More brand confusion from Blackberry

This week, Research In Motion (RIM) unveiled its new tablet product. And after months of speculation that the product would be called the “BlackPad”, and our own scathing review of the Blackberry Torch brand strategy, we were surprised to learn they were calling it “Playbook”. Which Beg to Differ thinks is a great name… for a different product…

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Soap Stories 2: “purity” vs. “anti-category” brand positioning.

Yup, after highlighting lessons from the oldest brand in the world,  Beg to Differ is still focusing on plain old, boring soap – today comparing two more classic brands: Ivory and Dove. But we’re convinced that there’s gold in them-thar-bars. Pure brand… or maybe anti-brand… gold. Which works better for you? Read on.

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Soap Stories Part 1: the oldest brand in the world.

Months ago, the Differ began a post called “the History of Branding in 10 Soaps”. But as the list grew, he realized there was way too much brand mangers could learn from the world’s oldest branded products. So in the first installment: the lily-white pedigree of the world’s first brand: Pears transparent soap.

"Purity"? From 1880's ad for the granddaddy of brands: "Pear’s Soap is a potent factor in brightening the dark corners of the earth as civilisation advances, while amongst the cultured of all nations it holds the highest place."