Adverve

The blog and podcast where we discuss ad stuff the way we want. Check the podcast out here or subscribe through iTunes.

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A kiss in ether

Since Darryl’s passing, Bill and I have decided to let Adverve go. It existed before him, of course, but the universe shifted so dramatically after him that this crazy thing we did together—albeit irregularly—no longer has a sustaining rhyme or reason. 

I wish we’d written more books together, that we’d podcasted more regularly, that we put into motion that crazy creative retreat we once contemplated. I wish we’d seen each other more, but our relationships have always been mostly confined to the realms of digital.

The upside of the latter is that there are many emails, messages, ideas spread in all different directions. They exist like a fractured archive, wounds and also catalysts for the future. Maybe one day we’ll do something with all that. 

Until then, it’s best to lay one project to rest, if only to make room. Thanks for having been here and shared this with us. And if you miss us, you can pick up your copy of Generation Creation—the same way we do.

We love you, Darryl. Fly forth.

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Get the squad back together.

I love how cinematically ridiculous this is. 

But it’s also inclusive, it's got an Ocean's 11 thing going on, it plays on how hard it is to find good team composition, how good it feels to get the gang back together and what it means to be a gamer: It's the best of you. You're a hero there.

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Every Color Of Cardigan Mister Rogers Wore From 1979–2001

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The resistance is now.

The "American Dream" has not been entirely burned down. Pirate radio has become the voice for the downtrodden. Decentralized and hidden (even from each other), a network of DJs share a single philosophy of rebellion broadcasting hope to keep the memory of a former America alive. Sound like something that you need right now? This is the package that comes from the Resistance Radio. And it's not the resistance you thought it was. This is the voice of The Man in the High Castle, kicking off a brand new season on Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video has created a perfectly timed promotion and an expertly produced resistance - complete with secret packages, records hidden in propaganda, underground parties, and tools for listening to the alternate voice. We're asking our Echo to play it now, cueing up for the new Man in the High Castle series, and wondering if the people behind Amazon's resistance might just launch an actual resistance...

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Physics explained, using a cup of coffee.

This warm cup of enlightenment is brought to you by Charlotte Arene in collaboration with the "Physics Reimagined" and "Interface Liquides" teams from LPS (Université Paris Sud and CNRS). 

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Your resistance joy du jour

Because you know we need some.

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Today’s lesson in making lemonade.

Young Thug wanted a video for his song, “Wyclef Jean.” He never showed up to help shoot it. These are the magnificent results.

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An oral history of Homestar Runner

Something to get your mind off the nonstop bullshit party that the post-election internet has become.

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Beer: The Great Democratiser

In addition to making a fine point about our political differences and affinities, this charming collection of baited playdates also reminds us of the major difference between beer and wine: Wine banks on acquired skill, but beer’s bar is set approachably low. 

You can bond over a shared beer with a buddy as easily as you can bond over a shared beer with someone in a completely different socioeconomic class than you. The experience will still be worthwhile, because the act of sharing a beer is—usually—more important than what kind of beer it is, or what you happen to know about it.

Think of it as Coca-Cola for grownups. And with hops.

If this weren’t already Refinery29 content (which, btw, is killing it in content diversification lately), we’d be looking for a beer logo.

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Just OK Go, killing it as usual. This time it’s with Morton Salt. More deets here.

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That one time Playboy—PLAYBOY!—told you not to catcall.

It’s an oldie but a goodie.

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H&M didn’t call this an anthem.

They called it the “New Autumn Collection 2016.” You know why? Because nothing about this ad should feel as revolutionary as it does.

Now excuse me while I spear cheese with a knife.

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NEW EPISODE OF ADVERVE: THE DEPARTING ARRIVING EDITION

Play the show now. Subscribe in iTunes.

But what does that MEAN in this 103rd episode of the best podcast on advertising ever? It's less about long-ass TSA-inspired lines and more about places we don’t want to ever work again. Along the way, we also take our requisite number of lefts without signaling. Time to board people. Fasten your belt and listen you some.

(Image).

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German artist creates outfits that match public transport seats

For her 2008 project “Bustour,” German artist Menja Stevenson decided to source the fabrics—called moquette—that bus seats are made of to create weird matching getups. Then she wore them and hung out by the seats she matched to see if anybody would notice.

“I couldn’t believe that many people didn’t realise the connection seeing me and the seats together,” Stevenson says. “Did they think that it was sheer coincidence? Some curious people at least talked to me, and a very few laughed, but most passengers would look shyly at me and quickly look the other way again.” 

Moquette is designed to be spill and stain-proof, and can last for more than a decade. Since it can’t be purchased, Stevenson asked German transport companies to send her some.

“Wearing them, you sweat like crazy, they feel like a knight’s armor and it’s hard to act naturally.”

It’s a wonder no one sat on her.

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This Graphic Designer Created Jerseys for Each Pokémon Go Team

Whether you’re Team Valor, Team Instinct or Team Mystic, one graphic designer from La Casaca toiled to give you what you need to catch ‘em all in style. 

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The Rise & Fall of the GIF

A history of our favourite way to emote.

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The Life of a Phone Sex Operator

Its origins date to the 1980s, when American telephone companies introduced dedicated “dial-a-porn” phone numbers. The service complemented other paid phone lines that connected callers with vendors who quoted stock prices, told jokes, or reported sports scores. Dial-a-porn was a hit, attracting 19 million calls during its New York debut. A Supreme Court decision helped it survive the attacks of outraged parents and conservative legislators. 

  PSOs credit the industry’s continued existence to the aspects that differentiate it from pornography.