Worth A Read in NMA 6th September 2007

Every now and then I'll list some stuff in NMA that's worth reading.

P. 1/ Burger King shifts spend online
Following on from the success of the Simpnsonize Me digital campaign, Burger King have appointed Crispin Porter + Bogusy to spend wisely online. And they've got to be clever seeing as McDonald's spends 10 times the amount on marketing!

P. 3/ Debenhams to build online relationships
I believe the mighty Deb don't have an affiliate program anymore, but they're looking to get consumers to interact with them more. One way they're going to do it is to run promotional competitions, interactive ads and campaign sites - nothing new there, but at least they're using the basic online methods.

P.4/ Google files patent for mobile payment system
Will this tie-in with a new pack of tools for mobile phones? I think so. I don't go down the route of them getting involved with hardware - but I could be wrong.

P.4/ Faceparty plans major redesign in a bid to push its market position
They need to do something fantastic to beat Facebook! I don't think they can achieve major strides forward.

P.5/ HMV's online sales under threat from Guernsey VAT investigation
I've got a strong dislike for HMV, and this feels a bit like karma to me.

P6/ Five CEO Lighing hits out at lack of regulation surrounding Google
Damn right! Google is not only a media owner but are now media buyers and planners. "Anti-trust" anyone?

P7/ Former Micoroft mobile boss launches local info community
They don't give you the domain, but it's Tipped.co.uk, it looks pretty interesting and reminds me take a look at them for my client Chard Estate Agents who offer property to buy and rent in London. I love it when former execs create the sites they wish they could do when they worked for a major corporation.

P11/ UK online ad spend predicted to rise 25% to top £2.5bn in 07
Ooh I remember the days when a few hundred million was big news. But the continual increase in online ad spend for me is down to the improvement in web analytics and a better understanding in how to calculate ROI and a move away from the "bums on seats methodology".

P11/ Holiday makers rely more on the Internet
Nearly 1/3 of holidays will plan and book their holidays entirely online in 2008 and only 4% would avoid it according to an YouGov for Logan Tod.

P19/ Happy Shopper
This is a great article about Otto UK and how they see brand development being strongly affective by online "word of mouth". And its been working as they take 25% of their £3bn revenue online.