Linkety-Link

• Merriam-Webster released it's 2006 update which included the terms spyware, ringtone and mouse potato. Seems the first two have been around forever and should have been included ages ago...but I'm a little stumped on the third. Is this even real? Seems like this was concocted by TV people who can't figure out the net...perhaps it's because they have too much spyware on their computers????
• The inaugural golden poo award goes to Sony for 2006's best flog (alliwantforxmasisapspandafakeflogalongwitharrogantglibandpatronizingcopy) Mission Accomplished?
• Edelman under the gun again for giving away free laptops w/Windows Vista to key bloggers. BL and I share the same POV (and I suspect we're not alone): there's nothing wrong with giving away the laptops, provided a) bloggers disclose this information to their readers and  b) bloggers are allowed to express themselves freely (i.e. making room for a negative/neutral review...otherwise it's PayPerPost)
• "Brands navigate the blogosphere" from brandchannel.com. Haven't read it yet, but it looks good...
• Predictions ahoy...Wall Street Journal reports on 5 trends for 2007: 1) Fewer ads, 2) Jazzing up search, 3) "Me" Media, 4) Making a Choice, 5) New Yardsticks. 1) is common sense but I wonder how many media outlets will follow this lead; 2) how long is a piece of string? If the sum total of search innovation is "funny" one liners and mirroring TV jingles, it's time to short Google; 3) Love this i.e. the idea of brands associating themselves with influential individuals - it's a complete 180 variation on celebrity endorsement; 4) You think? Permission-based marketing rules; pre-roll commercials sucks and 5) As I often say, if you want to get the right answers, ask the right questions. The sooner we move from reach-based/potential/panel based superficial metrics to "proof of life"/actual/real reflections, we're all in a better place (except if you're traditional media that is)