Oops... APSOTW extra credit

Just realised I didn't include my email address on the page for this.
If you had a go at it please email me at rob@ this website ad-pit.co.uk

I'll keep accepting entries (presuming there are more than one of you!) til the end of Wednesday given the lack of email!

APSOTW Extra Credit - World Cup Assignment

Hi folks, I've been a bit slack with my posting this week; and thought it was time for some updates. I'd like to start with a special APSOTW competition in honour of the world cup.

Now normally Northern Planner or Rob Campbell take care of these, but as this is a topic I felt strongly about I have taken the reigns temporarily...

Background:

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest single sporting event in the world. Watched by billions of people around the world, it brings nations together in a unique way.

The beautiful game becomes the obsession of entire nations, everyone wants their country to win the ultimate prize in football.

But you already knew that...

The brief is this:

The rights to produce and sell the Official FIFA World Cup 2010 ball are expensive (around $350m I believe), with the event providing a huge opportunity for publicity and communication from sports brands.

However, Adidas have had to spend two weeks defending their World Cup ball (The Jabulani) against loud and widespread criticism from players, manager and the media.

The ball is being blamed for everything from the initial lack of goals, poor performances, lack of goals from free kicks, lack of player control, lack of pass accuracy and loss of shot accuracy.

Given the significance of the event and Jabulani product for Adidas; how should they react to the professional and public criticism?

Rules:

As this is an extra credit assignment I won't make it too strenuous...

1. You have 2 sides of A4 for your answer. You can use these in whatever way you wish. You can scan them / email them / post them, whichever is easiest for you!
2. You should consider both the professional and public criticism.
3. Closing date is July 11th (7.30pm GMT) - Kick off for the World Cup Final
4. Judges: Graeme Douglas - (Planning Director on Nike!), Rob Campbell, Moi, others may follow...
5. Have fun!

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Tea Time

The new APSOTW (Account planning school of the web) task is upon us. It's a cracker put together by Northern based on the best tea in the world wide world.

This task is all about inspiring creatives rather than finding insight, and I can't wait to see how people tackle it.