As it strives to create a more holistic marketing plan for next year, Zappos.com has named Mullen its creative AOR, with responsibility for brand development, media buying and creative, including digital advertising. The agency will work closely with King Fish Media, Zappos.com's partner for offline direct marketing.

At a time when the largest direct marketing association is facing fiscal challenges and member scrutiny, Direct Marketing Association board member and Executive Committee member Gerry Pike has launched a Web site questioning the group's governance. ABetterDMA.org alleges that "DMA's relevancy is fading, its membership falling and its events failing as budget-buster dues and conference fees are sending long-time DMA members heading for the exits." Pike has also mailed DMA voting members asking for their support.

Advanced Image Direct (AID) has patented Cloud2Mail, a variable data digital print platform that processes orders from the Web and prints four-color envelopes and letters simultaneously.

Nonprofit the YAI Network has integrated its relaunched Web site with its online marketing, fundraising and advocacy system, with the goal of better engaging visitors.

CarMD, a Fountain Valley, CA-based manufacturer of the computerized car maintenance product by the same name, will roll out a long-form infomercial for the device nationwide next month.

Ad agency Web sites suck. Well, most of them. I was doing research recently that involved visiting a long list of agency Web sites, including the global players in the direct marketing space and the generalists.

DirectInnovations has released the PerfectBusiness.com list to the market. The file contains professionals who are members of PerfectBusiness.com, a Web site that introduces business owners and executives to contacts and features editorial content. These prospects are 55% male; their average income is $82,000.

Mobile coupons come to retail after successful tests in fast food, grocery.

American Family Insurance launched an integrated campaign this month with NBC Universal, CBS Radio, Katz Advantage and MSN.

Omniture is a data company that works with hundreds of technology vendors, including ExactTarget and Silverpop to help combine data with digital channels. It recently partnered with ComScore to help media planners have better audience measurement tools. DMNews chats with Matt Langie, senior director of product marketing at Omniture, about data integration, behavioral targeting legislation and the new partnership

New list — Davenport & Associates - Japan — List Services Corp. — This file contains Japanese sweepstakes enthusiasts. They have responded to a direct mail promotion and paid 3,000 yen to enter. The file is 60% female.

New list — DWA_Outdoor Enthusiasts Database — Direct Web Advertising — This file contains outdoor enthusiasts. It featuress demographic, lifestyle and recreational interest data. These prospects are 55% male.

New list — Avid Novelty Buyers — Paramount Lists Inc. — This file contains buyers of trendy T-shirt or funny gifts, gags or gadgets.