Searcharazzi: Potpourri

How, we ask, can Searcharazzi compete with the iPhone today? Any salacious details on the first malfunctions? Disappointed users? Easter egg functionality? Do tell, as Searcharazzi is not exactly camping out in front of an Apple Store. We did, of course, get our email from Apple saying that the iPhone is indeed here.

So let’s return to two of our favorite topics: acquisitions and parties.

WPP has gobbled up yet another shop, and is still hungry for more. WPP’s digital investment leg recently acquired Blue Interactive Marketing, a Singapore-based online consulting firm. Personally, Searcharazzi has always been wary of firms with “blue” in the name. Blue Marble, Blue Wave, Blue Dingo, Bluestreak, Blue…. Why so much blue? Why not yellow? Or white? Or purple?

In any case, Blue Interactive Marketing offers online advertising, email marketing, and of course, SEM throughout its offices worldwide, suggesting that future acquisitions will most likely be required to have international capabilities. Asia, in particular, has been named as key region where search skills are needed. Furthermore, Searcharazzi has been tipped off that WPP corporate, as well as some of its advertising and public relations agencies, are still evaluating other tasty firms to quell the appetite. More to come later this summer, though feel free to add known details through the comments section.

To wrap up the week, we’ve had our eye on the Affiliate Bash at the Versace Manson in South Beach during the Miami Affiliate Summit. Hmm. It sounds like the affiliate world continues to do well. Perhaps co-sponsor Pepperjam, also known for sponsoring a darn good event or two in the search space, will up the game at SES San Jose.

Note: Searcharazzi is taking a short summer break and will be back, tongue wagging, on Friday, July 20. Stay tuned.