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Vibrator Claire Snare John Lewis

Vibrator: Nimble fingers, crap conference goodies and making fun of Monty

By Claire Snare |

November 12, 2014 | 4 min read

Come one, come all to the hive of marketing industry gossip that is The Drum’s Vibrator. Every two weeks, our girl about town Claire Snare shares the news from the media and marketing scene that doesn’t make the headlines.

That's pants

Another event, another pair of pants as a brand freebie. Sigh, so 2009. This time, a dashing red pair from Pixalate, given away at Ad Tech New York. I mean, I’m all in favour of free undies, but hasn’t it become a bit, well, passé? And as much as I’m awed by big data (ahem), it’s not something I want to associate with Mr Snare’s privates. Sorry Pixalate, nice try, but the giveaway was a bit pants!

Say it ain't sew

Talking of being stitched up... my colleague Lynn met Sam Woods from Shazam at the Charlotte Street Hotel recently, and he was in need of a little assistance in that area. While chatting, she spotted a hole in the underarm of his jumper. He had an important meeting that afternoon and was in need of a needle and thread, so nimble-fingered Lynn jokingly offered to sew him up if a needle and thread could be found. Sam managed to procure some at the hotel reception, and needless to say she ended up stitching him up... happy to be of service?!

Here's Johnny!

Halloween provides an excellent excuse for companies to let their hair down, and Digital Cinema Media (DCM) chose to celebrate in style this year, hosting a pub quiz themed around The Shining at the BFI Riverfront Café, where reps from Carat, Maxus, McCann and more showed up to share their knowledge of the creepy classic. Questionable ‘inventive’ team names aside (‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Sausage’, anyone?), emerging victorious were the ‘Raiders of the Lost TVR’ from Goodstuff, who pulled out all the stops to take home a gold axe reminiscent of Jack Nicholson’s in the film, custom-made for the occasion.

Mocking Monty

It’s that time of year again – when everyone starts to feverishly anticipate John Lewis’s Christmas ad, which has almost become a rite of passage for the transition from autumn into festive Christmas cheer. Of course major online ‘reveals’ such as this tend to trigger the odd parody or spoof – at times even dredging up some criticism on Twitter, and this year was no exception. Redshirt Films released a cynical spoof on the adorable Monty penguin this year – implying ALL penguins are actually stupid. Mean. At least it didn’t mirror the thoughts of one of the retailer’s window designers, who was overheard remarking: “It makes me nervous each year – there is always something. This time no doubt it will be all about Monty mail- ordering a bride.”

Little darlings

Argos’ Victoria office was abuzz this week as it launched a new Christmas app for kids – not least because a dozen of them were bussed in to show journos in attendance just how great it was to use. Unfortunately, the little mites had taken over the kitchen, which proved too much for nearly all of the tea-starved office staff, who I was told had swiftly evacuated to ‘work from home’ that day.

Heard any juicy stories you want me to know about? Email me at claire.snare@thedrum.com or vibrator@thedrum.com. All tip offs will be handled in confidence. I promise!

Vibrator Claire Snare John Lewis

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