Are there tiny men inside these little advertising blimps?

If you've ever seen the Goodyear blimp hovering above a football stadium, you know how affective it is at gaining visibility and delivering a marketing message. Alas, the full-sized blimp is expensive. But now there is a less-costly alternative: The remote-control mini-blimp.

These small airships, which range in length from 30 to 50 feet, gently cruise along overhead carrying lightweight vinyl banners. They are designed to draw attention in high traffic areas.

"People are fascinated with 'things that fly,"' says Ron Schmidt, managing director of The Marketing Communications Group. "It is a natural instinct to Look up to see what's in the sky." And, the mini-bUmp is much Less expensive that the full-sized airships.

The small blimps can be leased by the day, the week or the month. The Marketing Communications Group, Plymouth Meeting, Pa., says the company handles all the details-from graphic design to flying the mobile advertisement. (E-mail: rswordlwide7@msn.com)