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Code Red!
It seems as though everything we do in the world of technology involves a code or password. From email to voicemail to filling out a form online, we're always asked to type in a username and password. What happens when we're forced to type in a code that's clearly a company's tagline?
In this issue of The Claymanite, we'll discuss branded CAPTCHAs and the positives and negatives that go along with them. We'll also give you a list of the most commonly used passwords. If yours is on the list, you might want to think about changing it!
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Branded CAPTCHAs
Almost all of you have probably had to type in some words matching a distorted word reference to complete an online form. This technology is most commonly referred to as "CAPTCHA." Originally developed in 2000 at Carnegie Mellon University for use by the Army, CAPTCHA boxes are referred to as "grading tests" to prove that we aren't spam robots.
Solve Media, a start-up marketing firm in New York, recently created branded CAPTCHA boxes.
Branded CAPTCHA boxes allow companies to display an image and message for users to type in. As of May 27, 2011, over 2,000 websites contained branded CAPTCHA boxes and well-known brands such as Toyota, Dr. Pepper, and Groupon are using the new marketing channel.
On one end of the spectrum, it's great for advertisers because it forces the person on the other end to type in the company's message. On the other end, it forces people to interact with a company's message, whether they support it or not. What if someone who hates McDonald's is forced into typing "I'm Lovin' It" just as he or she is trying to purchase something or submit a form online? Could that cause that person to leave the site all together?
One positive aspect for people who are forced into typing a company's message is that branded CAPTCHAs are much easier to read than the regular distorted CAPTCHAs. As a result, the average branded CAPTCHA is completed seven seconds faster than a jumbled text one.
So are branded CAPTCHAs brilliant or evil? For companies, there's not much to complain about, but for consumers it may be irritating if they do not support that particular brand. Let us know your thoughts!
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 Is It Time To Update Your Passwords?
It seems as though everything we use requires a password. E-mail, voicemail, the ATM, Social Media sites, the list goes on and on. Some people even have password protected phones and computers. What about all the people who pay their bills online? All of those accounts require passwords. With everything these days that requires a password, it's very common for people to use the same one for each account. Some people use passwords that are extremely easy to figure out, simply so they do not forget them.
National Geographic recently reported on the ten most commonly used passwords. The top ten include:
1. 123456
2. password
3. 12345678
4. 1234
5. -------*
6. 12345
7. dragon
8. qwerty
9. --------*
10. Mustang
*Vulgar word not appropriate for this e-newsletter.
Are any of your passwords listed above? If so, it might be time to make an update.
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Continuing Blogs from a Mad Man
Want to get Larry's take on the 4 Ps of Marketing? Read his blog to find out more!
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