This month BrandSTOKE is one year old.

I’m honored that you take the time to read and comment. My goal for 2010 is to engage more conversation. If you have any suggestions for topics or improving the blog, please let me know.

Thanks for your interest and support. I’ll try to do better next year.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular posts as well as a few personal favorites from the last twelve months:

On brand building:

• 9 criteria for brand essence
• it takes a brand to raise a village
• brand anarchy: why we need cops
• apparently we care about cosmetics, not banks
• what every non-marketer should know about branding
• schmoozing the brand samplers
• Patagonia: they also sell clothes

On brands vs. commodities:

• private labels: the new brands?
• you say tomato. I say Fox’s Fine Gourmet Ketchup.

On simplicity and effectiveness of messaging:

• less isn’t just more — it’s omnipotent
• why strong design is always on target
• speak less. say more.

On smarter strategy:

• it’s not a strategy unless there’s a trick
• for smarter strategy, share the budget upfront
• CMOs vs. CFOs: where’s the ROI?

On getting hired:

• 10 new business red flags
• why RFPs often result in the worst hires

Just for fun:

• taglines: from the idiotic to the unforgettable
• tour de tweets
• cash for clunker slogans
• angus wars?
• brand loyalty … for all of eternity