Stephanie Fierman

Twitter will bring a landslide of useless information in if you let it. It's up to you to find the value that's there.

Google's Latitude allows mobile phones to be used as physical tracking devices. Perfect for the neighborhood stalker, or thief who would be delighted to know that you're not home.

It's so easy to get caught up in the competition. What are they doing? What should we do in response?? While some obsessing may be useful, too much can hinder insightful thinking.

Brands built on desire - with prices to match - need to reassess and ensure that they deliver real value significant enough to survive an economic downturn.

Michael Phelps has been caught smoking marijuana. Does that make him a bad person... or just a bad business risk?

Great prices only get you half there. Value - including the experience of buying a brand - will always be important.

More and more consumers are "time-shifting" - that is, watching their favorite TV shows on their computers, at a time that is more convenient. So why aren't networks and advertisers taking full advantage?

Rob Walker, author of the book "Buying In" and the New York Times Magazine's feature "Consumed," subscribes to the idea that marketing is dastardly and that consumers are stupid drones. I beg to differ.

Abercrombie & Fitch has mastered the art of selling style and sex to teenagers everywhere. It's also one of the only retailers that did not discount its merchandise for Holiday 2008. What is that telling us?

Johnson & Johnson's reaction to the poisoned Tylenol scare of 1982 set the bar for crisis management going forward. Unfortunately, some companies continue to ignore the lessons learned decades ago.

Women make up approximately half of the population in America. Women work in companies. Women work in stores. Women control over 80% of the average household's expenditures. So why do businesses still not get it?

Women reflect approximately have of the population in America. Lots of women work for companies. They work in stores. They control over 80% of the average household's expenditures. So why do businesses still not get it?

Like individuals, companies must consider how an action might appear to its key audiences before making a decision to move ahead. Those who don't pay high penalties

Chuck E. Cheese is having huge problems inside its restaurants with security and safety. So far the chain has stuck its head in the sand. Hopefully the comnpany will take corrective action before a tragedy occurs.

Whyville (www.whyville.net) is a virtual world that focuses on offering kids 8-15 years old positive, fun and educational experiences.

The Saturday Wall Street Journal seems to be where Dow Jones lets out all the kooky stories it couldn't publish during the week. It makes the newspaper a fun read.

The Virgin brand behemoth has never really made it with consumers in the U.S.: could Richard Branson's new airline change that?

Deliver content, advertising and offers customized to different customer segments to maximize results

If Disney's High School Musical franchise is an indication of a more positive generation to come, what types of products and services could capitalize on this phenomenon?

Mattel is missing an opportunity to tell its story and keep its key audiences informed about the voluntary toy recall situation by not using its own website.

Starbucks recognizes that kids are coming into its stores -- either alone or with adults -- and seeks to capitalize on the opportunity.

A post by a long-time marketing executive discussing what makes Apple so successful