The question of how branding and advertising overlap and therefore can cause fractious relationships between different client agencies is discussed by Johnson Banks (this link is not permanent so apologies if it does not work). The article discusses a situation that arose with Wolff Olins (a company I have worked with extensively) creating an ‘advertising concept’ that the client’s ad agency feels treads on their toes. While I worked with Wolff Olins, this happened all the time as brand development does not sit in an easy corner - but is all encompassing. More importantly, good ideas should come from anywhere, and similar situations could be applied for an internet-based agency, like ourselves.

Daikin Industries Ltd are one of the world’s leading producers of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. The Japanese company asked FoxLand to develop the website for their latest product - the Daikin Reefer Container Refrigeration machine. This unit maintains the internal temperature of cargo containers using the latest in Japanese technology and quality. So if you’re exporting frozen fish (as one does) from Iceland to Australia or bananas from the Philippines to Britain the Daikin Reefer will keep them fresh. The website went live today.

The problem with companies, such as Yahoo!, spreading themselves too thinly is discussed.

I’ve refrained from mentioning the Zune (Microsoft’s wannabe iPod competitor) before as much discussion about it has been often very partisan guess work, but this post at Engadget about the nightmare of installing the Zune software (the iTunes equivalent) changed matters. Microsoft undoubtedly now understand why iPod/iTunes worked for Apple, hence the Zune vertical business model, but it sounds as if they are not looking after the fine details. Coupled with the Zune’s draconian licensing restrictions, the Zune, as a brand, has had a disasterous first few weeks. Microsoft’s very expensive advertising push for the Zune could be a huge waste, as these real usability issues threaten to engulf the brand. Update: The comments to the original post indicate that many people in contrast have had relatively simple installations of the software. Also, Ars Technica have some interesting points to make about the Zune’s future.

Featuring the web’s favourite alpha geeks in fashion photography mode, The Guardian covered Web 2.0. Significantly, this was the cover story in the ‘lifestyle’ magazine section, and not in a business or technology section. It convincingly covers the concept and has smaller interviews with a few of the key players. Take a look at the special page at The Guardian website. Update: The Guardian have now added a video report too.

“Three quarters of RAZR users would not buy another Motorola handset because they are difficult to use”. A bad thing for the users becomes a very bad thing for the brand. It’s one thing to work to have an attractive device, such as the RAZR, but if the interface does not live up to the exterior then the whole effort will ultimately fail. A simple lesson, but still one being learnt.

Take a look at the article including results for this Motorola survey by Mobile.