Want to create a banner ad that builds your brand, sells your product and gives you killer click-through rates? Check out this banner ad from Pringles.

AdWeek reports that it won a gold Cyber Lions at Cannes last week…and it truly deserves the kudos. It is truly fresh. I have NEVER stayed on a banner ad more than a second…and I clicked this dang ad almost 50 times. Designed by Bridge Worldwide in Cincinnati …this ad takes banner ads beyond the expected garbage we usually see on the side of our web pages.

It’s fresh, engaging and ground-breaking work. A banner ad with personality! I now have renewed respect for Julius Pringles (Wikipedia says this is his official name). It’s been years of hard, painstaking work trying to give this guy with it’s audience (we know…we worked on the brand well over 15 years ago).

If you have a minute…check out the ad.

See how long you stay with it.

Here’s an example of web technology shaping the future of e-commerce. CNN has a new technology that takes their headlines and turns them into t-shirts. It’s seamless, memorable, intuitive…and brilliant!

Let’s say you’re reading a news story online. Something that truly resonates with you, or something you believe to be ridiculous. Now…with a few taps…you can get the shirt.

In an instant, you’ve ordered something that:
1) aligns and advertises CNN’s brand values (quick, meaningful news reporting);
2) builds brand awareness and fosters a viral brand (by wearing the shirt);
3) fosters a brand culture (by wearing the shirt, you now belong to CNN’s tribe);
4) builds brand loyalty (you feel strongly about what you’re wearing, so you feel good about CNN);
5) makes money

I also think it does something else. CNN has shifted their brand values towards youth and technology in the last year… (i-report, Anderson Cooper, mobile reporting, etc). The mere fact that this technology is available on their website adds authenticity to that brand value.

Remember, a brand is much more than a logo…it’s how you perform as a company.

It’s time to enjoy the spirit of the season! Fuelhaus wishes everybody a great one with family, friends and loved ones. Take a minute and step inside the wacky creative minds of Fuelhaus!

Backstory: The monster is Nate’s creative muse…the kitty cat is Donovan’s.

Have you started using the power of RSS Feeds yet? They are a great way to stay on top of topics, trends and news that interests you most. In the interest of making new technology less scary for you (you know who you are)…we thought we’d explain a little bit about what they are, how they work, and how you’ll benefit from them as a user. Read on…

If you already know this stuff…skip ahead…we’ve got a few “must have” feeds you should check out!

RSS Feed: Stands for Really Simple Syndication, Rich Site Summary, or RDF Site Summary. You can learn all about it here…but basically, it publishes a real time feed of updated content in a standard format. It’s really cool because if you subscribe to a feed…all you have to do is run your mouse over the bookmark to read all of the latest headlines from that site.

How do I subscribe?
Easy. Basically, if you find yourself on a site that you frequent…all you have to do is click on a site’s RSS icon and put it in your browser’s bookmark tab. Done. It is updated automatically.

Use it.
It’s hard to introduce a routine into your daily schedule…but practice. You’ll find that this tool is probably one of the coolest advances in Web 2.0 technology…and you’ll start to check it every time you open your browser. You’ll find RSS feeds for all kinds of things that you’re interested in. Looking for a lawn mower? Sign up at Craig’s List and you can check the feed hourly until just what you’re looking for pops up.

Want a Kick Start?
Well, you can always subscribe to the Skool of Fresh (our icon is on the right)…but If you’re looking for inspiration (or just something to make the day go faster)…check out these great blogs. We follow a most of them daily…and they’re well worth the read.

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ISO50 The Visual Work of Scott Hansen

Scott Hansen has great work, and his blog is among the best. It’s great to follow the currents that give him inspiration. He also has a really great store with posters, pins and t-shirts. Visit it here.

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Smashing Magazine

Smashingmagazine.com is amazing.We visit everyday. It’s always full of fresh ideas, trends, tips, tutorials and free stuff (like calendar desktops, icons and fonts). It’s worth a visit.

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Brand New

Brand New is an awesome blog. It follows the latest brand redesigns. This site is legit because they really do their homework with links and commentary from the companies and designers who developed the brands. Plus…if we’re feeling “cheeky” we can put our 2 cents in as a comment. Love it.

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LinkedIn Answers

If you aren’t a member of LinkedIn…you should be (it’s free). If you are…and haven’t spent any time on the site…you’re just plain silly. Visit the answers section. Browse the industry that interests you (lower left) and subscribe to it. I check it everyday. People ask great questions and get answers and advice from tons of professionals who are “living it” in the field. You’ll get all kinds of insight…and connect with people all over the world. It’s cool.

If these sites don’t interest you…don’t worry. Just look for the little icon on any page you’re visiting and you’ll soon have your very own…custom web experience.

Rock on!