In this New Year's edition of #ThisOldMarketing, Joe and Robert discuss the most recent FTC statement on native advertising and what it means to brands and publishers.  Forbes announces a "light ad" site for ad blockers and ANA chooses "content marketing" as the phrase of the year.  The boys cap it off with another Medium story, and why CEO Ev Williams is a master seducer.  Rants and raves include YouTube vs. Facebook and The Business Romantic.  This week's TOM example: Komputronik buys Benchmark.

This week's news stories:

Forbes blocks Ad Blockers
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/265502/forbes-blocks-ad-blockers-launches-agency-counc.html

ANA Says “content marketing” is this Year’s word of the year
http://www.thedrum.com/news/2015/12/21/ana-says-content-marketing-word-year

In this special pre-Christmas episode of #ThisOldMarketing, Joe and Robert discuss the New York Times big revenue move into native advertising, with some commentary about the WSJ as well. Content marketing predictions flood this episode, but the majority of time is spent ranting about Basecamp moving their blog over to Medium full time.  Rants and raves include the trouble in TV Land and Hollywood and a breakdown of Joe's 2016 predictions.  This week's TOM example: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

This week's story links:

In this special Star Wars themed episode, Joe and Robert discuss what will happen with Airbnb's content marketing initiative "Pineapple". Ad blocking continues to be all the rage in 2015, and the boys talk about the impact of ad blocking on business models into 2016 and beyond.  And don't miss Ann Handley's take on content marketing in 2016 as well. Rants and raves include a take on the Publicis reorganization and how a small ice-cream shop landed the official ice cream of Star Wars.  This week's #ThisOldMarketing example: Star Wars Comic Books.

This week's links:

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In this episode of #ThisOldMarketing, Joe and Robert discuss GE's move away from prime-time advertising and increasing move toward branded content.  "Homeless" media is a huge opportunity for media companies and brands, but it comes with a big risk that most organizations are not aware of. Credit Suisse may or may not build a social network for super-rich people and John Bell has some wise words for marketers regarding content marketing.  Raves include Clayton Christiansen and WSJ launching an annual print magazine. This week's TOM example: Ancestry.com.

This week's story links: