I like Flash, I really do, but sometimes my old friend Flash is more problematic than useful. Flash is all of that fancy smanshy animation you typically see on websites.  Often those side bar game/ads are Flash, (you know the ones where you play putt-putt or hit the target).  It is great for animation, displaying videos, playing music, and building games, but sometimes it is a heavy handed solution like using a power drill as a three hole punch.

So you may be asking is Flash right for my project? The answer is IT DEPENDS.

We recently did a microsite for John Capek that needed just a little sizzle in the beginning to clench the audience and hold them for his message. Chances are if you need need to engage the viewer or want to create something interactive, Flash may be your best bet.  If you really only have some information that needs no introduction, you may just want to leave my dear friend Flash out of the mix. Flash also doesn't play well with many mobile devices.

//Click here to see the John Capek's microsite//

As the snow falls outside we are happy to be indoors warmed by the glow of our iMacs.  Just as the trucks plow through knee high snow, we likewise plow through all of the request that come our way.  Speaking of request, we were recently hired to create an eCard for Green Hill Music.  I'd pay a pretty penny to see a green hill right about now; all this snow is just too much!  Luckily,  you don't have to pay a thing to check out this eCard.

//Click here to view//

Hey fans, we've got a great new report out at www.brickhousedirect.com/freereport

 

10 Great Marketing Resolutions for the New Year!  Check it out!

Here is an easy to use Facebook widget to share our blog

 

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.widgetserver.com/syndication/subscriber/InsertWidget.js"></script><script>if (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('71cf4a7e-55b1-4f7c-9a56-5ab3eead9546');</script><noscript>Get the <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/facebook-share">Share on Facebook</a> widget and many other <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com/">great free widgets</a> at <a href="http://www.widgetbox.com">Widgetbox</a>!</noscript>

Never Far Away

 

It is a new year and time for a fresh start.  2008 was an "interesting" year and one we won't soon forget.  But now its time to wipe the slate clean.  Here are some ideas that may help you in growing your business in the year ahead.

1. Have Some Fun - in difficult times, there is tendency to be a glum Gus.  Do the opposite.  Have some fun.  A smile is a great way to get people feeling positive and buying more.  Inject fun into your brand, your communications and how you work with people.  Enthusiasm is the real key to success.

2. Social Media - there are a lot of exciting things happening on social media networks.  Best of all, its free to use.  If you haven't done so already, set up a Facebook account.  On Facebook, post to "what are you doing now" as well as "share a link" section.  This way you can share your email newsletters and website with your friends online and grow your network.  Its a great way to share your message at a very low cost.

I just spoke to a friend of mine, and he’s in a great business for times like these. He sells safes; you know, those big metal things that weigh 500 pounds that sit in the corner. Apparently there has been a great increase in sales with people taking their money out of the bank and locking it in a safe!

The music industry has been morphing into something quite different over the past decade. And while the future shape of the music industry is unknown, one thing is clear, it is a digital future. Succeeding in this digital future requires a game plan for success. This report is designed to give you a game plan, or framework for mapping your digital future. 

Every artist, every song and every fan are unique and the tools of the digital world enable you to speak to your fans on a personal basis and engage them in ways we never thought possible just a few years ago.. Building the audience relationship and dialogue is central to this strategy. Retaining that relationship-- deepening it, expanding it-- is the key to success. And today’s digital spectrum gives artists

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