‘Edge’ comes off failed advertising campaign. Another “edgy” advertising campaign dreamt up by caffeinated creatives has bitten the dust — just one day after it was launched — with the News Limited-backed Realestate.com.au dumping a promotion that depicted devious house hunters using backhanded tactics to secure their dream property.

Digital agency Amnesia Razorfish (its real name apparently) was engaged last month to energise promotions surrounding the popular site. But late yesterday the firm’s nine YouTube videos and its realestate.com.au microsite was ditched after a backlash from real estate agents. The videos included depictions of a peeping tom scaring off other bidders and a cliched “hippy” using unethical “skulduggery” against rivals. Other “characters” included a drag racing fan and a heavy metal maniac. Agents complained the videos cast the notoriously unethical industry in an even dimmer light.

When the partnership was announced last month, Realestate.com.au‘s general manager of consumer marketing Henry Ruiz said he wanted to “align ourselves with the best of breed in the industry, who are accustomed to pushing the creative boundaries”. However that enthusiasm swiftly evaporated cut after the campaign went live.

Razorfish head Iain McDonald stood by his firm’s ideas despite the uproar: “we’re listening carefully to everything and will continue to do our best to make the campaign a success for Realestate.com.au.” — Andrew Crook

Recession? What recession?

“David Montgomery, the chief executive of the European newspaper group Mecom, received a recession-busting 51% increase in his total remuneration package in 2009 to £874,000.” — The Guardian

Forbes sacks some reporters, then hires them back

“But some of those reporters, who used to have full-time status and benefits, were offered freelance positions. They were also asked to do more work than their previous jobs.” — Business Insider

Sage advice from ‘Your Career in Journalism’, published 1965

“The day may not be far off when a city editor will say to a reporter, ‘Check your space gear. You’re going to the moon.'” — The Pitch

Can’t live without Facebook? Why not wear it?

“Ping is a garment that connects to your Facebook account wirelessly and from anywhere.” — Electric Foxy