Product placement is a touchy subject for marketers. After all, it’s not just the the size of the audience that counts. The audience must be the right audience. And the context must be the right context; one that is brand positive.

I’d say the three (possibly four) A&F shirts flanking Barack Obama was a big score for the Abercrombie & Fitch brand; probably a big score for the Obama brand too.

The Post-It® tagline is “Remarkably simple solutions”, we couldn’t agree more with this wonderfully crafted animation using Post-It® Notes via Russia. Our Russian is a little rusty so we couldn’t properly credit the creators, but we dig their choice of distribution method, YouTube, a common outlet of new media enthusiasts.

Here’s an interesting article about how the running shoe company that has led the advertising pack through traditional media channels for decades is breaking away with huge brand building ideas.

Mini may be a compact car, but it does advertising in a big way. So big, pressure by competitors persuaded the city government to ban this mega projection after its third night of showing. The projection was accomplished with 4 beamers - all together 80,000 AnsiLumen - that produced a picture size of 85 x 117 feet. A very large Mini indeed.

Before leaving for the Hamptons/Vineyard, make sure you check out this non-traditional campaign for Smirnoff Raw Tea. The campaign (created by BBH and directed by Julien Christian Lutz) brings together a few non-traditional media vehicles in true prepsta fashion.

We recommend studying the Prepsta Guide at TeaPartay.com as well.

The brilliant use of a new media tool makes us all feel less blue. The recent freezing of JetBlue flights during last week’s ice storm has been dominating the headlines. But JetBlue’s PR response and ownership of the shortcoming–and their plan to fix it–sure warmed us up. Why purchase super expensive national advertising media, when you can deliver your message for free? And better still, appear human in the process. Kudos JetBlue.

flickr photo credit: hobbes8calvin

Two held after ad campaign triggers Boston bomb scare- CNN
Boston officials livid over ad stunt- New York Times
Marketing gambit exposes wide generation gap- Boston Globe
TV Officials defend agressive coverage- Boston Globe
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Mooninites Don’t Scare NYC- The Gothamist

See what two bottles of water and an active imagination can do:

pimplywimp.com

In an effort independent of the recent Mini motorboards, Microsoft is developing a you-centric advertising platform of their own.

First, you have to be a Mini owner to qualify. After that, the concept is simple, supply Mini with a little not too personal information about yourself. They’ll send you a keyfob that identifies you to the board. When the board detects you are about to drive by it delivers you a personal message. Holy minority report.

Motorboards program screen capture.