'Secret' Google Display Advertising Network Rumored

Google has reportedly launched a "secret" CPM online ad network, dubbed the Google Display Advertising Network and being tested since Oct. 1. With the invitation-only Google Display Advertising Network, Google is targeting Fortune 1000 companies, writes John Chow, saying he has been invited and has been participating in the display and video ad network. "Google has been hand-selecting sites…that they want to put in front of Fortune 1000 companies. The goal being to sell these big companies display and video ads at a very high CPM," he writes. Publishers invited to join the display ad network negotiate a flat CPM rate with Google, the contracts are for one year, and the publishers have to guarantee a certain minimum amount of monthly inventory, according to Chow. "Publishers can serve more than the minimum amount and still receive the same CPM rate for the overage," he writes. Google provides "extremely limited" reporting via weekly email, reporting only weekly ad impressions and pageviews, Chow writes, adding that he is "not allowed to reveal CPM or any financial data" regarding the  Google Display Advertising Network.

Amanda Watlington recently wrote a review on different audio/video podcast publishing technologies. Below is an excerpt:

"With all of the heavy equipment (your phone) in hand, here is what you will need to do to prepare the audio. Sign up for a podcatching service such as Hipcast (http://www.hipcast.com), AudBlog (http://www.audblog.com), Gcast (http://www.gcast.com) or Gabcast (http://www.gabcast.com). Be sure to read carefully what each service offers. My personal preference is Hipcast, because it lets me choose how I want to handle the final audio file. I can select which of my blogs/web pages that it will post to, and I can even rework the audio file if I want to -- but that is more advanced than a beginner needs."

I personally tried Hipcast, following Amanda's recommendation, and did indeed find it extremely easy to create and post -- however, I am strill trying to understand how to tie the audio file to a spefic story for "color commentary".

Source: Join the Podcast Revolution with Your Phone
http://www.wilsonweb.com/newmedia/watlington-podcast-phone.htm

by Amanda Watlington, Ph.D., A.P.R. Searching for Profit Charleston, MA

Educating On Erectile Dysfunction In Hong Kong

Educating On Erectile Dysfunction In Hong Kong

source: Marketing Vox

Today, the Wall Street Journal reported on an interesting marketing campaign implemented by Bayer in Hong Kong for its anti-impotence medication Levitra. Bayer faced two obstacles to driving uptake of its medication in this market:

1.    Direct-to-consumer advertising is not allowed in Hong Kong

2.    Men are unwilling to discuss this issue with their doctors or acknowledge they have it.  

To overcome these obstacles, Bayer’s public relations agency, Golin Harris, created an advertising campaign that made light of the problem without mentioning the brand name.  According to the Journal:

“Part of the humor is that the ads leave embarrassing words and ideas up to innuendo and pun. Instead of mentioning erectile dysfunction specifically, most of them simply feature a photo of a limp, hot-dog-shaped balloon. One features a satisfied customer wearing a Superman costume with the ‘S’ on his chest replaced by the Chinese word for ‘upright.’ That character also happens to be the first in Levitra's Chinese name.”

The campaign has been a great success.  Sales of Levitra have increased by 244% and Bayer spent $190,000 on the campaign.  To view an advertisement, please see the image below.

http://www.healthcarevox.com/NA-AL206_ADVERT_20061122185855-thumb.jpg

 

Merck to cut back on DTC TV ads, says No. 2 exec 11-28-06

Merck to cut back on DTC TV ads, says No. 2 exec  11-28-06

Merck plans to scale back its DTC television advertising for new drugs in favor of a more targeted, Internet-focused approach, the company's No. 2 executive told The Financial Times this week.

Merck's president of global human health, Peter Loescher, said in an interview with The Times that changes in viewer habits and awareness of a more cost-effective use of resources have made a new approach necessary.

"The new model will also move away from a broad broadcast DTC approach in its classical sense. It has to. Because as a consumer we’re sitting in front of our TV and we’re switching all the time," he said.
Loescher said Merck is experimenting with different channels of marketing, including Web sites such as iVillage, a woman's site and in online communities, to better know its target audiences and how its marketing messages work.

"We tried to target specific populations—be far more targeted and far more diverse," he said.
A call to a Merck spokesman seeking further details went unreturned at press time.

Merck CEO Dick Clark appointed Loescher as his top lieutenant in May to restructure the company's sales and marketing approach and oversee public affairs.

Loescher is slated to make his debut to investors during a company presentation Dec. 12.

Novartis-sponsored Web site features actor, free downloads

Novartis-sponsored Web site features actor, free downloads

Novartis is sponsoring a Web site and educational program about sickle cell disease featuring African American actor Larenz Tate. The site, www.AskLarenzAboutIron.com, is designed to raise awareness about iron overload, a possible side effect from frequent blood transfusions for sickle cell disease. The disease affects about one in 500 African Americans, and iron overload is an under-recognized complication of transfusions. In addition to tools and information about iron overload, www.AskLarenzAboutIron.com also includes "fun" features, such as downloadable computer wallpaper and an autographed picture of Tate. The site links to www.AskAboutIron.com, another Novartis-sponsored site, where users can sign up for free information from the company. Novartis makes the iron overload treatment Exjade.

Boomers' caregiving role increasing, affecting personal lives

Boomers' caregiving role increasing, affecting personal lives

An increasing number of Americans are caregivers, and providing this care impacts many aspects of their lives, according to a survey from John Hancock Life Insurance Company. The survey found that 69% of respondents said providing care or financial assistance has significantly affected their personal lives, and 62% said it has a significant impact on their family. Also, 45% said that caregiving significantly affects their work. Caregiving is also more common among baby boomers, which have been called the "sandwich generation" because they care for both their children and aging parents.  According to new Manhattan Research data, nearly 60% of caregivers search online for health information, making the Internet a critical channel for reaching them.

HEME MALIGNANCIES

HEME MALIGNANCIES, by Physicians Education Resource.

 

This Web site is supported by unrestricted educational grants from Genentech BioOncology/ Biogen Idec and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

http://www.hememalignancies.com/