Q&As

Call it a case of cosmic coincidence: A Jewish organization is about to launch a viral campaign that touts the value of forgiveness. This occurs just after actor Mel Gibson made an initial pass at apologizing to the Jewish community for anti-Semitic comments he uttered while being arrested for speeding and drunk driving.

The party goes on.

Do-Re-Me & You! is the latest direct sales firm to sign up for IMN’s Party Pulse e-zine service. Its 1,000 consultants, who sell children’s storybooks and other learning products in home sales parties, can now communicate with customers through e-mail newsletters.

As far as we know, there are no degree programs for how to create e-mail newsletters. But it’s an art that should be studied.

In their eagerness to get their sales message across, many firms ignore basic design and technical rules.

Here are some e-mail tips from Geoff Smith, managing director of online product develop for Prism Business Media, the publisher of this e-zine.

Marketers: Wary of associating with the uncertainties of blogs and unruly bloggers? Why not leapfrog directly to podcasting? At least that’s the advice offered by several advertisers at an Ad:Tech Chicago session on RSS and podcast advertising.

Esquire Innovations is using Web demos to close sales.

Dr. Miracle’s is using direct response print, television, the Web and unconventional advertising wisdom to make a name for itself. And it seems to be working: The Brooklyn, NY company, which markets hair-care products to the African-American community, has grown from $1 million two years ago to $10 million for the just-ended fiscal year.

Sales start with business publication advertising

Iomega Corp.

Anti-tobacco campaign “truth” has partnered with music network Fuse for a documentary on Vans Warped Tour 2006, with a starring role for truth’s marketing tour team. One of truth’s bright-orange “truth trucks” travels with the Warped Tour as part of the …

Jelly Belly Candy Co. is capitalizing on its role in Warner Bros.’ Ant Bully with a quartet of ant-inspired flavors and a mail-in offer. The animated film casts Jelly Belly as “Sweet Rocks,” the favorite food of ants— Lucas Nickle, the boy who shrinks …