Hardly a fear-monger --
not anymore, anyway
Ad Networks and Analytics:
- Sports ad network Sportgenic generated $10 million in a series B funding round led by Adams Street Partners. The company boasts over 350 publisher sites, which cater to advertisers like AT&T, Nike, Mountain Dew, Secret, Toyota and Saab.
- Politico.com launched an ad network targeting political and government enthusiasts. According to Nielsen, Politico attracts male readers 18-49, with household incomes greater than $150,000.
- Coca-Cola's POWERade brand shall sponsor several podcasts in Wizzard Media's podcasting suite.
- Interwoven is launching enhanced versions of its LiveSite and TeamSite features. The former helps marketers deliver content or discounts to certain web segments; the latter helps them publish websites and run rich media campaigns.
Agencies and Marketing Execs:
- Scout Marketing, an independent ad agency that serves primarily pharmaceutical clients, made Allen Stegall partner and general manager of the organization.
- Tech blogger Om Malik of GigaOM has joined True Ventures as a partner.
- Operative appointed Mike Hard as EVP, sales and marketing.
- Young & Rubicam won Office Depot's $120 million marketing account.
- Wrigley tapped Tribal DDB to manage its digital initiatives.
- Spot Runner adds two: Jon Rosen, VP of Sales and Business Development; and Elizabeth Carrasco, VP of Online Engineering. Both join its Local Marketing Services division.
- Red Tettemer promoted Susan Fortin to VP, Group Account Director.
- Moxie Interactive made Russell Kowalski its chief financial officer.
Biz Buzz:
- Google is partnering with NBC Universal. Google will have access to NBCU's TV ad inventory, and both will gather data on TV viewers.
- RetailMeNot now provides over 100,000 coupons from 20,000 merchants. The company claims it was a 100% increase on the number of coupons it offered in January.
- Independent coffee shops in Seattle claim they no longer fear Starbucks. Indeed, some claim they thrive against it.
- Clickable and LexiNexis have agreed to offer online lead-gen solutions to law firms. Their vehicle of choice will be paid search.
Gaming:
- VTech targets toddlers with a pint-sized Wii-like console.
- Pillsbury has formed a "multidisciplinary division" to represent clients in virtual worlds and the video games industry.
Legal, Government and Regulation:
Mobile:
- Armchair critics are skeptical of the success of Google's Android project.
- AdMob will help a string of companies advertise in their iPhone-ready content, including Loopt, Tap Tap Revenge, SportsTap and BubbleWrap.
Music:
- Web startup The Echo Nest "learns" about music by reading and listening. These capabilities will be released to the public through an XML-based API, meaning third-party developers can use it to improve their own applications.
Social Networks:
- Facebook's new banner ad campaign positions it as a search rival. Some ads read, "Reach your customers before they search searching."
User Experience:
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