Laid Off

Stumbled across this inspiring project called Cards of Change. It's a collection of business cards, from people who have recently been laid off. The cards all have a personal message written on them, showing the positive side of not having a job. As well as giving hope to people in similar situations, the aim of the project is to connect people with new opportunities from potential employers and business partners.

Does That Say 'Recession' or 'Recess Is On'?

Morgans Hotel Group (who own the Sanderson amongst others), have taken a head on approach to the recession.
From their website:


As part of their RecessIsOn campaign, they have released a series of 8 music videos shot in their hotels, to show that they are positively embracing the recession as a time for creativity to flourish.

When everyone else is talking about value, it’s a bold position to take. I think it’s a great strategy to have, that gets to the core of their business as a place to escape the outside world and as a facilatator to take time to enjoy yourself.

(For those interested, I took the above photo on Great Eastern St.)

Free Drinks For Happy People

Following on from the launch of their 'Kindness as Currency' ad, Absolut are practicing what they preech all this week.

From their website:
"For one week, kind gestures such as giving smiles, high fives and simply saying good morning are going to become currency and earn their givers coffees, drinks and cinema snacks, as we bring to life our vision of An ABSOLUT World where currency is replaced by kindness."



I think it's a great initiative and gives some much needed direction to their idea of an 'Absolut World'. It's certainly a change in direction from their Kanye West spot.
However, I think the execution lets the idea down. Had I not seen the events in London the idea of 'Kindness as Currency' would probably have passed me by. Would it not have been better to carry out the acts of random kindness first and use real footage for the ads?

Via PSFK.