Simple Simon

Milton Bradley introduced The Simon Computer Game in 1978. Check out this revealing look at the game & its underlying technology. But the man behind this invention is Ralph Baer, a brilliant man who makes complex things so simple.

Ralph Baer invented this game, along with many other foundational technologies we simply take for granted today. Check out this interview with Ralph for a fascinating and entertaining look at some of the information behind the legend - you'll be surprised at not only WHAT he and his teams came up with, but also WHEN.

Enjoy!

Ewok Gospel

I like the humorous creativity here - at least they didn't invoke Jar Jar!

Thanks to the good folks at Runawaybox.com

Head Tracking for Desktop VR Displays using the WiiRemote

This is cool - check it out!

Twitterpated!

An overused title, perhaps, but one that is apropos for my perspective on Twitter.

Having gone from barely noticing it to casual user to "Twooshing!" all over the place these last 5 months, I think I'm hooked.

And - I'm eager to explore new ways to leverage the platform - look for more updates in future columns. In the meantime, enjoy this one...

"...it came out freaking sweet!"

I think most of what is done in the automotive industry is boring & tired. Sure, I like gawking at the new body styles from certain manufacturers each year, but honestly most of what is coming out of that industry seems pretty staid to me.

Except for Scion and what they're doing with Scion Speak.

I like what they did when they introduced the car. I like how they have marketed the car. I like how they sell the car (using separate areas in Toyota show rooms). And I like how they are building customer loyalty around the car. I think they've done a good job of knowing what market they are going after and they hit it.

(TANGENT: this is available here through the NY Times, which should have a free sign up form if you can't already view the article; otherwise it's $1,000 USD to republish on the internet for 1 Year (maximum) - that's nuts! I feel another blog coming on...)

I think this is a great example of leveraging the Voice of their brand, and strengthening (and building more of?) their raving fan customers. This car is all-about self expression. It's a mass produced, customized ride.

But don't confusing "Marketing" (which is what we're talking about here) with "Sales" (which is a different part of the company and frankly, not doing all that well).

Scion has carved out a niche for itself that it should focus on. I see Scion Speak as one step on that path, and would like to see what they do with it next.

Would I buy one? Probably not. Would I try to emulate their marketing & sales techniques. I think you would be "Scichotic" not to...