FreeThink: a blog published by Maxwell PR
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Word-of-Mouth: Word.

So, apparently if you toss a Mento in a bottle of Diet Coke what results is some kind of soda geyser sometimes shooting more than 20 feet. Cool. And some other guys thought so too and made a video showcasing a Bellagio-esque choreographed fountain of Mento-induced Diet Coke bursts.

Then they put it on the World Wide Web. Then, a bunch of others (hundreds, according to the Wall Street Journal) made more videos and put them on the World Wide Web too. Then the Wall Street Journal and lots of other newspapers, blogs and newsletters noticed and wrote lots of stuff about it.

According to AdRants Mentos is super stoked and, well, Coke doesn't really care.

We think that if the Coke folks had tried to buy a bottle of their diet soda at our local QFC this afternoon, only to find NOTHING, they wouldn't be so blase about some goofball guys makin' pretty soda explosions on the internet.

But who are we to say...just some Portland PR Pros tryin' to buy Mentos and Diet Coke to make explosions off our balcony on a rainy Monday...I guess.

Check it out!

Full disclosure: Our geysers only made it about two feet. Harumph.

posted on June 12, 2006


A Note From the Newest Maxwellite - Katy!

After my first day at Maxwell, I went home thinking what did I get myself into? Packing a binder of studio procedures and HR information, my head swimming with a list of clients, and a little bit of bubbly in my system, it took me awhile to decompress and process my first day. I can honestly say that my mind and body had worked in overdrive, taking everything in as I desperately tried to familiarize myself with a whole new environment, atmosphere, and new set of clients and colleagues. That night, as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out and the next thing I knew the alarm was sounding on my second day. As it nears the end of my second day, my head is spinning as I've read The Oregonian, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Portland Tribune, countless online news updates and Google alerts, and the day isn't even over!

I sit and listen to my colleagues talk about their assignments and clients and I'm amazed that I'm here and, to be honest, a little nervous. This was my dream job where I hoped, after paying my dues in college for four years and surviving some menial jobs, I would someday arrive. Somehow those years now just seem a blur and I'm trying to comprehend that I'm an Account Coordinator at a well known, award-winning PR agency. How did I get here so fast? But even more so…will I cut it? They're all so confident as they pitch stories to national magazines, discuss press tours in NY with top travel magazines, chat casually with the stylist for the Pussycat Dolls, and are on a first name basis with execs at major corporations and top media contacts. How are they so nonchalant? But what impresses me even more than that, is how much they all love their jobs and really believe in what they're doing and the clients they represent. This isn't just a job for them; it's their passion and it shows. The enthusiasm, commitment and dedication here is contagious and I know that I've been given an amazing opportunity.

I know now that everything up to this point has been preparing me for this, the next stage in both my personal and professional life. I know there will be challenges, even more information overload, and possibly (hopefully!) some more bubbly along the way. But instead of allowing myself to feel overwhelmed, I'm welcoming this opportunity and am ready to jump in feet first and have the time of my life!

- Katy Ulloa
Account Coordinator and Maxwell PR's newest addition

posted on June 09, 2006


Been Eyein' A New Messenger Bag? Buy Beer

Since we're in the business of thinkin' up good ideas, we try to pay attention to what others are doing and give shout-outs when due. This morning my co-worker, Laura (she always finds the good stuff), tipped me off to the Crumpler "Beer for Bags" plan/promotion/campaign (what would you call trading your wares for booze and inviting people to come play drinking games at your office?). It's brilliant. In addition to cheeky, goofball design and interactive Web components, their offer to trade various combinations of beer for specific products is, well, ballsy. I think this is
the second year, check it out: http://www.crumplerbags.com/b4b/

Oh, and excellent bags too!

- Erica Erland

posted on June 06, 2006


So long, Juan!


His mule Conchita wasn't there but he was. Tall, regal, always smiling. Juan Valdez made the hours fly by and the celebrities giddy at the Silver Spoon celebrity gifting lounge Erica and I staffed in March. We were there to sample the finest Gold Toe socks to the celebrities attending the event, held two days before the Academy Awards in Hollywood. Despite the draw of fine yarns, snappy argyles, and well-crafted, yet durable men's socks, Juan was the star in our particular corner of the party. The celebs lined up to have their photo taken with Juan, who is a celebrity in his own right, creating some sort of Madison and Vine vortex of fabulousness. Erica and I were sucked in as well, as we grabbed our chance to make a memory and posed with the man himself in front of our table of socks. Yes, of course he went back to Columbia with a fresh pair of black dress socks himself. A pair we hope he enjoys well into his retirement. Adios Juan Valdez. Thanks for the memory.

- Jen Scott

posted on


  This spirited, open forum by Maxwell PR staff members, studio mates and colleagues features people who are, in our opinion, doing the right things to get people talking. You'll see us rave about organizations building communities and rant about those who are missing obvious opportunities. We sprinkle in a little marketing and PR rhetoric from time to time for extra vigor and enthusiasm, and will share observations and insight based on our own experience honing our craft every day.  
 

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