1,000,279 English words and Counting

Yep that's a lot of words

English contains more words than any other language on the planet and added its millionth word early Wednesday, according to the Global Language Monitor, a Web site that uses a math formula to estimate how often words are created. The 1 millionth words is "Web 2.0" and is a great reminder that we are defiantly a society that is influenced by the web.

Global Language Monitor has a methodology by which it measures "new" words entering into English. Though "Web 2.0" has been around for years, GLM's method of counting requires "a minimum of 25,000 citations with the necessary breadth of geographic distribution and depth of citations."

"Web 2.0" met that test this week, as did "n00b" (word 999,998). Both words passed into mainstream usage today, according to GLM. Also on the listed of official new words this week: slumdog, cloud computing, Octomom (seriously, Octomom), sexting, defriend, and recessionista.

If you would like more information on the English language as a growing "live" thing check out this website for way more information than you will ever need.

Viral messaging at it's best

No not my beloved fast food!

This award-winning series of animated movies spoofs the Matrix films while educating viewers about the problems caused by factory farms. Released in 2003, the original 4-minute Meatrix movie has been viewed by more than 20 million people.

This is a great example of the power or low cost social and viral awareness campaigns. WARNING: This is a very strong message and could mess up you eating habits. Watch all three movies online.

Brand Perspectives Quotes - Part 1

Wait... don't look at that image... it's not part of my personal brand

Here are some great quotes relating to Brands.

Remember, in the age of social marketing your personal brand needs just as much attention as your business's brand. In today's market people are constantly comparing your personal brand to your business brand to make sure that they are compatible. – Bob Garlick

"Today, brands are everything, and all lines of products and services - from accounting firms to sneaker makers to restaurants are figuring out how to become a brand surrounded by a Tommy Hilfiger-like buzz." – Tom Peters

"Branding adds spirit and a soul to what would otherwise be a robotic, automated, generic price-value proposition. If branding is ultimately about the creation of human meaning, it follows logically that it is the humans who must ultimately provide it" – David Aaker

“Long-term brand equity and growth depends on our ability to successfully integrate and implement all elements of a comprehensive marketing program.” – Timm F. Crull, Chairman & CEO of Nestlé, Retired

“In the ‘intangible revolution’, the brand is not a finished work that is sent out to the world. The role of brand manager is more akin to that of a performance artist whose work can only exist and have any real worth for as long as it has the involvement of a willing audience of people who don’t consume it, but instead participate in it.” – Ian Kirk, Senior Strategist, The Lab

“There is just no way any management with any intelligence and foresight cannot recognize the value of a corporate image. It is the best, single marketable investment that a company can make.” – Malcolm Forbes

“Image is a reality.
It is the result of our actions. If the image is false and our performance is good, it’s our fault for being bad communicators. If the image is true and reflects our bad performance, it’s our fault for being bad managers. Unless we know our image we can neither communicate nor manage.” – David Bernstein

“In a competitive world, organisations are realising that only people can brand products or services effectively – that we are not just selling a branded product but a mass of branded people who support and deliver it.” – Helena Rubinstein, The Lab

“What is the single most important objective of the marketing process? … We believe it’s the process of branding. Marketing is building a brand in the mind of the prospect. If you can build a powerful brand, you will have a powerful marketing program. If you can’t then all the advertising, fancy packaging, sales promotion and public relations in the world won’t help you achieve your objective.” – Al Ries And Laura Ries, “World Class Brands” in Executive Excellence, March 1999