To google (verb)

I was reading the Metro Newspaper on my way to work the other day when I came across an interesting article on Google. In my humble opinion, Google certainly is one of the greatest search engines available on the www.  While most companies, spend their time trying to their brands into household names, Google is trying to stop people to stop using the term ‘googling’ as the Internet search giant said such phrases were potentially damaging to its brand. While this demonstrates that Google now owns the search industry, the prestige associated with a trademark is lost if people use it generically. Google also do lots more than just search, so maybe they’re reluctant for their brand name to be restricted in this way. 

 I did a quick Google search (note correct use of Google!) and found various definitions for ‘googling.’ 

1) The word “google” was first used in the 1927 Little Rascals silent film ‘Dog Heaven’ 

2) Google (GOO.gul) v. To search for information on the Web, particularly by using the Google search engine; to search the Web for information related to a new or potential girlfriend or boyfriend.  

3) Googling is using the popular search engine Google.com to look up someone’s name in an effort to find out more about them. You might Google your neighbor, your old college roommate, or someone you’ve recently met to see what information is available about them on the Internet. Because Google has a ranking system, there is an unsubstantiated belief that the more Google returns a person has, the more important they are. NOTE: two of the definitions here mention finding information about other people. WHY?

4) The verb to Google means “to use the google search engine obtain information on the Internet.”  

Successful examples of products which were originally and used as trademarks but which have subsequently become entirely synonymous with the common name of the relevant product or service, include, but to name a few: aspirin, kleenex, cola/coke, hoover, jacuzzi, xerox, zippo.  

Question time!

1) Do think ‘googling’ should be used as a generic term?  

2) How would you define ‘googling’ ?   

Va Va Voum!

French car, British designers is the whole concept behind the ads I would like you to take a look at…

The two ads (below) created by Publicis for Renault are pure genius! The clips on this page are in fact the original ads that were aired in the UK a few years ago…

The Va Va Voum ad was created for the Renault Clio back in 2004 (correct me if I am wrong). Thierry Henry endorsing the Renault brand was a fantastic choice! 

Olivier Généreux, Director of Marketing at Renault UK, said:

“Thierry Henry is the epitome of what the Clio represents – he’s cool and gives the car a masculine appeal which keeps it fresh, young and funky. Added to that, the new ad provides a touch of unexpected in the plot, which is in line with our strategy of creating imaginative advertising that often contains a twist, especially in Clio ads.”

 

To all non-French speakers out there, Va Va Voum does not actually mean anything in case you were wondering! Va Va Voum to me could relate to the sound of an engine but also makes me think a cute car with a lot of sex appeal!

I see you baby, shaking your ass, shaking your ass! Excuse my French

Yet another cunning ad from Publicis, ‘the Skaking it’ campaign , this time for the Renault Mégane.  The music theme from Fatboy Slim proved to be somewhat controversial because of the word ‘ass’. Each time I see this ad on TV I cannot help singing and dancing along! Whatever critics say, this ad definitely does it for me! 

   

Question time!  

1) Va Va Voum – Two years down the line, I still wonder what Va Va Voum means/is supposed to mean in French!! Any suggestions guys? 

2) Do you think the Fatboy Slim tune is inappropriate? Why? Why not?

Blogging mania or the art of selling yourself on the Internet

Dear fellow bloggers,

Everybody is talking about it, everybody is doing it, blogs have taken the world by storm. I am hardly an early adopter when it comes down to blogging but some of the success stories we hear about in the press simply amaze me.

A short definition to start off with…

Blogs according to Wikipedia is a type of website where entries are made (such as in a journal or diary) displayed in a reverse chronological order.Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. Most blogs are primarily textual although many focus on photograph (photoblog), videos (vlog), or audio (podcasting).

How to become virtually famous?  

Blogging is a hobby in itself, however some people found fame with their writings…

• Petite Anglaise whose Bridget Jones style blog got her the sack . An English blogger living in Paris is bringing a test case against her former employer for unfair dismissal after being sacked for writing a blog that allegedly brought her company into disrepute. Under the ‘nom de plume’ La Petite Anglaise - her Bridget Jones-style blogging has proved a big hit drawing over 3,000 readers a day. Needless to say, Petite Anglaise will certainly get a book deal out of this. I totally love her style!

• First, it was the thrashy sound of the Arctic Monkeys propelled on the way to world domination; then the street-wise pop of Lily Allen came leaping into the charts. Such, it seems, is the power of MySpace.com, the online community that has changed the way pop hopefuls make their bids for fame. Needless to say, I personally think that Lily should make the most of her 5 minutes in the limelight and stop criticising other popstars!

• Flickr is a digital photo sharing website and web services suite, and an online community platform, which is generally considered an example of a Web 2.0 application. I am a Flickr member myself and found that little guy, l’Incroyable Monsieur Boubou de Paris the other day! Totally adorable!

• He survived World War II, loves riding motorcycles and now, aged 79, he is taking the Internet by storm. The white-haired Briton known only as Peter, has become one of the hottest topics on trendy website YouTube.com with his ramblings about the modern world. But Peter, who goes by the username geriatric1927, has bucked the trend by reaching the top of the website’s most-subscribed list. Equipped with headphones and a microphone, he has posted five videocasts, attracting 8,000 subscribers…. Fantastic, isn’t it?

Question time!

1. What are your thoughts about the success stories described above?
2. Why do you blog and what is the purpose of your blogs? 

Until next time, I look forward to hearing from you!