Expert Professional Advice

Well, if I consider my own actions over the survey period I fit their findings, my time has been allocated to travel/vacation time, increased phone time (personal and business), increased SMS (personal and business), and while digital media is what I do, the pleasure I obtain from my work is creating it, not necessarily wandering around to consume it (very rarely do I receive an email asking me to look at a video and I’m thankful for that). My time needs to be allocated to creating, selling, and client service… that’s just what I like to do – I like working.

And in terms of work: Branded entertainment & sponsorships, branded content, well I don’t feel concerned that lack of consumption by U.S. folks was claimed by the survey administrators. There’s plenty of folks still tuning in, and plenty of folks in other markets overseas who will find good content. If anything positive can come out of this I’m hoping that viewership has dropped off because folks are being more productive by addressing more important activities or enjoying outdoor activities.

NPD: Few Americans are consuming digital media
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20017931-17.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-DigitalMedia

Other news in the world of branded entertainment:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20017931-17.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-DigitalMedia#ixzz10wP4Toy9
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/yahoo-and-electus-launch-ready-set-dance-a-new-original-branded-entertainment-program-sponsored-by-state-farmr-2010-09-29?reflink=MW_news_stmp
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=136357
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=135708
https://paidcontent.org/article/419-bermanbraun-starcom-enter-branded-entertainment-deal-worth-100-million/
http://www.placevine.com/blog/2010/01/05/the-top-5-branded-entertainment-deals-of-2009/

And furthermore I enjoy being in Hong Kong and the APAC region so when it comes to filming and creating video projects in other parts of the world I go anywhere to work with and find other talented folks. http://www.placevine.com/blog/2010/09/14/branded-entertainment-picks-up-steam-in-china/

If you are an international traveler like me you often wonder if there is a great credit card that allows you to accumulate points for travel (free airfare, free hotel stays, free rental car, etc.). I’ve reviewed several credit card offers and after being disappointed with travel rewards offerings I gave up on finding an ideal credit card where I would feel good about using it. Free air tickets without restriction is the most important point for me – and the Capital One Venture credit card seems to be the best choice. Let me know what your favorites are. Capital One Venture has a $65 annual fee (waived for the first year), no balance transfer fees, and 0% interest until September of next year (oh, wait… very tricky, it’s 13.9% interest for balance transfers, the no interest offer only applies to purchases within the first 12 billing cycles) – this card provides double miles for every dollar spent. The Venture One card offers 1.25 miles per dollar spent without an annual fee.

Notes: I have not been compensated in any way for discussing this credit card product.
For more information here are terms to the $65 annual fee card, http://www.capitalone.com/creditcards/disclosures.php?sol=11416&tc=31&print=1&linkid=WWW_0608_CARD_TGUNS14_Z_Z_01_T_CP41631ED

***Update: November 19th

I’ve also noticed US Bank marketing their select rewards Visa card offering which does seem to offer flexible travel benefits. Current offerings include 5,000 flexpoints for no fee cards/10,000 with fee after one year and travel rewards are redeemable without blackout dates. They are using the same 0% trick as CapOne ~ no fee for balance transfer, but 15.99% APR on a balance transfer, the 0% offer is only valid on purchases but at least it lasts for 15 billing cycles. See flexperks.com for details or usbank.com/myflexperks or call 800-360-2900.

****Update: March 2011

Capital One has advertised the matching miles offer, which makes this promotion very attractive. You keep your miles with your airline program, but get to sample Capital One’s travel services up to 100,000 miles. There is a 10,000 bonus mile offer automatically applied ~ the catch? Spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening and submit your airline mile program statement within 45 days for approval.

Hotel Scam: Starwood Preferred Guest/SPG – (Sheraton, Westin, etc.)

Starwood Hotel properties is promoting 40% off your second night with banner ads for Sheraton and Westin – but if you click on the ads you’ll be charged a higher rate for both nights eliminating any discount you would receive as compared to the standard rate. You’ll wind up paying more than simply booking directly with the hotel at the regular rate.

The scam promotion is the Better Tomorrows campaign. I’ve put together a PDF file of the screenshots.

Document: http://www.scribd.com/doc/41212600 

Video: Hotel Scam:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of1wg2HkPnQ

*** Update: November 2nd 2010

The Better Tomorrows 40% hotel scam campaign is still running.

Alternate link: http://www.metacafe.com/w/5400046