For many people, the Super Bowl is less about the football game and more about the creative (and expensive) commercials. In fact, every year a group of advertising professors at Michigan State University rate the Super Bowl ads. And if you followed the Twitter buzz about the ads, you won’t be surprised that their No. 1 pick was the first TV ad for Google.

“Parisian Love” won over the audience with the way it tells a love story through a man’s Google searches. The ad works brilliantly because it is true to the Google experience while employing storytelling to make it emotionally captivating.

Unlike other commercials, “Parisian Love” wasn’t developed specifically for the Super Bowl. It’s part of a series of “Search Stories” by Google, and it first aired on YouTube more than three months ago.

We didn’t set out to do a Super Bowl ad, or even a TV ad for search. Our goal was simply to create a series of short online videos about our products and our users, and how they interact. But we liked this video so much, and it’s had such a positive reaction on YouTube, that we decided to share it with a wider audience. Source: Google Blog

What do you think? Did Google’s story of searching for love win you over, or does another commercial deserve top recognition?

Job Opportunities & Resources

• Mashable is hiring experienced journalists and editors. The social media guide has both full- and part-time opportunities available, including Senior Editor and Editorial Assistant.
• INgage Networks has several openings, such as UI engineer and UI/UX designer. Positions are available in Michigan and Florida.
• Eventbrite, an online event ticketing, management and promotion service, is now hiring for several web, sales, and editing positions in San Francisco.
• Comic Book Resources in Los Angeles is looking for an Assistant Online Editor. The position is part time and requires flexible hours with occasional weekend availability.
• Quicken Loans in Livonia, MI is looking for an Email Marketing Program Manager. Candidates should have some experience with marketing/communications and be able to code HTML.
• How to Craft a Writing Resume: Putting together a resume can be difficult for writers, especially for those just starting out. The Traveler’s Notebook shares some tips to help, including using a CV format.
• Design Jobs Part 1: Application packets: In part one of her design jobs series, Andrea Zagata looks at how to put together your design application packet, from cover letter to clips.

Recommended Reading

• The Future of Journalism Education: Dan Gillmor of Mediactive shares some great ideas for what journalism education should be in the future — ideas that should be considered for all writing majors.
• Social Media: Editors Have Whole New Role: Editors from a range of media outlets gathered recently to discuss how social media has changed and is continuing to change the duties of editors and reporters.
• Designers These Days: Chris Coyier shares a list of skills and traits he thinks modern web designer should have, including an understanding of copyright laws and the ability to design for mobile devices.

Tools & Resources

• How to Grow as a Web Designer: Webdesigner Depot shares ways to reignite your growth as a web designer and avoid ruts in a field that is constantly changing and growing.
• On the Subject of Design: Designer Jason Santa Maria adds to his list of design, type, and theory reading recommendations. Check it out if you’re looking for some new reading material or inspiration.
• 50 Inspiring Portfolio Designs: Web Design Ledger has compiled a great list of layout, color, typography, and styles examples to help inspire your portfolio design.

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What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

Michigan State University Athletic Director Mark Hollis announced today that plans to redesign the Spartan helmet logo have been abandoned.

Criticism erupted last month after news leaked of a brand redesign scheduled to launch in April. At the time, the official statement from MSU was that the new helmet logo was “a single element of a comprehensive brand and identity project” conducted with Nike.

In today’s statement, Hollis addressed the concern over cost of a redesign, saying the university did not have to pay for the service. Hollis then responded to the criticism about redesigning an already powerful brand identity:

The recent disclosure of an updated Spartan logo from a trademark registration process has resulted in a flurry of concern and discontentment among some of our students, alumni, and fans. [...] Our primary objective is to achieve a strong and consistent Spartan brand, but rest assured that, as our mission statement attests, bringing Spartans together is one of our fundamental values.

Our identity and branding process is nearing completion and is on schedule for a complete rollout in April. The elements and applications of the brand design will be unveiled collectively at that time. After careful consideration, we will use the current Spartan logo design, first used in the late 1970s, to build our visual brand identity.

Right or wrong, the fans got the last word after all.

Interested in tech and social media? FutureMidwest 2010 is a two-day technology and knowledge conference that will take place on April 16 – 17 in Royal Oak, MI.

As the region’s largest tech conference, FutureMidwest will highlight how technology and social media have dramatically changed the way people do business. Speakers and breakout session leaders will provide practical information on how you can implement digital strategies into marketing and communication programs. You’ll hear about brand case studies, tracking results, and using online tools like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

You can register for both Friday and Saturday or a single day. Early bird pricing ends February 15, so sign up early. There is also a reduced price for students.

Join the conversation today on Twitter by following @FutureMidwest or #FMW10.

FutureMidwest 2010
Royal Oak Music Theatre
Royal Oak, MI
April 16-17, 2010
Registration

It was a busy weekend in the publishing world after the unveiling of the iPad last week sparked a showdown in the e-book market between Amazon and Macmillan.

In an effort to pre-empt Apple’s challenge to their share of the e-book market, Amazon reduced their e-book publishing cut from 70% to 30% one week prior to the iPad announcement. However, in order to get the higher royalty option, authors must acknowledge Amazon as a publisher, grant licensing rights to the company for the Kindle publishing platform, and let them set the e-book price — no higher than $9.99.

Macmillan, one of five publishers who has partnered with Apple, met with Amazon on Thursday to request the price of e-books be raised from $9.99 to about $15 to prevent book devaluation. Amazon response? To remove all books published by Macmillan — e-books, hardcovers, and paperbacks — from its site on Friday, excepting those available from third party sellers.

In a statement to its authors, illustrators, and agents, Macmillan CEO John Sargent said:

In the ink-on-paper world we sell books to retailers far and wide on a business model that provides a level playing field, and allows all retailers the possibility of selling books profitably. Looking to the future and to a growing digital business, we need to establish the same sort of business model, one that encourages new devices and new stores.

[...] It also needs to insure that intellectual property can be widely available digitally at a price that is both fair to the consumer and allows those who create it and publish it to be fairly compensated. [...] Our disagreement is not about short-term profitability but rather about the long-term viability and stability of the digital book market.

The move by Amazon was met with anger and frustration from the literary community as the news of the “Amazon Fail” quickly spread online. Amazon was silent on the matter until Sunday:

[...] We have expressed our strong disagreement and the seriousness of our disagreement by temporarily ceasing the sale of all Macmillan titles. We want you to know that ultimately, however, we will have to capitulate and accept Macmillan’s terms because Macmillan has a monopoly over their own titles, and we will want to offer them to you even at prices we believe are needlessly high for e-books.

Amazon customers will at that point decide for themselves whether they believe it’s reasonable to pay $14.99 for a bestselling e-book. We don’t believe that all of the major publishers will take the same route as Macmillan. And we know for sure that many independent presses and self-published authors will see this as an opportunity to provide attractively priced e-books as an alternative.

In their carefully worded capitulation statement, the company shows they believe customers will side with them by refusing to pay $14.99 for an e-book. Some people have commented on the statement with support for Amazon’s “pro-consumer” model and $9.99 price cap, citing a “Macmillan Fail“. Others support Macmillan and believe $14.99 is a fair price. Only one thing is certain: the weekend battle may have ended, but the war is far from over.

Job Opportunities & Resources

• 22squared has a limited number of summer internships (unpaid, for class credit) in Atlanta and Tampa. The internships cover a variety of disciplines, including media, creative, digital/interactive, and social media. The application deadline is March 5.
• Love social media? Clif Bar & Company is seeking an Interactive Communications Associate. Interested candidates should send their resume and a 140-character cover letter.
• Do you know PHP, CSS, or SEO? ddm marketing & communications in Grand Rapids is looking for a CSS Coder, a Search Analyst, a PHP Web Developer, and a Systems Administrator.

Recommended Reading

• What graphic design schools are lacking: Graphic designer David Airey asked design students and graduates what should be included in an ideal graphic design course. Their answers give valuable insight to what instructors can do to improve classes and what students should do to supplement their education.

Tools & Resources

• Design Instruct: Check out this new web magazine for designers and digital artists. The magazine provides step-by-step tutorials, design articles, and free resources.
• If you would like to attend a technology, marketing, or social media conference or event this year, check out this 2010 calendar from Socialmedia.biz. Events are listed by month.

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What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and Let’s Save Michigan have announced a poster contest to inspire Michiganders to revive their state. This is a great opportunity for artists, illustrators, and graphic designers to show off their talent and Michigan pride.

The posters should be a call to action to rally citizens to help revive the state and must include the phrase “Let’s Save Michigan” in the design.

The hope is to highlight the actions and assets that are critical to moving the cities forward, whether that is renovating historic homes, planting community gardens, extensive public transportation and bike lines, public art, or whatever the artist believes will carry Michigan through the 21st century—and beyond.

Ideally, the new posters will be in the fashion of Works Progress Administration artwork of the 1930s, which is the subject of DIA exhibition, and depict regional, recognizable subjects—ranging from portraits to cityscapes and images of city life that remind the public of quintessential American values such as hard work, community and optimism.

The deadline to submit poster designs is February 15 via the Let’s Save Michigan website. Judges will choose 25 finalists and then voting will open to the public. Winners will be announced in March, with a grand prize of $1,000 and a runner-up prize of $250. All finalists’ designs will be on display at a special reception in the spring.

Need inspiration? Check out the DIA “Government Support for the Arts” exhibit, and find out more about the Let’s Save Michigan campaign at letssavemichigan.com and on Facebook.

There was much discussion (and premature, unsanctioned confirmation) about what must-have, can’t-live-without product would be revealed at this year’s Apple conference. On Wednesday, CEO Steve Jobs officially introduced Apple’s take on the tablet: the iPad.

Apple’s latest “magical and revolutionary device” was met with both oohs and ewws. Design and tech specs aside, let’s take a look at some of the reactions from publishing and branding perspectives.

Digital reading

The publishing industry continues to evolve as traditional print practices are challenged by the demand for online content. With the iPad, Apple is making sure it’s a part of that shift:

• New York Times: Books on iPad Offer Publishers a Pricing Edge
• Pentagram: Five Ways the iPad Will Change Magazine Design
• Mashable: A First Look at the iPad for Publishers

Apple isn’t just entering the e-book reader market — it’s also challenging Amazon with its new bookstore app, iBooks. Publishers Penguin, Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Macmillan, and Hachett have already made deals with Apple.

What’s in a name?

As for the name of the new tablet, my initial reaction to “iPad” was “iNotepad”. But the negative responses to the name choice should give Apple pause:

• Fast Company: Apple’s iPad Name Not the First Choice for Women. Period.
• Wall Street Journal: Apple’s ‘iPad’ Name Draws Snickers
• BusinessWeek: Apple’s iPad Name May Lead to Fujitsu Trademark Feud

The tablet won’t start shipping until late-March, which gives the company time to listen, react, and hopefully improve upon people’s first impressions. What was yours?

Job Opportunities & Resources

• McKinney | Chicago, a branding and marketing communications agency, is looking for a marketing intern. This 90-day paid internship with the possibility of hire will touch on the areas of account management, media planning/buying, production, social web/networking, editing/proofing, research, and advertising creative design.
• The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has a graphic design internship available. The intern will assist the marketing department in the development and execution of marketing promotional collateral, advertising, newsletters, web content, and direct marketing.
• Franco Public Relations Group in metro Detroit is looking for a winter PR intern. If you’re interested, please contact the company directly via Twitter: @FrancoPRGroup.
• Michigan State University’s media communications is seeking a science and technology communications manager. The manager is responsible for writing and pitching MSU technology and science news and must have professional experience writing, editing, and promoting stories on science, technology, and related fields. To apply for the job, visit jobs.msu.edu, posting #3697. The job posting will be open until February 1.

Social Media

• YouTube to charge $5 for some videos: YouTube announced it will charge for some videos in an effort to both promote independent films and gauge if viewers are willing to pay for content.
• Cravings Gourmet Popcorn Invests in Social Media, Sees Growth of 25 Percent: Lansing-based Cravings Gourmet Popcorn turned to social media and local networking opportunities to generate brand buzz and sales. Their efforts paid off with a sales growth from 2008 to 2009 of nearly 25%.

Publishing

• The Times to Charge for Frequent Access to Its Web Site: The New York Times announced it will begin charging for its web content in January 2011. Visitors will be allowed to view a certain number of articles free each month before having to pay a flat fee for unlimited access. Print subscribers will receive full access to the site without any additional charge.
• Why you’re seeing more copy-editing errors in The Post: Andrew Alexander of The Washington Post attributes an increase in errors to reduced staffing and the changing role of the copy editor.

Tools & Resources

• UX design in print media: designing with the user in mind: Graphic Design Blender explains the areas of usability that print designers should know in order to fully understand how viewers and users interact with design.
• How to effectively organize, manage and maintain your freelance design business: Graphic designer Brian Hoff breaks down the essentials for managing your freelance work on a daily and weekly basis.
• Introducing Think Vitamin Radio: The team at Carsonified just launched a podcast for web designers, developers, and entrepreneurs. Each episode will be around 20-30 minutes, and you can subscribe via RSS or iTunes.

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What is 140+ Tweet Feed? It’s where we share our top tweets every week — news, tips, resources, and articles about professional writing, editing, and design — in more than 140 characters. Let us know about other great links on Twitter or in the comments.

When Tropicana redesigned their packaging, customers protested. And when IKEA changed their font from Futura to Verdana, both fans and designers lamented the switch. These are just two recent examples of people making themselves heard with the help of the internet, with mixed results.

So imagine the reaction when news leaked yesterday that Michigan State University (MSU) plans to launch a redesign of the Spartan brand this April.

Current and redesigned helmet logos

News of the redesign, which was a two-year collaborative effort between MSU Athletics and Nike, spread quickly thanks to fan sites and social media. It wasn’t long before angry Spartans joined the Facebook group “JUST DON’T – No new Nike-influenced Spartan helmet”.

As fans took to the internet to give their opinions, news outlets tried to get more details about the redesigned logo. MLive.com and Detroit Free Press quoted MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis and Director of Athletic Communications John Lewandowski, respectively, saying the new helmet is “a single element of a comprehensive brand and identity project”.

This isn’t the first time the MSU helmet logo has changed — the most recent was in 1983. But whether this branding strategy is about changing a single image or revamping everything from colors to fonts, there is a question that has yet to be answered: why?

Not only is the Spartan brand already a powerful identity, but MSU announced in October a plan to restructure in light of the state’s poor economy. Included in the plan was the elimination of 13 master’s degree programs and 16 undergraduate degree programs. While it’s still unclear how Nike’s involvement with the redesign factors into the overall costs, this brand project will cost money to implement. How is a major re-branding effort part of the plan to cut the budget?

My guess is that MSU isn’t happy about the premature timing of this announcement, but I hope the surge of criticism encourages them to examine — and explain — the logistics behind the redesign. And who knows? Maybe the fans will get the last word.