An Update On The Facebook Hack
In our last Insider we reported the Facebook hack left 50 million accounts exposed, but the data breach was minimal. Facebook now says it may be worse than originally thought. Although only 30 million accounts were hacked, hackers had access to more than just names and contact information. Ad Age reports that they also had access to some users’ location data through the check-in feature, current location, and recent searches. Best social media practices would suggest for you to log-off every device and reset your passwords. We want to further recommend that users stop checking-in everywhere they go – here is why .
A Simplistic View Of 2068
McDonald's looks forward 50 years and paints a simplistic picture of the future. The year is 2068. Global warming brings constant rain, Google Glass is somehow a mainstay, the Apple Watch evolved into the Apple Wrist, and gesturing to eat McDonald's is the equivalent of hinting at a forbidden getaway. We’re not entirely sure what McDonald's Spain is trying to do with this spot, but we’re lovin’ it.  
Great Shows Stay With You
Since digital streaming hit every device and platform imaginable, binge-watching has become a cultural norm. A simple weekend can easily turn into two days with little sleep, hours of a favorite show, and a new persona, at least according to Amazon. Amazon’s latest campaign highlights a person’s ability to binge-watch their favorite show and mirror their favorite characters. Watch an innocent son turn bad-boy, a couple rekindle their marriage, a stay-at-home dad go rogue, and a pushover secretary find her inner warlord.
Two Devices
In One
When it comes to breaking the status quo, Samsung is notorious for raising the bar. Their upcoming device does just that by giving a seemingly normal smartphone the ability to unfold into a tablet. With multiple OLED touch screens, many people are eager to get it into their pocket.
A release date hasn't been announced, but many are expecting a launch by the end of the year.
Pixel's 3
Selfie Cam
Selfies took the world by storm and became a staple to capturing moments, but taking group shot selfies hasn’t always been easy. Most smartphone front cameras are not designed to get everyone and everything into a single frame. The panorama shots were the closest we could get, at least until now. Selfie fanatics are rejoicing over Google’s latest ad for the Pixel 3. See how Google is changing the selfie game.
Cutting Down On
Duplicated Content
YouTube content creators were blindsided with another Partner Program update. The Verge tells us that the program is what allows users to monetize their content by running ads on their videos. The most recent change removed many users from the program for duplicated content. The issue has been a problem on the platform for years, but has never really been addressed. The update is most likely to affect micro-influencers. 
Customer loyalty and rewards programs have become a decisive factor when choosing a brand. From airline miles to two free scoops of ice cream, almost every brand you shop has some form of rewards. So, standing out in a sea of many really comes down to the offer and the personality behind the message.

Our client, Gain Federal Credit Union, is in a unique position to explore their personality since they recently changed their name. Their MasterCard Rewards promotion was the perfect place to start and show off just who they are.

The campaign features a competitive 5% cash back on gas and groceries and 1% on everything else. We designed two postcards, one to encourage usage among members who have the card and one for members to upgrade or get the card. We created a series of posters, web banners, and social media graphics. We also teamed up with them to produce one of their in-house radio scripts for Pandora ads. See some of the work we did for the campaign here.
Like previous years, the majority of the 2018 midterm campaigns are relying heavily on mudslinging, a technique that highlights the negative reputation of opposing candidates. However, there are a few campaigns out there that are breaking the mold. Here are a handful of ads that have made headlines for being bizarre, comedic, or creating a conversation.
“Advertising is the greatest art form of the 20th century.”

– Marshall McLuhan