A major issue for Olympic sponsors has been brewing for months as the Beijing Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games, BOCOG, has publicly supported Sohu.com in a disagreement over the right for Olympic sponsors to advertise in China via the Internet. Apparently, BOCOG sponsors are only allowed to use the BOCOG “running man logo” on Sohu.com and not on other Web sites for use in the China market in support of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Sohu.com reportedly paid $30,000,000 in 2005 for the right to become a BOCOG sponsor and host the official BOCOG Web site. Sohu.com is reportedly the ninth largest Internet enterprise with a 2.5% market share in China.

Geoffrey Fowler and Juliet Ye of the Wall Street Journal have written two articles regarding the issue: “An Olympian Web War in China” and “Olympics Organizers Back Sohu in Ad Dispute”.

Limitations on sponsor activation hinder the effectiveness of achieving a successful ROI for corporations. Stakeholders need to review their offering to sponsors and increase the ability for sponsors to engage and immerse their brands into the experience while decreasing sponsor clutter.

The impact of the Sohu.com exclusivity could cause substantial harm. Hopefully, future Olympic organizers and other major events will consider the ramifications of limiting the potential marketing value for sponsors.

Please email me with any thoughts on this post or ideas you want to share.

Terry Cecil
ISC

I hate to continue the discussion on the disgusting saga of Michael Vick and his actions, but there are issues affecting sponsors that need to be addressed.

I wasn’t satisfied with the sincerity or base for Mr. Vick’s apology. He apologized for his dishonesty and immaturity, but not the gambling and deplorable actions against the dogs. Immaturity is either starting a food fight or staying out past curfew. The heinous treatment of dogs by Mr. Vick and his minions wasn’t immature, but evil. There are people who will say that we are talking about dogs here and not humans. Does the acceptance of and need for cruelty to these animals transfer to humans?

Two particular issues stand out for me.

Obviously there are many professional athletes that are disgusted and troubled by Mr. Vick’s actions, but I am particularly alarmed by the attitude from many NFL and NBA athletes who support Mr. Vick and dogfighting. For these athletes, there needs to be a major overhaul in player character. We all need to support the league commissioners in holding athletes to a higher standard - higher than multiple misdemeanors and felonies.

So far, I think Roger Goodell and Arthur Blank have done a great job handling the Michael Vick situation. There was recent commentary chastising Mr. Blank for spending time on the sidelines and his obvious friendly relationship with Mr. Vick. I like to see Mr. Blank involved and would much rather see an owner that has an emotional connection with his team than one who is disconnected and involved for purely business reasons.

Let’s hope Mr. Vick is an isolated event. The NFL and its positive impact on American society is much bigger than this one incident.

Please email me with any thoughts on this post or ideas you want to share.

Terry Cecil
President & CEO
ISC