Most authors are content to toil away on their work just hoping for commercial success in the conventional sense. Getting a book published would be nice, for instance. But a select few have created not only tomes but also expertise, a niche, a media presence and a brand that they can take to the bank in all sorts of different ways.

J.K. Rowling created that sort of property with the Harry Potter books. And Heidi Murkoff is a virtual best friend to legions of pregnant (especially first-time) moms thanks to the What to Expect When You're Expecting series, whose flagship title is now in its fourth edition.

A movie of the same title is due out on May 18th, starring Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Matthew Morrison, Anna Kendrick, and Chace Crawford (watch preview clips above and below). And in another extension of the What to Expect brand, mass merchandiser Sam's Club has produced a line of WTE-branded baby products, while Murkoff has signed on to write for every issue of Sam's new bimonthly magazine.Continue reading...

Customer loyalty is increasingly a marker for success, especially as brands compete for market share and look for ways to grow and maintain a loyal customer base. Given the influence of social media, engendering loyalty becomes all the more important for brands because they can be impacted by positive recommendations or negative comments shared among consumers.

That makes a new research report, the 2012 Temkin Loyalty Ratings, particularly interesting. Based on a survey of 10,000 U.S. consumers in January 2012, the research examines consumer loyalty to 206 large companies across 18 industries.

The Loyalty Ratings survey took into account three components of loyalty:

- Likelihood of consumers to recommend companies

- Reluctance of consumers to switch business away from companies

- Willingness of consumers to purchase additional products and services from companies.

The top three industries in terms of loyalty were grocery chains, retailers, and fast food chains. Last in the ratings were TV service providers and Internet service providers. Banks and credit card issuers appear in six of the bottom nine spots in the ratings.Continue reading...

Aereo is sued by major media companies alleging copyright infringement.

Apple, Google and Amazon lead Fortune's 2012 world's most admired companies ranking.

Apple could find politics on its side in China iPad dispute, while Apple and Samsung lose countersuits in Germany.

CNN was talking with Andrew Breitbart about new show before his death, report says.

Chrysler leads brand gains in robust February auto sales in U.S. market.

Disney draws criticism with governance panel.

Enterprise leverages NCAA sponsorship for March Madness.Continue reading...

Sad but true: HP's TouchPad caused more excitement during its death than at any other point in its life cycle. Long lines for a $99 tablet were similar to those you'd expect to see for the launch of the next big Apple product. Stock soon ran out, proving that consumers can't pass up what appears to be a bargain.

Now the TouchPad is back from the dead with Best Buy, Walmart and Sam's Club and others announcing limited stock of the TouchPad.Continue reading...

Pepsi returns to musical roots in spots for tonight's debut of The X Factor on Fox, while the UK version of the show copes with criticism over treatment of contestant. Meanwhile, analysts say that PepsiCo shareholders could reap big gains if the company executes a strategic split-up.

SABMiller gets Foster's to accede to a deal.

Burger King's post-King advertising clicks with consumers.

AOL needs Patch to turn a profit.

Apple schedules Oct. 4th press conference, presumably for iPhone 5 reveal.

CBS scores huge ratings for first episode of Two and a Half Men with Ashton Kutcher, including setting a Canadian TV record.

Chipotle sees strong growth potential from ShopHouse Asian eateries.

Chrysler seeks to keep lid on UAW pay through 2019.Continue reading...

Bravo fires four Real Housewives of New York cast members (update: Jill Zarin says she's still in talks).

Pepsi fattens up "skinny cans" in UK.

Yahoo meets with potential bidders, as exec confirms talks with AOL and Microsoft for ad sales deal to counter Google.

Adidas and Reebok bring My Coach shoe to India.

Apple TV rumors heat up.

BlackBerry owner RIM earnings plunge by more than half.

Citigroup only hiring "critical" jobs.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf makes New York debut.Continue reading...

AARP unveils a new ad campaign targeting boomers this week.

Apple will unveil iCloud Android-fighter today at WWDC, as brand leads tablet market in China.

Bank of America and Goldman Sachs lead US bank stocks taking a beating.

Blip.tv ramps up original content to complete with YouTube.

Boeing faces labor strife.

Coca-Cola resists increasing prices.

Demi Moore adds "CNN reporter" to her credits with sex trafficking doc, a subject near and dear to her DNA Foundation.

E3 starts tommorow, where Nintendo will unveil its new Wii console, Sony will tout NGP (its new handheld gaming device) and Microsoft will promote Kinect and position Xbox as the hub of the home entertainment system.Continue reading...

Adidas rolls out "unforgettable swims" digital/social campaign in the UK.

AOL content chief Arianna Huffington adds Healthy Living and Industry sector channels, starting with energy.

Budweiser casts Bud United Presents: The Big Time branded entertainment global reality TV show on Facebook and Renren.

Donald Trump is (surprise!) not running for president.

Facebook fans in Israel name daughter "Like."

Fendi catwalk show cancelled in South Korea following anti-fur protests.

Google borrows $3 billion in first bond offer.Continue reading...