Now getting to 25 million users a month, HowStuffWorks offers some funky explanations - everything from cell phones to stem-cell research. More importantly, it's entertaining. HowStuffWorks has video, podcasts and in-depth blogs that make learning about things, even weird stuff, a pleasure - not a school assignment. Special content blocks break a subject down in several formats. And it's all vetted by the pros. Best topics: How Foreclosures Work and How Wiretapping Works. Any connection?

While McAfee is well established in the world of online security, getting into the personal identity protection service was a natural extension of their brand.

Anyone who harbors a humdrum, bland image of RVing will be struck by the site's colorful images of America's great outdoors that await travelers in the large cruisers. Good videos give a sense of what life on the road is like, while there's also a clever touch with a lengthy list of "recipes" for the road. The site executes a nice balancing act between upgrading the image of RVs, while hammering home the vacation affordability they can offer.

This does an excellent job of marketing the famed Asheville, N.C., mansion as a destination to celebrate the holiday season, using fantastic images and superb design, matched with practical information. It would have been easy to use less artistry and a more direct roster of activities. Yet, that may not have fit with the stately Biltmore and its heritage. Instead, there is a discovery process, which can help a visitor realize just how much the Vanderbilt home offers - as they might come across information about a red wine and chocolate-tasting experience, …

Las Vegas is so saturated with top-notch casino resorts it can be hard to stand out, but the Golden Nugget does an impressive job distinguishing itself here (as well as its Laughlin, Nev., and Atlantic City properties). The site melds the classic elegance of a resuscitated Vegas landmark with a new hip vibe. What stands out is the slew of enticing 360-degree virtual tours offered in Las Vegas and Laughlin - be it of a pool, lounge or the inside of a suite.

Recognized by Time magazine as "the Saturday Night Live of the Internet," Smosh is comprised of original content such as sketch videos, music, sweepstakes, polls, contests, casual games, and merchandise. With dedicated young adults and teens behind the site's copyright-clear, brand-safe content, it became the No. 3 most subscribed channel currently on YouTube. With over 1.1 million registered users, 45 million page views per month, and over 10 million unique visitors per month prove that Smosh is providing engaging, entertaining content that users can't get enough of.

Channelone.com combines fun and educational content with appealing, creative and intelligently targeted marketing initiatives that make their clients' products part of the fabric of their teen users' lives. With a wide variety of programs, channelone.com works hard to make sure everything seamlessly blends in order to improve their users' online experience. Successfully pulling off everything from video competition movie tie-ins to pledging not to text while driving, channelone.com has kept users engaged and involved.

A multiplatform celebration of confidence and personal style, the Pretty Amazing Campaign for Seventeen started with 30,000 girls submitting photos, essays and videos online for a chance to win a $10,000 college scholarship. The campaign grew through social media, and with an MTV special documenting the finalists. Loyal Seventeen readers could also vote for their favorite finalist, submit themselves for a "Pretty Amazing Girl of the Week" feature on Seventeen's Facebook profile page, or even see how they would look on the cover of Seventeen with the Cover Creator photo upload tool.

When Mercedes-AMG, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz specializing in high-performance luxury cars, announced the launch of the 571 HP Drop Top Super Sports Car, they wanted to create awareness and desire online for this special AMG vehicle. AMG hit all of the consumer touch-points, providing everything there is to know about the new roadster through photos, videos, sounds and technical data. The roadster launch was integrated into their Web site, all Facebook tabs, YouTube, Twitter and the iPhone through a virtual racing game - all with slick creative evoking the high-end feel …

Timberland faced a daunting challenge in launching its new women's line: harness the strong brand reputation and reach style-conscious women.