Dec 16

Photo-A-Day 2013: Week 49

The holidays moved into full swing during the week of Dec. 2-8. Between decorating around the house and industry holiday events, there was plenty of “festive” to go around. Remember, to see any image at full size, just click on it!

2-DEC-2013: The tree is up!

2-DEC-2013: The tree is up!

3-DEC-2013: Going to see a few tree images this week.

3-DEC-2013: Going to see a few tree images this week.

4-DEC-2013: The George Tirebiter statue on the USC campus.

4-DEC-2013: The George Tirebiter statue on the USC campus.

5-DEC-2013: Industry holiday party time means plenty of BIG smiles and silly hats.

5-DEC-2013: Industry holiday party time means plenty of BIG smiles and silly hats.

6-DEC-2013: Ok, last glamour shot of a tree ... for this week.

6-DEC-2013: Ok, last glamour shot of a tree … for this week.

7-DEC-2013: Thanks to my dad and step-mom, this incredible (and growing) display is possible every holiday season.

7-DEC-2013: Thanks to my dad and step-mom, this incredible (and growing) display is possible every holiday season.

8-DEC-2013: About four weeks ago, I had an excellent shot of an Omar Oraby dunk at the other end. This time, he's dropping one on Boston College.

8-DEC-2013: About four weeks ago, I had an excellent shot of an Omar Oraby dunk at the other end. This time, he’s dropping one on Boston College. Pe’Shon Howard (far left) seems to enjoy it.

Sep 24

Response September: Telebrands at 30, I.Predictus at 1, and the State of the Industry

RES0913_CV1The September issue of Response has been available online since Friday. Hopefully, if you’re one of our readers, you’ve taken a look at it, but — if not — here’s some back story on the cover feature on TELEBrands and AJ Khubani, as well as a number of the other key pieces in the issue:

  • September’s cover feature on TELEBrands takes an inside look at the direct response and retail giant that’s celebrating 30 years in business in 2013. In June, I sat down for a breakfast interview in New York with Khubani, who spoke eloquently and at length about the past, present and future of the business. His expertise and experience are unparalleled, as his company has helped drive the “As Seen On TV” category into a retail giant. Here’s the link again, if you missed it above: It Was 30 Years Ago Today …
  • Every September, we bring you our annual State of the Industry Report feature, where we query the esteemed Response Advisory Board regarding what’s happening right now — and what’s to come — across the direct, digital and data-driven marketplace. We’ve been fortunate, in recent years, to take advantage of technology to overcome the space limitations in print media by using our website to publish the full and unabridged answers of our contributors. So, even if you’ve already read the print version, I’d urge you to click on the following link now to get the rest of the story: 18th Annual State of the Industry Report
  • For the first time since our May issue, the DRMA Spotlight is back! This month, the spotlight falls on Direct Response Marketing Alliance member I.Predictus, a technology company looking to revolutionize the media buying business with high-end algorithms that could maximize the measurability of direct response media. I sat with the company’s founder, Monica C. Smith (who also founded Marketsmith, another well-known company in the DR space), in San Diego in August to hear more about I.Predictus’ technology and Smith’s vision. If you missed the link above to the written feature, click here: I.Predictus Takes the Gamble out of Media. If you’d like to watch the video interview with Smith, click here: DRMA Spotlight Video — I.Predictus
  • There was more tough news in our latest analysis of the DR industry’s quarterly media billings results. Taking a look at DR radio’s 1Q 2013 billings results, a $2.1 million loss (15.9 percent) from the same quarter a year prior continued the troubled story started by 1Q DRTV results. The $11.2 million total was the second-lowest result in a first quarter since 2005. For a full look at all the categorical and outlet results, here’s the link: 1Q 2013 DR Radio Media Billings Fade by $2.1M
  • My Editor’s Note makes a link between the voting for the DRMA Marketer of the Year (the winner of which will be revealed on Sept. 25 in Las Vegas) and the voting that also has a major hand in deciding the champion of one of my favorite sports, college football. See for yourself if I drew a clear enough parallel before joining about 900 of your closest friends at Vanity at the Hard Rock in Vegas tomorrow night! Here’s the link: All Polls Are Not Created Equal!

Thanks again for reading and interacting with Response!