This post is aimed at the world of academics and I am sure my views are shared by my fellow undergraduate students. For those of you unfamiliar with the Harvard Referencing System, the title refers to an intext reference. However you would never see a reference from Wikipedia because it is not an legitimately recognised source. This is of course ignoring the fact that Wikipedia now has over two million articles making it the largest ever encyclopedia. This is also forgetting that this is the most contributed to with over two hundred million edits, creating the most unbiased source of information on the Interweb. So why can't this be used as a credible source? To further establish their credibility, Wikipedia has recently implemented a mandatory referencing system, particularly on theory based articles. We've also seen Google launch Google Scholar allowing the search for academic based journals and articles. The way in which we seek information has changed. I am a University student who has never been into the library. So why isn't it possible to reference the biggest source of information on the Internet? Or a blog? Or a podcast? The Internet is no longer a source people can't trust. The academics of today are not living in today's world where the way in which we communicate has changed....

During my Easter break, I discovered a new game to replace the classic Rock Paper Scissors. It's called Bear Ninja Hunter. Start back to back and on the count of three jump and turn around posing in one of three stances. The first is Bear with your hands above your head and fingers curled like claws. The second is Hunter with your hands in front like you're holding a shotgun. The third is Ninja with your hands flat in front of you in a Karate like stance. Bear eats Ninja. Ninja kills Hunter. Hunter shoots Bear. Relation to marketing? I'm not too sure but it is fun. Oh wait, here it is in a commerical, a lucky save by FedEx...

I've been driving for nearly half a year now and one of the most fascinating things I've found is the unspoken concept of flashing your headlights. Usually this is done to let other drivers know of any dangers ahead, such as animals on the road or a upcoming car accident. However, it also applies to any police cars with their speed cameras out. Particularly over the Easter weekend, I was flashed a number of times and then I myself flashed other oncoming cars. I'm not sure if this concept exists outside Australian culture but it certainly plays on the strong sense of mateship, even for those you don't know. Now just imagine a brand could do something similar. Create an action, embed it into a culture and create a direct link to your brand that will last for years. The closest example I can think of is the "Oh What A Feeling" Toyota Jump....

Being the good citizen I am, I went to donate to the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal only to discover they do not accept PayPal. I am a big fan of PayPal simply because I do not own a credit card (I know all Marketers are evil!). PayPal now has over 150 million accounts world wide, so why don't all online stores adopt this as an official payment method? I have seen a small movement toward PayPal here and there but many, mainly charities, are lagging behind. Surely it can't be too hard to set up. Had they done so, they would have raised at least a guaranteed $25 more....