Connected TV (CTV) advertising is when marketers utilize Smart TV’s capabilities to add an “interactive” element to their ads, prompting viewers to engage further then just watching. You will often see QR codes, choose-your-commercial, or even sneakier, pop quiz questions about the product disguised as trivia. While these can be seen as good things by those who equate instant engagement and clicks with an ads success, does it come at the expense of the creatives? Commercials are a huge expense. It takes an entire team of writers, set designers, agents, videographers, gaffers, editors, sound designers and a woman to watch it while driving and emailing: “looks good. T Sent from IPhone.” to get it from storyboard to screen. Weeks, months of work to make something that will now be shrunk to the top third of the screen, overtaken by a big frame and a QR code. I just think there’s got to be a balance between making good ads that use interest and creativity to compete for viewers attention, and making an af that has to compete with itself in the digital form of a car wash sign flipper! What do you guys think? Are CTV ads like this inevitable, or is there a better way?

Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, but one thing we can all agree on is that it's great to have Brian back and active in The Ad Agency community! But where'd he go? First off, thank you @Mike Farley for keeping this place going while I was away. Secondly, if you were checking the arrest records for a handsome 5'11" 26-year-old with brown hair and hazel eyes, you wouldn't see my mug shot because I wasn't arrested (though there might be a warrant from when I was 7 years old and my brother convinced me to eat a dog biscuit from the treat station at Petco) -- figured I'd make that clear right away. So here's an update: - February, got down on one knee and asked my beautiful girlfriend to marry me - March, began freelancing for a notable Wisconsin boating company - Also March, helped design and put together some marketing collateral for the USA Hockey National Youth Tournament for my hometown rink - April, accepted a full-time position with the notable Wisconsin boating company and will be starting next week There was a point in there where it felt like I was working three jobs at once, pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines, and getting a bit overwhelmed with workload. But I just took a step back, really focused on organization and setting priorities, and I was able to get through it all unscathed! But I'm back, and have some really cool things I can't wait to share with you all! Brian

Most of them, anyway... and the teasers. TAKE YOUR PICK TO COMMENT - - - Have an XL favorite? Did any make you actually laugh, cry or want to buy? Which was the absolute worst?

"So tell him what he won, Don..." His very own 1977 COSMIC LIQUIDATOR (from Sun Products Corp.). That's right, "Cosmic H2O Power Pistol System — Liquidator of Alien Starballs". Original weapon in the original box. Cardboard target long lost (blasted into oblivion), but with love and care, it could be made to fire yet again. Is there any other Skool Group where you can win that? I THINK NOT. Use responsibly, Brian.

I’ve got a plethora of libations within my system, but I’ve got an idea I will be pitching this week that I’m so excited to share. Be on the lookout 👀