A Change Will Do You Good

Inspired by the courageous thinking and smart ideas of their team (or threatened by the almost-successful revolt), Lanier, Brian, and Lora are making some big changes at The AD Company.

First, they've changed our name. That's right, you can't call us The AD Company anymore. Well, you can, but we'll just have to correct you because we're now...drum roll please...ADCO. 

Yes, we know ADCO sounds a lot like The AD Company, but it's a little bit different because we're a little bit different than we were when we picked The AD Company as a name. I mean, we don't just do ads. We do everything that's marketing-related--strategy, creative, and interactive. We do logos, websites, strategic marketing plans; you name it, we do it. So The AD Company (or the company that does ads) just didn't seem to fit as well as it used to when we were just a design shop cranking out ads. In fact, ADCO feels like a natural evolution because you've been calling us that for years. We just decided to join you.

Second, we're rolling out a whole new brand. And when we say "brand," we don't just mean "logo." We mean that we spent many hours thinking and talking about who we are and what we do and how we communicate who we are and what we do. And after all that, we created a new logo that's all about movement, creativity, communication, energy, and infinite possibilities. And we wrote a new tagline--ideas move--which is all about our belief in the power of ideas. And we're doing some other branding things too--like renovating our office space and adding new products and services. So although we're the same great folks who do great work and who take care of your needs, we're starting to look a little different. But don't be alarmed; it's still us.

And finally, we've launched a new website. It is the number one source of information on us so we'd really like for you to see it. Check it out here. 

As you can see, we're changing like crazy around here. 

New Partner

New Name

New Brand

New Website

But we love it. We're feeling more energized than ever, and we hope you're just as excited as we are about the new and improved ADCO.

New Leadership

Lanier has emerged victorious in the race for ADCO President. He faced rebellion from his staff. He endured mudslinging from his competitors. He withstood challenges and criticisms heaved from all directions at him and his 18-year reign.

But Lanier still stands. Tall and proud and determined as ever. 

In the wake of his victory, Lanier made an unexpected announcement (well, unexpected only to those who haven't seen him locked behind closed doors "negotiating" for the past two weeks, but you didn't hear that from me). 

To help usher in his new regime, Lanier has made Lora (previously "Lanier for Ex-President" candidate) a Partner at The AD Company.

That's right, folks, we have some new leadership at The AD Company. Lora, who was leading in the votes when the gag order was issued in early May, is now leading the company as well.

And the winner is...

You've been waiting for this--the announcement declaring the new President of The AD Company. Well, here it is. Finally. The news you've been wondering about. 

The delegates and superdelegates and minidelegates and might-as-well-be delegates have all been counted. The voters have spoken. And the winner is...

LANIER JONES.

[insert shocked gasps here!]

More later after the initial shock has worn off!

Whispers of Conspiracy

I am blogging by candlelight. There has been a gag order sent out through ADCO. No one is to speak of ADCO Campaign 2008 or its candidates. I can blog now only under the cover of almost-darkness.

All I can say for sure (and I may face a lashing for saying even this) is that Brian's entrance into the thick of the race has shaken Lora and Lanier.

And now there are whispers of conspiracy in the halls. There are frequent meetings behind closed doors. There are rumors. But I cannot speak of them. I can only tell you that things are changing. The ground is shifting beneath us, and Brian, Lora, and Lanier are behind it. Somehow. Some way.

All remaining ADCO candidates are shrouded in fear for what may come; they have abandoned campaigning. They sit at their desks like worker bees and wait for the icy hand of the future to unveil the campaign's bitter end.

It's coming soon, sooner than you think. It will envelop us all.

Brian, International Man of Mystery

You may have noticed that there hasn't been much of Brian in ADCO Campaign 2008. You may have begun to wonder, "Where is Lanier's partner? Where is the Creative Director? Where is Brian in all this?"

Well, my friends, you will wonder no more. Brian is here in an all-access interview where he will expose all of his dirty laundry so that you can get to know the REAL Brian, the man you want to lead ADCO. [Interview paid for by the campaign to elect Brian for ADCO President.]

Interviewer: Brian, where have you been throughout ADCO Campaign 2008?
Brian: Well, interviewer, I've been watching and waiting. I'm like a cheetah stalking his prey. I watch and wait until the moment is right, until the perfect opportunity to strike arrives. I believe the opportunity is here.

Interviewer: Don't you feel all this stalking predatory talk is antithetical to your campaign--"We can all get along"?
Brian: No.

Interviewer: Okay. Well, tell me, Brian, why now? Why do you think now is the right time?
Brian: Because my strongest competitors have fallen. Claire and Jessica took an early lead on all of us, but I knew they couldn't keep them. And, of course, I was right. Claire is out of the race and can't even show her face on the streets anymore. Jessica is so fearful of a scandal that she has basically given up campaigning all together. My other competitors have fallen too. Jenny's supporters have practically abandoned her, and Karen's followers saw her for what she really is -- in way over her head. There is no real competition left. So the time is right for the untainted, beloved Creative Director / Partner to emerge.

Interviewer: What about Lora? She's in spot #1. And Lanier has made an exceptional comeback. What about him?
Brian: Lora and Lanier are push-overs, not competitors. Lora made it to the top by sheer luck, and Lanier has only come out from the gutter because of Linda's PR expertise. Both of which will run out soon.

Interviewer: So, Brian, tell me about your dirty laundry. The voters want to get to know the real you.
Brian: Not much to tell really. I have socks, pants, and shirts in the hamper right now.

Interviewer: Very interesting. What about your underwear?
Brian: No comment.

Interviewer: Okay, Brian, let's talk about the issues. What do you think of technology and forms of new media?
Brian: Computers and the internet are just a fad.

Interviewer: What do you think of recycling, particularly recycling logos?
Brian: There's no room for recycling in the left or the right brain.

Interviewer: What about female power?
Brian: No thanks, I'm good.

Interviewer: How do you feel about traditional values?
Brian: Tradition is in the box. I'm out of the box--but in a business-y kind of way.

Interviewer: Why should you be ADCO President?
Brian: Because I'm the best of both worlds.

Interviewer: What's different about you and your campaign?
Brian: Interviewer, my campaign is about bringing people together. The people who work in advertising come from two different worlds; I want to combine those worlds peacefully as I've done in my own life. I'm both a businessman (partner / AE) and a creative (director, that is), and that makes me different from Lora and Lanier. I've merged left brain and right brain in my life, and I believe we can do it all over ADCO and the world.

Interviewer: What about people who don't believe in left brain-right brain stuff?
Brian: They're wrong, but they should vote for me anyway.

Well, there you have it, folks. That's Brian in a nutshell that's been cracked open and laid out on the table for all the world to see.

Brief Updates from the Campaign Trail

ADCO Campaign has a new leader. That's right, the great Karen has fallen, and Lora has set up shop in spot #1. Although a late start kept Lora from thriving in the race early on, she sky-rocketed quickly into spot #4 before she plateaued. Still, as her primary competitors (Karen and Claire) found themselves plagued by scandal and losing support from voters, she remained squeaky clean. And she's standing strong today with about one month left in the race for ADCO President.

Linda Carle, ADCO candidate turned Campaign Manager, couldn't save her own run for the ADCO throne, but she's certainly trying to save Lanier's--starting with successfully courting Claire's endorsement. As a result of Linda's efforts, Lanier has officially entered the thick of the race. After months on the bottom rung of the ladder, Lanier has now found himself in spot #3. But will his improvement be enough to save him? #3 is good, but he'll need to be better than good to win this race.

Feverishly trying to hold on to spot #2 is Jenny Matthews. Although Jenny boasted zealous support early on, causing her to rise high, her followers have become a lackluster. There has been some talk in recent days about the strength of a partnership between Lora and Jenny, but Lora's campaign manager is keeping silent.

An Endorsement

A piece of parchment sent to ADCO headquarters from an unknown location requested we release this letter from Claire Connolly.

"It is unfortunate that I cannot be with you today. I would like very much to be, but wherever I go, the cameras follow me, splashing pictures of me in the paper and running them alongside articles with the most hurtful of headlines like 'ADCO's very own vandal.' Though I am trying to leave my checkered past behind me, the press certainly won't let me forget.

"Nonetheless, I write to you today in good spirits. I write to you today with an endorsement that may feel unexpected but that is wholeheartedly my own.

"I, Claire, would like to endorse Lanier Jones for ADCO President."

[insert shocked gasps here]

"I know there was a time when I was fighting against Lanier and his regime. I know I said some hurtful things. But I write to you today a changed woman. I believe Lanier will lead this company to another 18 years of greatness.

"I want to encourage voters to give your support to Lanier. He is steadfast and true. And I want to encourage the remaining contenders to step down. Your attempts at the throne are misguided. Lanier is our true leader."

[insert angry cries of candidates here]

"Karen, you're overstepping your bounds; you're just a student, an intern. Step down. Jennifer, your hippie politics won't get us anywhere. Step down. Jessica, you don't even have an iphone. Stop living this lie, and step down.

"We must not be divided any longer. It's time for unity. So, ADCO candidates, I beg you, let Lanier lead us."

My friends, Claire has spoken.

The Aftermath

It's been two weeks since campaign videos hit the streets, and the campaign has taken on a life of it's own. But the biggest news first...

ADCO Campaign 2008 has one less contender. One less fighter for change. Folks, Claire Connolly is out of the race.

After she was caught vandalizing ADCO Campaign posters all over the city, Claire was forced into hiding. Her loyal supporters searched for her, far and wide, high and low, but she was nowhere to be found. So after twenty solid minutes of looking, they all gave up.

Moments later, a telegram was received at ADCO Headquarters. It read:
"I am ashamed of my actions. STOP. I must withdraw from the race. STOP."

After this announcement, Claire's followers aren't the only ones looking for her. Several ADCO candidates have been missing in action as they seek out the fallen fighter in hopes of gaining her endorsement and the votes of her supporters.

The Update You've Been Waiting For...

After last week's video release, the ADCO office has been full of whispers and rumors. What will happen next? No one truly knows...

But rumor has it that people have turned their backs on Karen and are moving their loyalties elsewhere. Supporters are questioning her motives, asking her if she's shooting too high, wondering if she's overstepping her bounds as an intern. Although she's been begging for continued support, she's plummeting in the polls. Will she rebound?

In other news, Megan made a public apology for using so many fonts on ADCO fax cover sheets. She has blamed a faulty computer and overbearing interns for her slip. But can we believe her promise to never do it again?

And finally, Claire has been in hiding since her release from custody. Shame has befallen this once-adored candidate, and everyone is asking, "What will her next move be?"

Wait and see...

Candidates Gone Wild! Part 2.

That's right, campaign videos are here (and on YouTube, in case you were wondering).

[Views expressed here are the individual views of ADCO Candidates and inclusion
here does not mean that these individual views are actual views of ADCO candidates. The views may be viewed as actual attempts to garner votes by and for ADCO candidates and constituents. To view the individual views, which may or may not be actual, click "play" on the videos below.]

Candidates Gone Wild! Part 1.

That's right, campaign videos are here (and on YouTube, in case you were wondering).

[Views expressed here are the individual views of ADCO Candidates and inclusion
here does not mean that these individual views are actual views of ADCO candidates. The views may be viewed as actual attempts to garner votes by and for ADCO candidates and constituents. To view the individual views, which may or may not be actual, click "play" on the videos below.]

Late Breaking News!!!

Shortly after her resignation announcement, Linda Carle has found herself in a new position. While she may not be fighting for the Presidential title any longer, she's still in the thick of the race -- as Campaign Manager.

That's right, only moments after telling the world that she was no longer an ADCO candidate, Linda was approached by none other than...

Lanier Jones.

It's no secret that Lanier's campaign has been slow to get going. It's no secret that his numbers are way behind what was projected. It's no secret that he has struggled to gain support from key demographic groups. Now he's hoping Linda Carle can help him change that. He's hoping Linda can turn his campaign around -- starting now.

What do YOU think of Lanier's decision to bring Linda on as his Campaign Manager? Is he just grasping at straws? Is it smart of him to bring on a seasoned PR specialist to spin his campaign in a new way? Is he just trying to be nice to the fallen education candidate? Tell us! Join Blogger and leave a comment telling us what you think of the Lanier & Linda team. Or send your thoughts to us via email to jessica@theadcompany.com.

Throwing in the Towel

Linda Carle is out of the race. She couldn't bounce back. Not after the incriminating photos. Not after Lily spoke out against her. Not after the accusations. 

Her explanation couldn't redeem her. Her apologies couldn't deliver her. Her promises of change couldn't save her.

Her official resignation statement, which conveniently leaves out any mention of the scandal that plagued her campaign, reads: "To keep the company together, I will step aside. It's been a tough decision because I hate to lose. But I believe in my heart that it's the right thing to do. For myself. For my family. For my company."

There you have it, folks -- Linda Carle is no longer a candidate for ADCO President.

The Plot Thickens...

In response to Friday's shocking news, the education candidate speaks out:

"Oh my! How quick my opponents are to jump to conclusions based on one small photo. You know what they say about assuming.

Anyway, this story just doesn't add up. Here's what really happened...

Ginny, who is the official keeper of Lily's dog treats, was on vacation last week. During her absence, Ginny transferred the responsibility of giving Lily treats to me. However, she forgot to tell me that Lily was out of treats and that Lanier had conveniently forgotten to buy more. Are you beginning to smell a conspiracy here? 

So Lily came around looking for her treat -- per usual -- and I had nothing to give her. She begged. She did tricks. She about drove me insane. To pacify her, I innocently gave her a small piece of the animal crackers I had been enjoying as an afternoon snack. It was genuine kindness and love for this little creature -- and not an attempt at bribery -- that drove me to feed Lily the cracker that has thrown me into this mess!

As for Lily's side of the story -- forget it. You can get that dog to say whatever you want if you rub her belly. I'm willing to bet the rest of today's animal crackers that Lanier and Ginny are behind the bull that's Lily's been spatting out.

In fact, maybe this attempt at scandal runs even deeper than Lanier and Ginny. I mean, isn't it "interesting" that Claire just happened to have a camera lurking outside my office to catch this photo? I think someone needs to find out what kind of deal Lanier is finessing with Ginny and Claire. Clearly, they've seen me out campaigning in the streets, trying to improve my rankings in this race, and they got so scared they felt they had to resort to this kind of treachery in order to take me out. I say, what is this company coming to?"

There you have it, folks -- the story right out of the lions mouth. But will it help her stay in the race? 

Ooh, that dog so scandalous!

Can you believe what you're seeing here?

I know I can't.

I can't believe our ADCO candidates have sunk this low.

But they have.

Here's proof. 

Bribery. It's a dirty but all too common word in politics. And it's found its way into ADCO Campaign 2008. Linda has been caught -- on camera -- bribing Lily. We don't know how long this atrocity has been taking place, but we think we have an idea as to why it's been happening.

Linda's campaign hasn't been doing well. Having failed to gain support from voters using respected means of persuasion, we think she must have decided to take a walk on the wild side, the dark side. 

Using animal crackers, Linda has been attempting to convince Lily to abandon her campaign for the top spot and to endorse the education candidate, Linda herself. Although tempted, Lily has remained steadfast. She has not withdrawn from the race; she has not endorsed another candidate. In fact, she is coming out against Linda's corrupt actions.

"I am just so sorry that I got mixed up in this unfortunate business. Truly, I didn't know what Linda was after. She just kept calling me into her office and holding out tasty treats for me to nibble on. I didn't know she was going to turn on me and demand my endorsement. Well, she won't get it. I'm still in this race, and I'm in it to win!"

Linda's next steps remain to be seen. Will she bow out of the race gracefully? Will she try to turn this negative press into positive votes? She'll take the weekend to think it over and to consult with her advisors on how to proceed. More on this scandal next week!

**Over the weekend, ponder this startling fact: Lily eats her own. Animal crackers of the world, beware!**

Big Decisions Loom Over Candidates

The race is becoming cutthroat. Money is depleted, and the candidates are exhausted. Time is running out for some ADCO hopefuls.

Rudy is out. John is gone. Who will be next? Which ADCO candidate will crack under the pressure? Who will tire from the burden of campaigning? Who will throw in the towel first?

Perhaps Linda Carle [Words Count] whose commitment to education hasn't resonated well with voters. Or Megan Leonard [Read My Lips, No New Faxes] whose promises have been viewed as hollow. Could it be David Stroud [Time Is Money. Let Me Spend It Right.] whose brazen request for constituents' money has turned off many would-be supporters?

The clock is ticking for these candidates. They're being forced to make some tough decisions; they're being forced to take a long, hard look at what people are saying about them, at what the numbers are saying about them. Who will be the first to cry uncle? 

Whoever it is, you can be sure that Lanier will be lobbying for his or her support. Although the incumbent retains a loyal following, he hasn't garnered the kind of attention he was counting on. He's hoping to have an endorsement thrown his way.

But will he get it? Cross your fingers.

Karen Propelled Ahead by Peers

Whoever said that the student population was an unreliable demographic to court because of the small numbers who actually show up at the voting booths was wrong. Very wrong.

Karen, who spends part of her days as a Production Artist and part as a USC student, is still ahead -- way ahead -- of her fellow candidates. The students of USC have rallied around this candidate, and her lead has grown and grown. 

Claire Connolly, who enjoyed such a solid lead in the race that she slowed down her campaigning, is now angry with herself and her advisors. She's staying behind closed doors and trying to come up with a strategy to regain her grip on the race.

Jessica Cook, who relished her brief fifteen minutes of fame, is downtrodden as well. Her spirits bruised, she's been seen scowling at her iphone.

A Shocking Turn of Events

The nation is waiting to see whether or not Rudy Guiliani's "Count on Florida" strategy will pan out as he planned (and it's not looking good). 

ADCO is waiting to see whether or not Karen Williford's "Pro-Font Control" platform can be defeated (and it's not looking good).

That's right, folks, the race is changing! Karen has entered the race -- from out of nowhere -- and has claimed the number one spot. The sudden rise of this virtually unknown candidate has political analysts reeling and searching for an explanation. Are we to believe that the public is responding to the numbers that Karen has been feeding them? 

One supporter thinks so: "At the heart of Karen's campaign rests one compelling statistic that has us all shaking in our boots: 62.478% of creative work is destroyed by poor font control. We cannot continue to let this happen. Electing Karen means real change for creativity."

There you have it.

The Heat Is On!

If you thought you could consider the books closed on the race for ADCO President, you were very wrong! 

Claire has re-claimed her position at the top, but these days she is feeling the heat from more than just Jessica (who is trying desperately to hold on to her #2 spot). 

Jenny Matthews, who has received official backing from local radio station WNOK, is closing the gap between second and third with each passing minute. As support for this traditional candidate grows, so does the pressure on Claire and Jessica.

And now -- a dark horse has entered the thick of the race -- Lora Prill, Vice President of Marketing. Like Fred Thompson, she got a late start. But she's shaking things up these days. Calling herself the "Comeback Mother," Lora's propelled herself into the race by cultivating the female vote. She's currently sitting pretty in spot #4. But she's taken to the streets, and we expect her numbers to grow. The only question that remains: will her late start cripple her?

We'll see.

Traditional Values Still Matter

BREAKING NEWS

Since sending out our first email blast, the race has taken a shocking turn! Jenny Matthews, ADCO's conservative candidate, has made a surprising leap from the bottom. She is now third in what has become a very close race.

Although Jenny has yet to overtake the two front-runners -- Jessica & Claire -- she is seeing support flock to her in droves, revealing more about the public than we thought possible. Perhaps our constituents are less concerned with the newest technology or attentive service than we thought. Perhaps all they really want are traditional values, traditional media.

Lily, who is now in fifth place, is particularly disgruntled by Jenny's upward movement in the race. She's been seen sulking around the office most of the afternoon.

Email Blast Goes Out

Constituents: 

Check your email!  We've blasted you with important news from the campaign trail.

-Your ADCO Candidates  

Reports of Self Voting Disputed

Claire's Campaign Manager is ruffling some feathers at The AD Company today. 

The candidate's official statement: "I declare, I did not vote for myself. I want to thank my faithful supporters and encourage them to continue voting for me despite this unfortunate attempt to tarnish my reputation. I remain as committed as ever to serving the people, even as my competition sinks to all-time lows."

Clearly, the folks at ADCO did not learn a lesson from the mudslinging in the recent South Carolina debate between Democratic front-runners Hillary and Obama. Although all ADCO candidates pledged to keep the race clean, emotions are high. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and with the political environment of the state all a-buzz with the primaries, all the ADCO candidates are screaming to be heard. 

Claire Falls Behind!

Long-time ADCO Campaign leader, Claire Connolly -- the candidate known for her commitment to clients -- has fallen into second place in what has become a very close race. Apparently, Claire lost the support of some loyalists after word spread that she was voting for herself over and over again. 

Jessica Cook, Director of New Media, has claimed the first place slot for now. Her primary supporters are a fickle group -- her friends and family -- and they could turn on her at any moment.

Things are not looking good for Lanier who was counting on the support of an older generation of voters. Seems like some of his core group are not as comfortable voting online as the incumbent would like. Whether or not he can spring back into the race remains to be seen. In the meantime, you can find him campaigning at The Mousetrap.

ADCO Campaign 2008 on MySpace!

Click on the names of your ADCO Campaign 2008 candidates to check out their brand new, super fun MySpace profiles!

And don't forget to vote for your favorite candidate at www.theadcompany.com/campaign2008.

Lanier

Brian

Lora

Jennifer

Janie

Karen

Megan

Ginny

David

Linda

Jenny

Claire

Jessica

Lily