I'm taking a break this week, much like a large percentage of the ad industry (and I have the autoresponders to prove that), so I thought it would be fun to reprint some of the lighter, sillier Minutes from the past to celebrate the end of the summer and take a break from serious issues. Next week, we'll get back to the business at hand. Until then, here's something from the past: May 7, 2001 A few weeks ago I profiled a company that sells interactive ads on gas pumps and ATMs, and the more I think about that …

I'm taking a break this week, much like a large percentage of the ad industry (and I have the autoresponders to prove that), so I thought it would be fun to reprint some of the lighter, sillier Minutes from the past to celebrate the end of the summer and take a break from serious issues. Next week, we'll get back to the business at hand. Until then, here's something from the past: June 21, 2000 Resisting the temptation to suggest that "Ask Jeeves" (Ask.com) has gone bananas, here's a tip for media planners. Consider stickers! The June 12th edition of …

I'm taking a break this week, much like a large percentage of the ad industry (and I have the autoresponders to prove that), so I thought it would be fun to reprint some of the lighter, sillier Minutes from the past to celebrate the end of the summer and take a break from serious issues. Next week, we'll get back to the business at hand. Until then, here's something from the past: September 26, 2000 Last I checked, the wheel has already been invented, gravity has been defined, and 1 plus 1 still equals 2. So why is it …

I'm taking a break this week, much like a large percentage of the ad industry (and I have the autoresponders to prove that), so I thought it would be fun to reprint some of the lighter, sillier Minutes from the past to celebrate the end of the summer and take a break from serious issues. Next week, we'll get back to the business at hand. Until then, here's something from the past: June 23, 2000 Here's something that could "alter your advertising strategies." AdOutlet.com, a NYC-based advertising exchange company, asked about 160 people to keep diaries of their thoughts …

I'm taking a break this week, much like a large percentage of the ad industry (and I have the autoresponders to prove that), so I thought it would be fun to reprint some of the lighter, sillier Minutes from the past to celebrate the end of the summer and take a break from serious issues. Next week, we'll get back to the business at hand. Until then, here's something from the past: April. 19, 2000 I just couldn't resist! Even though brand management is not the focus of MediaPost, this following study takes the cake as the most ridiculous …

Judging by the number of autoresponders in my inbox from the last few days, the ad industry (myself included) is going to be on vacation next week. The last week of August is always the lowest point of the summer doldrums for us advertisers, so I've prepared a few laughs for those of you left in the office next week. But before I take off, I wanted to bring you a tiny piece of good news. As you know, when it comes to ad spending forecasts, I'm a jaded skeptic. Generally, I don't think anyone should take them seriously …

The prospects for m-commerce may appear limited for the foreseeable future, but a mobile wireless strategy is nevertheless emerging as an essential component for most e- business plans, according to a recent report by The Intermarket Group. The Mobile Wireless Internet Briefing reports that the importance of developing such a strategy is driven in part by the increasing share of the Internet population that will be comprised of mobile wireless users. According to the report, by 2005, more than one-third of Internet users will have access through wireless handset devices and more than one-half (59%) are expected to …

The percentage of Internet users who have ever tried streaming media has crossed the 50% threshold according to a new Internet Study by Arbitron and Edison Media Research. The "Internet VII: The Internet & Streaming: What Consumers Want Next" study finds that, as of July 2001, the number of "Streamies" - those who have watched or listened to streaming media online - has risen to 52% of online Americans. Arbitron estimates that more than a third of all Americans 12 and older are Streamies, which is about 78 million people. Bill Rose, VP and general manager of Arbitron …

Unicast, the developers of the Superstitial, released a case study yesterday showcasing the success of a recent campaign they did for StartupJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal's online center for entrepreneurs. Created by Trahan Burden & Charles, the goal for StartupJournal's "Mind your Own Business" online campaign was to increase awareness and to generate qualified leads for the site. The overall campaign included newspaper and magazine print concurrent with several online advertising formats, including banners. The results? Though the Superstitial comprised less than 1/2 of 1% of the impressions in the overall online campaign, more than 33% of all …

After I got criticized for not talking about the demise of the Industry Standard last week, I'm sure some readers would criticize me for not talking about Engage, so here it goes. By now, I think everyone knows that the ad network is trying to sell off its media business and is cutting staff. So what's there to talk about? Is anyone surprised? Was this unexpected? Shocking? No, not after their parent company CMGI decided not to renew a $50 million loan two weeks ago. The main reason I didn't want to talk about it is because I've …