Realtime charting data visualization

Link: http://babynamewizard.com/namevoyager/lnv0105.html

Description: Here is a java applet based real-time chart processing program that allows you to visually search a large set of statistics based on history of names. Simply type in your name and see when it was the most popular!

My thoughts: Although rich media components in Java can be quite clunky, this is a great iteration of the concept. Essentially its a living graph that responds to your interest and re-arranges itself in real-time in response to your intentions. More of a functional information rendering tool than a marketing exercise, however I'd like to point out the branding opportunities in deploying such a tool, as well as the fact that this exact same framework can translate very well to a variety of industries that have data visualization needs.

Study: Video Key Opportunity for Online Advertisers

Link: http://www.clickz.com/news/article.php/3481806

Description: Here are some recent stats on effectiveness of the continuing trend in video advertising

My thoughts: Not sure how much of these numbers are trend, and how much will stand the test of time, however the fact that video is getting this sort of response and buzz, makes it an important tool we can use in our online marketing mix.

Marketing centric simple online calculator

Link: http://tide.com/tidecoldwater/
energysavingscalculator.jhtml

Description: This branded, easy to use, Flash calculator will show consumers how much they can potentially save with Tide's new product

My thoughts: I think this is a very clever marketing/branding touch point disguised as a functional calculator to try and "show" or "prove" the advantages of Tide's new detergent technology.
Edited by zarinmedia on Feb 5, 2005 @ 1:58 PM

Interactive video advertising online

Link: http://www.unitedvirtualities.com/demo/
shoshmosis_friends/expandable_banner/

Description: rolling over various regions of a "friends" clip will present user with the item they are wearing or using, click will give option to drive lead to e-commerce

My thoughts: Here's another interesting implementation of video entertainment content, delivered thru flash, in an ecommerce friendly context. People have been talking about this sort of thing in "interactive television" since 1998 but this is the first time I've seen a decently produced version of it for online marketing/consumption.
However I often wonder if these expanding banners in any form are not too intrusive to the user experience to begin with? I guess we'll have to wait and see if they go the way of the popup ad or not.

Zarinmedia xmas card catalog

Link: http://xmas.zarinmedia.com/

Description: A collection of various Flash based holiday season greeting cards and games that we've produced.

My Thoughts: All these xmas greetings are available for rebranding and licensing with your company logo for a small fee! Why not send them to your clients this holiday season? [contact: xmas@zarinmedia.com for more details]