ZIP code promotional sign with "Mr. ZIP" on a hotel letter drop.

Where Did Zip Codes Come From?

How a plan for getting the mail delivered faster allowed targeted marketing to grow.
A RSS symbol

What Happened to Tagging?

Tags decentralized and democratized the organization of information. What became of "social tagging?"
Facebook Likes Box

Not Everyone Wants Their Donations Touted on Facebook

Some people are more inclined to give when they know their friends will find out—and some are not.
Deleting Facebook

Why Deleting Facebook isn’t the Answer to Data-Driven Targeting

We have to become smarter news and advertising consumers, and learn to resist the unceasing stream of slanted messages that come our way.
American Girl Dolls

How American Girl Dolls Teach History (And Revolution)

Can purchasing a doll be a revolutionary act? The franchise makes an effort to connect its characters with the realities of American history.
Margarine

Is Margarine Dead?

Though margarine may be in decline, its rise was met with strong adversity throughout the 20th century. 
Illustration of a keychain with a car and a key changing hands

2015 Was A Record Year for Vehicle Recalls

Some surprising lessons on how car companies' responses to product recalls affect consumer and investor perceptions. 
Disco ball with blurred purple lights in the background

Do the Hustle: How Disco Was Marketed

Disco changed the way the music industry marketed music to the public. The genre innovated an industry and changed our interaction with popular music.
croissants with calorie count

Can Information Fight Fat?

New FDA regulations requiring prepared food retailers to disclose calorie content are counting on it to fight fat.
Line of prefabricated homes

The Stigma of Prefab Homes

The Wall Street Journal reports that million-dollar prefab homes are a growing trend in Europe