game, so what do they do? Go to the local sports bar with your buddies (and spend money on food and beverages).

Perhaps some will even attend a Cleveland Browns party. Drinks, food, dog bones made in to necklaces - we've all attended one of these fiestas. (Actually, we've probably all thrown one of these parties!)

All-in-all, a good team brings in money for the city - New York, anyone? I look forward to football season for many, many reasons. No one can deny that even Pittsburgh Steelers fans enjoy being in Cleveland during football season.

Oh, speaking of THAT team - they were ranked number 9. :)

GO BROWNS!
-Katy