CASE 2: Facebook settlement

Facebook has just settled the 3 year long settlement between the company’s founder Mark Zukerberg and his three former class mates, Divya Narendra and twin Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.  AP did some stealthy investigation to find out the DL of this case, which was completely closed to the public.  Facebook really did not want to get this word out.  Many large portions of the hearing were redacted from the transcript, but were cleverly recovered by the Associated Press.

            October 2007, Microsoft Corp. invested $240 million for 1.6 percent stake in Facebook and a broader advertising partnership.  According to Microsoft’s investment, Facebook’s stock was worth $35.90 per share.  This caused Zukerberg’s former classmates to oppose the primary settlement offered to them.  They demanded the share price established with Microsoft’s investment.  Facebook explained that the software company bought preferred premium stock to help their reach in Facebook and increase advertising efforts. 

            U.S. District Judge James Ware decided to enforce the primary settlement despite ConnectU’s resistance.  Facebook agreed to pay ConnectU $20 million in cash and 1,253,326 shares of common stock.  Connect U received from $31 million and $65 million, depending on whether the Microsoft or Facebook’s personal stock value evaluation. 

            The $65 million settlement amount was leaked by Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges, before Ware signed off on it.  The firm was fired by ConnectU.

This issue clearly started as a copyright case.  The former classmates were trying to claim  that Zukerberg stole the idea and profited from it.  Judging by their acceptance of the settlement they're finally convinced that Facebook is not worth ALL THAT.

[Article from AP]

CRASH TO THE PAST

I can't help but finding a trend in media and advertising lately.  Seems that people are looking more to the past now a days, and less to the unforeseeable future of the US in this economy and new administration.  There is still optimism in the air because we feel change coming, but it is unavoidable to be wary of the future of our economy.  PepsiCo has already aired their throw-back commercial, with the side-by-side mirror images of great things and people from the past and today. Coke has also opened the world to happiness, even to insects!

It is not just branding that is trying to look at everything but whats happening now.  The Oscars this Sunday were all about the throw-backs.  Beginning with the set, the inspiration was old band stand.  The orchestra was thrown on the stage and so were winners of the past.  The message was of look has happened, welcome to the community, and THE MUSICAL IS BACK!!  This was all through montages of images, clips and songs of the past.  However, this distraction of remembering the past did not distract some actors from the present.  Hugh mentioned the recession, as a cute segway, and Sean Penn emphasized the message of MILK as an empowerment to rights for LGBTs.

So for your brand, put a smile on!! I'm an optimist and I believe that is what we need.  

A spoon full of sugar....

I have been slacking a bit since Valentine's Day.  But I promise to get back on track with my piece of the day.

I use the term piece because it covers all types of media.  It's anything that inspires me that day. An image, video, spoken word, written word, etc.  You name it!!

TODAY: A PSA for the 2008 Architecture + the City festival in San Francisco, CA.  I came upon it while surfing one of my subscribed blogs, Curbed.  It perfectly represents the reason I CRAVE architecture and its history.  So here it is for all you who aren't as OBSESSSSED as I am.

T

REMIX: Heinz Ketchup

Another brand is joining the trend of food/bev product makeovers.  Heinz Ketchup is replacing the classic green pickle with a tomato still on the vine.  This is the first major change to their label since the 1940s.  That is a long time for a brand to go without a facelift, but Heinz didn't need it.  Its the staple ketchup brand in the nation and Britain (one of their biggest markets for Heinz food products).  

The question is:   Is Heinz food products going to remix all their brands?  Their top global brands are Bagel Bites, Boston Market, Classico sauces, and TGIFriday products.  

Because of the economy, even classic brands like Heinz Ketchup are subject to competition from less expensive store brands and competitors.  PepsiCo's new remix was centered on purity and quality of their brands.  Heinz is trying to stick to the same thing.  I'll be keeping my eyes open for anymore changes from them.

[Bye Pickle]

PIECE OF THE DAY: Crazy little thing called LOVE

In the spirit of Valentines Day, I was in the loving mood and wanted to show you this painting from the Art and Love in Renaissance Italy exhibition at the MET in New York City.  This is Venus and Cupid by Lorenzo Lotto.

Hope you're feeling the love.

PIECE OF THE DAY: Bob Krist

This is the one post that I stop talking about advertising and branding, and just share with you what I like in art. It might be a photograph or painting, any medium that inspires me.

Let me know what you think about it, and share what inspires you. I get my greatest creative energy from the people around me.

I am taking a class now about art and architecture in the Iberian peninsula. The focus is on classical architecture that is translated through a lens and than appropriated in another culture. A lot of characteristically Roman architecture was subject to this appropriation. This photograph from National Geographic is a perfect depiction of the Roman visual vocab of the column being translated centuries late. The columns (designed by Glan Lorenzo Bernini in the 16th cnetury) dwarf the pedestrians at the Piazza San Pietro.

What I also love about this photo is the candid flight of the birds and the boy playing. I prefer images that are less staged and more experience. I think thats why I gravitate to travel photos of cultures, people and animals in their natural environment. Sorry if my images graviate towards that category.

Enjoy my new installment!