Make Your Website More Game-like
A Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do."
- Mark Twain
Websites Become More Game-like
Games are becoming more Web-like, and websites are becoming more game-like. If you need proof of this you have only to look at Yahoo Answers. Random questions are posed, the top answer is chosen, and credibility points are given to the winner. It's a ranking system that accumulates and unlocks more and more features within the system. It works because of the psychology of achievement and game mechanics and thus encourages interaction.
This raises the question of whether or not a web designer can learn from video games. The answer is "yes". Website users want their content delivered to them in a way that is easy to understand, intuitive, engaging and doesn't require a lot of scrolling or clicking. In fact, Websites that use common game interface tools can streamline the user experience while adding a lot of personality.
It's no surprise that we've seen an influx of carousels, lightboxes, accordions and increasingly sophisticated navigation patterns, as CSS and JavaScript libraries have put such tools within reach of Web browsers. This can result in higher traffic and a higher rate of repeat visits - and sales. B&M has employed many of these features to simplify and enhance client websites. Contact us for more information.
Who's To Blame?
Why Do Brands Employ Half Naked Celebrities?
From Ad Rants: Some people might ask: How do brands represented by half-naked girls get people to buy their products? The answer: Because they use half-naked girls.
The truth is the brands that feature topless celebrity women are the companies we remember the most. That's why it's comforting to know that darn near every clothing line (ironically) and beverage company will, at some point, resort to sexual marketing.
Click here to see samples of the "Hottest Topless Celebrity Ad Campaigns."
More Celebrities in Ads
The recent death of Amy Winehouse at age 27 reminded me of this classic ad from Partnership for a Drug Free America. Sad.
You Can Hear a Pin Pop
Want to know how styles from Harvey Nichols women's wear affect men? The visual in the ad above gets its "point" across.
Effective Low-priced Stunt
Season two starts October 16th, Zombie lovers. I hope no Mannequin Americans were harmed in the making of this promotional stunt.
The Mannequin American Slave Trade
Among the busiest areas of the ventriloquist conVENTion are the dealer's rooms where ventriloquists buy and sell Mannequin Americans. It's a great opportunity to compare, handle and evaluate a wide variety of puppets.
Above, Dan Horn examines the distinctive mouth movement on a very unique cow dummy, while Gary Hunter examines the inside of the figure's figure. I don't know who ended up buying this puppet, but there was an endless line of interested amateurs and pros looking at it.
This year's conVENTion was a celebration of Jimmy Nelson's 70th year in show business. Among the myriad of honors bestrode on Jimmy was Vent Haven Museum naming one of its buildings in his honor. L to R above are Marjorie Engesser (museum advisor), Jimmy Nelson and Bryan W. Simon (museum advisor).
Click here to read an article about the convention from the Paris Review. It's an interesting read with some good photos.
Celebrating 95 Years
Last week Dale and I stopped by the Oak Hill Terrace Senior Retirement Community to put on a show in honor of Dale's father, Ray Brown, who was celebrating his 95th birthday. Ray even contributed to our show by citing one of his many comical poems. It was a great party with lots of family and friends.
The photo above was taken right after our show and it appeared in yesterday's local newspaper. Sadly this was the last photo ever taken of Ray. He passed away six days after his birthday celebration. R.I.P. dad. We miss you.
