We started with the basics like “What is Social Media” and expanded to “How to develop your campaign” and finished up with “How to talk to your audience” and tools for measurement of your campaign.

Rather than keep it all to ourselves (and the rest of the conference attendees), we thought we’d share it with you…after all, it’s the social thing to do! So here’s our presentation: “Build a larger audience with social media in the mix”

The session was well received at the conference, but we’d like to hear from you. Leave us any questions you have about social media or the presentation in the comments section.

Things have been changing here. We’ve had some people recently come and go within the ranks. And this change has been the catalyst for us to take a step back and look at the future of the company. As a collective of innovators and artist and all-around-awesome people, we’re taking what we know is best as a foundation and amping it up a notch. Here’s what to expect in the coming months:

• We’re in the process of redesigning our site to run on WordPress to bring out the best in our work
• We’ll be posting A LOT more blog entries
• We’re always learning and educating both ourselves and our clients
• We’ll be doing some speaking engagements and giving FREE webinars
• We’re going to bring the best practices and emerging technologies to you through FREE ideation sessions

So how would one stay on top of all of the upcoming events? Simple. We give you 3 simple ways to stay in touch:

1. Follow us on Twitter
2. Add or bookmark our RSS Feed from our blog The Sweetspot
3. Subscribe to our NEW ongoing eNewsletter here

Keep a lookout for all the awesome new things coming from your friends at Stalelife.

Thanks,

Kurt Pennypacker
Founder/President

The Killjoy Team
World Bicycle Relief
The Dirt Derby
The Bonebell (new site design coming soon)

So when Kevin Heppner asked if we could help design new logos for our favorite team (Joe’s a member), we jumped. Kevin made the new logo a center piece and pulled a 180º from previous designs with a clean kit that’s sure to stand out at the front of the field filled with overdone design and high sponsor counts.

Front and back, yellow and black – and a Stalelife logo that adds a splash of color in a subtle place.

The horizontal logotype is highly visible on a racer's thighs - perfect for the Chicago Cross Cup courses this team will dominate.

Look around Chicago and Austin, you’re sure to see this kit on the dirt and on the streets this year.

For the second year in a row I will be attending the SXSW conference in Austin Texas. I collected a lot of information last year to help me make the most of what is a massive, sprawling, 10 day conference. I also met some great people last year, some of which I have kept in close contact with. In preparation for the big event this year, through an international collaboration with Nonimage and Armadillo Studios we have launched a definitive guide to absolutely everything related to the SXSW festival in Austin Texas.

We are pleased to announce the launch of SXSWisEASY.com.

Designed with simplicity in mind, SXSWisEASY provides straight up information for everything related to SXSW. It covers everything from essential elements of Austin TX to the Best Interactive Parties all they way to a list of the Social Do’s and Don’t of the Film Festival.

Essentially, everything you could possible need to know to prepare you for SXSW in one easy to read spot.

As a group we have also provided a break down of the best parties and best interactive sessions at the festival. Including our own take on why it’ll be worth sitting in on the session. A guideline to help you make the most of your time down there.

So please spread the word of SXSWisEASY, send it to anyone you know heading to Austin. Even start following the SXSWisEASY Twitter account for the latest updates and information.

A big thank you goes to our friends Andy and Connor for being great to work with. Thanks again guys.

Did you know that The Chicago Tribune averages 40% recycled stock? That equates to 116,377 metric tons of paper saved every year (and probably a few forests). Plus they use soy-based ink, bio-diesel in their delivery trucks and they offer a greener way to pay your bill. Easy Pay is their automatic service that eliminates monthly mailings and the need for checks.

We were approached by our client to create a mailer that would encourage people to sign up:

Our creative is hard-working, roll-up-your-sleeves direct response – a corporate communications envelope (6×9 kraft) that will be opened, crystal clear messaging and a fast call-to-action. The Tribune folks also threw in a solid premium – a re-usable grocery bag.

The letter is clean, with bold subheads that encourage scanning and instant understanding of the exclusive subscriber message. We’re hoping the results match our previous successes with the Tribune.

If you subscribe to the Chicago Tribune and get the above mailer, be sure to sign up for Easy Pay. Being “green” is practical choice that helps the world, and could be an easy part of your every day. Plus that bag is HUGE (we use ours all the time).

^ Click image to enlarge ^

There were some subtle modifications to the original – for instance the zippo/camera was removed and the cascading line elements now resemble actual film, but overall the initial creative remains intact.

If you’re a fan of independent film, be sure to get your tickets right away – the BIG show is next Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008. All profits will help fund next year’s awards.