Added Features

It's fascinating to track waves, whether it's Lists to Twitter or campaigns to add a dislike feature to Facebook, it's interesting to see the landscape evolve. The thrust of change, easy or hard fought, seems to be coming from consumer or individual demands as opposed to business models or internal strategies.

"I want my phone to do this."

"I want this out of my plan."

"I choose not to work out of the office."

Whatever it is, people are taking the initiative to make demands and initiate a kind of compromise that is leaving some businesses behind. You can use advertising as an example in a very general sense, the idea of sticking to the same approach despite an evolving consumer preference creates a dead end. You cannot corral people into digesting their information a certain way, there are simply too many variables. The three or four tried and true arenas for marketing oneself are diluted. Mechanisms exist to circumvent advertising, preferences are honored and, quite simply, people are opting out in the literal sense.

So, does this mean a hamster-on--a-wheel existence of catering to external elements?

Hasn't customer service on some level always translated to that?

Or are we not thinking about it the right way?

What about imagining a way for it to work? A way to make the business run smoothly as it met, and maybe even exceeded, the expectations? I mean, when you get down to it, it's really kind of simple. The marriage is— your bottom line, your fulfillment and your clients.

The way to a harmonized trio would involve considering each one and taking pains to make sure the balance always stays fairly close. Can you think ahead and find ways to please people as you accomplish your own objectives?

So instead of running just to keep up, you veer a little off course, look ahead and carve a new way. Better, stronger, faster, cuter. Whatever. Just don't do it in a vacuum, don't pedal furiously only to find yourself alone. You are as entitled as anyone else to demand a better way, leaving behind what hasn't worked.

We're working on this. Strengthening relationships where it makes sense and extending our capabilities where we anticipate people (ourselves and our clients) needing to go.

It is scary and challenging, but the alternative is a much darker place, don't you think?




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Be Counted

UPDATED: The Crandall Library Budget passed!

We all have something from our childhood that made a difference— for some of us it's a teacher, for others it's a place. Participating in campaigns for Crandall Library is an honor for us, as we know that one day, new voices will say, "Crandall Library was my place."

In 10 months, attendance is up more than 50% over last year's total. The library has seen a 70% increase in new borrowers in the 2009. And, 1,000 children read 20,000 books in the Summer Reading Program.

Knowing that we may have had a hand in helping strengthen the potential of legacy, well, it makes us feel powerful. Try it.

Halloween at Trampoline:

Bond in a Box

Secret Agents aren't the only people who need to go undercover, nursing moms are another group requiring a bit of extra stealth. Baby Bond is the latest product from Slurp and Burp, offering nursing moms and easy, washable, wearable, stuffable product for use on-the-go.

Creating the mark and packaging was a labor of love and the end result is proof positive.



The relationship with the Bell Harbor, NY company came from a successful and longing running partnership with SaraBear Company on everything from textiles to packaging and projects with KaBoost, another juvenile product company.

We'd be lying if we didn't say that we get a kick out of seeing BBQ sauce next to beer next to diaper caddies next to collateral for a lake saving organization. The different personalities and challenges they present are what make them so fun to work on.





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Call it the 13 Year Itch

The Davidson Brothers Brewing Co. decided that after nearly thirteen years in business it was time to make their image as fresh as their ales. Rick and John Davidson wanted to position the company for success in the ever-changing distribution market. A brand overhaul began to help regional favorites like IPA, Irish Red and Brown Ale compete with the big boys in the beer world.

Their new look has also allowed the restaurant to participate in the emerging force of downtown Glens Falls, with merchants building a following through delightful whimsical window displays, sidewalk sales and a growing selection of choices.

T-shirts to tap handles, a new website to a Facebook page 800 fans strong, coasters to tabletops, the integration of the new mark has sparked an engagement, as the line between consumer and company has blurred. Each beer and each meal now comes with a shared sense of triumph, 13 years and going strong, the rewards of and for a community.


Db Merch is available online and at the Brewpub in downtown Glens Falls.
Look for coasters at a bar top near you (coming soon).
Ask your bartender to pour you a D.Bros. IPA. If he doesn't have it on tap, ask him why the hell not?!
Visit the brewpub online at davidsonbrothers.com
Become a fan on Facebook. Over 800 people have in the space of a month.
There's no substitute for stopping by the Brewpub (on Exchange St. Plaza in Downtown Glens Falls) for a pint, and a cup of the Stout + Cheddar Soup.
Heck, they even look good in frosting.


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Little bit of lake

We all love the Adirondacks, some of us striking out on hiking excursions or gnarly bike rides, others of us hunting game and adventure. One area we all seem to agree on is the lake. Massive, magnificent and steeped in undiscovered delight, there isn't a Tramp among us who wouldn't jump at the chance to send some time on the lake.

When Peter Bauer, Executive Director of the Fund for Lake George, asked us if a ride on the lake might be valuable to our process as we produce illustrations for a project, the answer was clear: Yes!

Dome Island off the port side.

Setting up a shot on the western shore.

Shooting in Northwest Bay.

Heading south, with Tongue Mountain behind us.

Watching the team of eight divers remove the Eurasian Water Milfoil beds in Basin Bay.

Charting a course for protecting the lake.




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A Treat

The Adirondack Theatre Festival is turning 16. They may not be naive, but we can honestly say that we're sweet on them. The theme for this year's Winter Benefit is: Sweet! As only the Adirondack Theatre Festival can, an evening of spectacle and delight will be fueled by "sweet" songs to herald the 16th year of incredible theatre in the Adirondacks.

It seemed fitting that the Tramp who most often exclaims, "Sweet," would be the source of the mark for the ATF Winter Benefit.




Can't wait to see what they'll do two years from now for their 18th!




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Rollin' on the river

It's a dirty ride, but somebody's gotta do it. Promoting this area is something we are passionate about, cycling is another such thing.

Enter: Dieter Drake and the Tour of the Battenkill.

It's made a name for itself as one of the grittiest, gnarliest races in the United States. It needed a mark worthy of the challenge and beauty inherent in the race. Recently, the Tour of the Battenkill was recognized by Union Cycliste International and now appears on the UCI calendar for 2010. The race draws 1,500 cyclists and has grown into one of the largest one-day events in the country.







Mike traveled back to his glory days, drawing on thousands of miles ridden in dirt and dust.



Derek rode back in time to mountain paths and unforgettable climbs.



And in the end, they shared a moment.







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