Advertising and marketing

Chinese golf resort tees off with world's largest human QR code

A gigantic QR code took form in China a couple of days ago. Mission Hills China trumpets the accomplishment with the headline, "World's Largest Golf Club & Spa Resort Creates the World's Biggest QR Code." Sounds like someone is obsessed with being the world's largest.

That headline is a little misleading, though. A Canadian corn maze turned out a 309,570-square-foot QR code last year. What Mission Hills China created is most likely the world's biggest human QR code. It certainly beat out the 1,300 people Taiwan drafted for a promotion event.

The club rounded up 2,000 employees for the massive publicity stunt. They stood in designated spots and opened red and white umbrellas above their heads. Seen from 270 feet above the ground, the formation created a scannable QR code. The code links back to an eco-tourism campaign that lets entrants sign up for a chance to win a holiday at the resort.… Read more

Yahoo's big move to mobile: Little to report just yet

When she grabbed the mic for her first quarterly earnings call as Yahoo's CEO last October, Marissa Mayer told listeners that she would ultimately move one-half of the company's engineers to assignments working on mobile. That was how vital she saw mobile to the company's future.

A lot of investors got understandably excited. After years of musical chairs at the top, finally there was a new boss who "got it." This proverbial platform change was something that could help return the pizzazz to Yahoo. Mobile could pave the way for Yahoo to use search and … Read more

Yahoo Q4 subtext: 'Marissa Mayer effect' starts to show up

After a full quarter with Marissa Mayer as its chief executive, Yahoo is showing signs of improvement.

But is it time to believe the turnaround story is for real?

That debate is about to get new life breathed into it after the company released non-GAAP earnings of $272.27 million, or 32 cents per share, in the fourth quarter on sales of $1.35 billion. Taking charges into account, Yahoo earned 23 cents per share. The consensus analyst estimate was for 27 cents per share, minus expenses connected with Yahoo's exit from South Korea. Revenue this quarter was expected … Read more

Google, Facebook, Amazon may be subject to French taxes

With the Internet being a relatively new concept, governments are still working out how to manage, secure, and legalize the Web. The French government, in particular, has been studying how U.S. companies -- such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon -- are making lots of money from its residents but are paying very little in local taxes.

As a response, French President Francois Hollande has commissioned a report that looks at a new idea: taxing the Internet.

According to the New York Times, the report, which was released on Friday, details a tax that would be levied against Internet-based tech … Read more

Facebook might make money from its search tool, analysts say

Facebook did not introduce a phone as many had hoped, but its new Graph Search might actually be able to generate revenue for the social-networking giant, analysts say.

Still, Facebook likely won't make much money from the tool in the near term as it focuses on user experience, analysts added, and people shouldn't expect Facebook to actually challenge Google's search dominance anytime soon.

In addition, Facebook's stock could see some short-term pressure from investors who were expecting a larger announcement like a phone or Web search, RBC analyst Mark Mahaney said.

Facebook, during an event yesterday … Read more

How to win business: Stalk your client on LinkedIn

When you want something from somebody, it's best to ask nicely.

At least, that's what I was always told by my former girlfriends and cell mates (that's two separate groups). However, I may have to revise that notion, after hearing of the antics perpetrated by a few good people in Lexington, Ky.

The management of a small ad agency there called Cornett Integrated Marketing Solutions (yes, they do indeed have the dreaded solutions word in their name) decided it might be fine business to use LinkedIn to pester executives from the A&W Restaurants company.… Read more

Outgrow.me: Easily track success of crowdfunded projects

There's a certain sense of wonder and excitement that arises when keeping tabs on the latest and greatest Kickstarter and Indiegogo projects. Browsing those marketplaces, I often ask myself, "Will they stay, or will they go?"

The new Web site Outgrow.me features a visual directory of successful crowdfunded darlings, which you can browse according to availability -- such as projects available now or those still in preorder status. Any projects currently seeking money won't even show up on the site, meaning Outgrow acts as an easy way to wade through all of the noise and buy some potentially cutting-edge products ready for prime time. … Read more

Watchdog seeks FTC staff opinion on Google antitrust case

Consumer Watchdog, a group that's accused Google of antitrust misconduct, is trying to find out why the FTC's investigation into the subject resulted in only mild punishment.

The group requested the Federal Trade Commission release its staff's report to detail the situation, according to a letter Consumer Watchdog sent to the commissioners (PDF). The agency's staff prepare such reports then forward them to the five commissioners who vote on what course of action to take.

"I call on you to release the FTC staff report to help make clear what was behind the commission's … Read more

Target online price match unlikely to curb 'showrooming'

Target said today that it would match online pricing in all of its stores year-round -- a move deployed by many retailers this holiday season -- in a bid to stop Amazon's "showrooming" effect.

In a statement, Target said it will match pricing from Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com and Toysrus.com (including Babiesrus.com). In a nutshell, Target will match prices on items found cheaper elsewhere within seven days.

The move is likely to be followed by Best Buy and other retailers that deployed the price matching stunt over the holidays. However, it's unclear … Read more