Thanks so much for all the Pro Bono partner submissions we've received. The response has been incredibly overwhelming! We are deeply touched by everyone submission received, and it has made the decision making process incredibly hard. We have based our decision on three key factors; first and foremost the level of need. We asked the question, "if matchstic didn't exist who would get it done?" The other factors were the potential impact of our services on the success of the non-profit, and finally the creative potential for the specific project in need.

With those factors in mind we democratically narrowed it down, with everyone getting one vote, to our final three, and held final interviews this past Wednesday. After more deliberation, our final winner has been declared!

Atlanta East Side Project is a local church plant with a ton of potential. We look forward to partnering with them to develop a naming campaign, brand strategy, and identity. They need it all!

What a Christmas privilege for us to team up with such a great organization. Merry Christmas to all!

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The Porsche 959 was the world's first "Supercar". Porsche AG manufactured the 959 from 1986-1989. During its production run, it was hailed as being the most technologically advanced road-going sports car ever built. The car's sticker price was $250,000 which sounds like a lot of money Porsche was making off of the car, until you hear that each 959 Porsche built cost them $500,000. Why would they build a car that for everyone of the 268 cars they produced they lost $250,000? Which if you add it up thats a total loss of $67 Million. Simple, Porsche knew that if they were the first to build a "Supercar" that the Porsche brand would ultimately be strengthened and the sales of their other models would more than make up the $67 Million loss on the production of the 959.

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Thanks so much for everyone who made it to the Matchstic Rapping Paper Party! On December 12th, guests experienced a red hummer limo ride, a red carpet entrance, the "Rap While You Wrap" booth where guests brought an unwrapped gift for charity and wrapped while Freestyle Hip Hop Artists "Dem Playa Haterz" rapped, a custom "Pimp Name" Name tag, a graffiti wall, a "bling" caricature artist, a Live Hip Hop DJ, a head spinning break dancer, ghetto fabulous hub cap wreaths, Polaroid photos with the rapping present mascot "Rappie", a Rapple or Raffle of over $1500 dollars worth of prizes, and ofcourse a free gold chained T-Shirt. Below is the "Rap While U Wrap" Highlight Reel to capture some of the night. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT some of the photos!

Gift and proceeds were donated towards the "Christmas in the City" gift drive presented by Essential 2 Life.
Big shoutout to:

Canvas Experience Design
If you really want to do something that is different and an experience, Canvas can help.

Photography by Jedge
Whitestone Motion Pictures

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Tonight we are throwing the first ever "Rapping Paper Party" for our clients, friends, and family. Guests are going to bring in an Unwrapped gift and experience the "Rap while you Wrap" Booth with freestyle rappers rapping while you wrap. Gifts are being donated to E2L. There also will be some different surprises throughout the night.

It might seem like unintentional madness (and it could end up being a disaster), but our goal is simple: to create more of a community with our staff, vendors, and clients. We hope it works. Worst case, it's just gonna be a ton of fun.

Here is the Promotional Video for the party:

And of-course the outtakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3P299q8R4w

Stay tuned for more photos and videos of the event.

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Had a recent observation about Blackberry. I was referencing their site and noticed that all their phones are alphanumerical combinations. It seemed really confusing to me, a non-blackberry owner. I wasn't real sure what the difference was between them. Not like Motorola where you have the ROKR, RAZR, SLVR all which are very different designs, easier to remember and market.

It seems Blackberry has adobted the same brand architecture as BMW. BMW names their models like X5, X3, 650i, 528xi and so on. Reason being that they want you telling people you own a BMW, period. Blackberry wants that same kind of recognition and it seems to be working.

There are a few different ways to set up your brand architecture, this is just one. Its called a Monolithic brand architecture. Other references are Starbucks, FedEx and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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I saw a commercial for a new cell phone provider, Jitterbug. The commercial was not the best quality but the message and positioning in the market was crystal clear. They have decided to offer the only cell phone specifically designed for senior citizens. The design and functionality are simple. Big large buttons and numbers on the screen. If you want to add someone to your address book, call the operator and she will do it for you! Makes total sense. I can see my grandfather actually having one.

Im making no predictions and time will tell but when it comes to the general rules of branding Jitterbug is doing it right. They have done what seems so hard to do, narrowed the focus. By doing that, they own a specific niche in the cell phone industry and our minds. I suppose it all depends on whether there is a market. If so, they own it.

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Dear Friend,

Matchstic is looking to partner with a non-profit client for the upcoming 2008 year. We are looking for an action-based non-profit that aligns with our values and beliefs dedicated to impacting the community. If interested (or know a good candidate), please send an email to probono@matchstic.com of why you feel our services would have the greatest impact on your organization (the more thorough and specific the better). Decisions will be based on the following factors: organizations' mission and potential impact, creative freedom, and greatest need.

Submissions must be received by Friday, December 14th at 5:00 pm. Interviews for final three candidates with be held the following week.

We look forward to partnering and dramatically impacting an amazing organization.

Thanks!

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One of the advantages of being first in a category is that you create and own the language in that category.

Yesterday I was walking through the mall with my son and we wanted to get some ice cream, so we walked over to Sonic to see what we could get. I almost never go to Sonic so I'm not very familiar with it. I asked the girl behind the counter what a "Blast" was and after she couldn't explain it very well. Finally I said "Oh, You mean a Blizzard?" "Yes" she said.

Even though I was paying Sonic, Dairy Queen was still getting the credit. Next time I want one, I will try to find a DQ, not a Sonic.

Oh, and to top it off, after I paid she told me, "We'll have your Blizzard for you shortly." "You mean Blast?" I said? "Oh yeah, Blast"

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