What a week ... Ad:Tech, the launch of Microsoft's MSN Search (the global beta version), and then today's news that America Online, in its accelerated drive to offer free content to non-subscribers,
will introduce an online travel comparison site.
AOL, partnering with Kayak Software Corp., plans to offer a free travel comparison service that will search travel Web sites for the best deals.
The marketing and licensing deal is another sign that AOL is expanding its horizons and bulking up on content and programming that it hopes to support via advertising. At least that's the idea.
Interestingly, AOL already has a relationship with Travelocity, so I don't know exactly how the new arrangement will fit into the existing equation. Is this not a competitive situation? And, even with
the enormous market opportunity, isn't the online travel space already too crowded?
On another note, MSN threw a party last night in New York for its "More Than an Impression Tour." Marketers,
agency media and creative folks, MSN sales and marketing executives, along with chief revenue officer Joanne Bradford, gathered at Providence on 57th Street (the old Le Bar Bat space), to celebrate
pithy online creative programs that ran on MSN this year. Programs for clients including American Express, Coke, JC Penney, Toyota, and Warner Bros., were among those featured. Some of the campaigns
took advantage of MSN Video, which MSN is eager to promote.
While the entertainment (a speed painter), was fun, the mood buoyant, and amid abundant food and drink, I couldn't commit and arrived
home in time for the last 30 minutes of a guilty pleasure - Fox's "O.C." Okay, I'll admit it: I like the show and don't have TiVo. Last night's episode wasn't all that strong, but all I wanted was a
little angst via Sandy Cohen with a smatter of Summer, and the "O.C." filled the bill. It's not a bad passive, lean-back experience and after all day in Web land - a girl needs a mindless pleasure.
On a yet another note: One of the best people I know in interactive media, or any media for that matter, is leaving her post as managing director, online media services at Havas' Euro RSCG 4D,
New York. The immensely talented, funny, and wise Ruth Stubbs will soon ship off to Singapore as the regional CEO for mOne Asia Pacific. My favorite audacious Aussie has lived in New York for four
years, toiling mainly on the Intel account. She has been a mainstay within Euro RSCG 4D and an admired media professional who makes it her business to frequent industry events.
We'll miss you
Ruth, but we expect to hear from you via your new post at mOne.