johnporcaro: mktg@large

Sweet Facebook app Case Study

Interesting case study for a Greek chocolate company that created an online Facebook campaign, by using customizable content that carried the brand message in a creative way.  Good job of being useful, sharable, and "social" from beginning to end. 

Sweet!

 

From Digital Buzz blog

Take Time to Be a Dad Today

Thanks to Makes Me Wanna Holler for the links, here are the PSA's from The Fatherhood.gov. Worth watching!

How Dad's Involvement Makes a Difference in Your Kids' Life

National Public Radio (NPR) broadcasted an interview called Dads Do Parenting and Education on Their Terms, as part of their series, "Tell Me More." 

The audio interview by Michel Martin features Dad Bloggers Lamar Tyler (Black and Married with Kids), Keith Wilcox (Almighty Dad), and Manny Ruiz (PapiBlogger), along with father of six, Glenn Ivey, the State Attorney for Prince George County, Maryland.

They cover some interesting topics (transcript available):

• Who carries the load, Mom or Dad?
• How do you see yourself as a Father in your child’s education?
• How do you handle a split household, where your children share time with both parents?
• Do you spend enough time with your kids, when your job demands a lot?
• How do you stay involved with your kids’ lives?

CNN Features the Growth of Dad Blogging

At the recent M3 Summit, a group of Dad Bloggers, including Eric Elkins (The Dating Dad), Paul Banas (GreadDad), CC Chapman (Digital Dads), Clay Nichols (DadLabs), Kevin Metzger (The DADvocate), and Donny Claxton (DaddyClaxton).

They talk about the fact that just like Moms, Dads are online sharing experiences, advice, tips, or just a place to have conversations and get to know each other.  These Dads are helping define a new generation of what it means to be a Dad.

One of the key points is that Dads today are really active in their kids’ lives, whether they’re working from home, being a full-time “Stay at Home Dad”, or just being an active Dad before or after their full-time job. 

CNN also adds a few stats about US Dads:

• 42% are Sole Provider
• 63% Work more than 40 hours/week
• 9% have taken on 2nd job

Son of Peter Molyneux (creator of Fable) to Valve

Peter Molyneux is one of the most well-known game developers on the planet, most recently working on Fable 3 (I can't wait, it's one of my favorite Xbox franchises). 

His son had some feedback that he wanted to give Valve, the creators of Half Life.   Rather than rely on his Dad to pass the word along, Peter (brilliantly) pointed a video camera at his son, and let him do the talking for himself.  My guess, Valve got the message...



Social Struggle of Being a Good Father

 Here's a great interview done by Mommy Cast of Armin Brott, author of The New Father, A Dad’s Guide to the First Year. 

He tells a few interesting stories he's encountered as a stay-at-home dad, and talks about the stereotypes he's had to endure.  Or at least work around. 

As a Dad, I've found myself in similar situations.  When I stand outside a bathroom waiting for my daughter, I will get an occasional glance that makes me feel like I'm being labeled a creepy stalker.  Or when I'm at a park, I really have to restrain myself from interacting with any children I don't know, because of the fear others have of men around children. 

I Am Not Weird: A Book by a 7 year old with CP

I got to meet Kevin Metzger, and his daughter/author Haley at the M3 Summit last week.   When I met Haley, I was struck by how much courage she has, first, to attend the conference with her Dad, and second, to write about her experience with Cerebral Palsy, all at the age of 7.          

In this video, Drew (aka BenSpark) reads the book to his daughter.  What a great idea!!!  

If you haven't purchased the book, you should!      

I Am Not Weird - A Read To Me Dad Review from BenSpark on Vimeo.

Variety for the Family (humor)

My little sister Jenny sent in this video of "the worst commercial ever," saying "...we saw this and thought of you instantly...not because of the guy with crossed-eyes. If you're looking for some "Variety" for your "Family", you might want to take a look..."

Destined to be a Boston Classic.  And FWIW, wicked good viral idea from the folks at Alka Seltzer...

"...Experience the VARIETY that your whole FAMILY has been begging you for..."

Introducing Your Kids to Stop Motion

I had to pass along this blog post I found from The Busy Dad Blog.  I SO want to do this with my boys. 

From LEGO'ing Without a License...

Do Dads Hate Parenting?

Ya, it's tough.  Nobody said having kids was easy.  Toughest thing you'll ever do.  And the most rewarding.  

I saw a link on Greg Allen's Daddy Types to an NPR feature about parenting, NPR's Tell Me More, where they interviewed three Dad Bloggers: Jason Sperber of Rice Daddies, Keith Morton of FatherDad, and Paul Fidalgo of Bloc Raissoneur.  

Dads are definitely more involved than ever before, but this interview might give you a peek into the sacrifices they're willing to make for their kids.