All I Want For Christmas

Being the busiest time of the year, I still somehow found myself in the Apple Store on Black Friday. But I just could not resist. I wanted to get a better look at the iPad. From the moment my Dad brought his new iPad home from work I knew I was in love and needed to get one!

Although I probably do not need it because I  already have an apple iPhone and apple laptop, the iPad just entices me. Although it is a commercial seen by so many. I have become infatuated with the Apple commercial for the iPad. Created by TBWA/Media Arts Lab, the ad grabs my attention even if the TV is just on for background noise. I hear the distinct music chime in and then I immediately want to watch whatever is going on. Not only does this commerical entice me, but it actually shows me what the product does. By showing an array of apps that iPad has I can justify in my head that I would use those if I were to have an iPad myself. So many commercials today may show features and styles of a product, but this commercial shows how versatile the apps are for anyone. From a 15 yr old teeny bopper who wants to browse Perez Hilton to a 80 yr old grandmother who wants to read books, they can both be iPad users. This is definitely a product everyone needs, including me.

Apple iPad Commercial

What Talk Show Hosts Should Not Make Public

Even though talk show hosts talks about anything and everything, I do not think it is appropriate for a talk show host to give birth on camera and make a film about it. I am in a class this semester called "Gender and Sex Roles" and in this class we recently watched a film that was all about Ricki Lake giving birth. It is called The Business of Being Born.

Although she wanted to reveal how much better childbirth is at home as oppose to a hospital, it was just to much to show on TV. Lake even admitted that she knew that none of it would be flattering, it seems like it was just a publicity stunt to gain the attention of viewers that would hopefully attract viewers to her show. Unfortunately, I think that this grossed most people out.

YouTube Trailer: The Business of Being Born

Gypsies in America

After being in Europe all of last fall, I became so annoyed at the beggars on streets, also known as gypsies. They pick pocketed, lied, and begged to anyone who passed by them. You literally had to have your personal belongings as close to your body as possible at all times or they would maneuver a way to steal something. I think that because I had such bad experiences with the gypsies in Europe that this has made me paranoid towards any other people in America who we would consider beggars, usually homeless people. It is not that I do not feel bad for them, nor want to help them, it is just that who knows what anyone is capable of?

Just the other day I was sitting in my own home and man rang my doorbell. He was dressed appropriately and did not look like anyone who I would think to be a beggar. But as soon as he started speaking he began asking me for money. Although America may not have gypsies to the same extent that they do in Europe, it scares me that someone came to my door and actually asked me for money. I hope in the near Holiday's that people can find help from appropriate places.

How to Help in the Holiday Season

Memorable Words.

After taking numerous classes in advertising it is a given that I have looked at hundreds of advertisements. Although I forget most of them, there are a few that will always stay with me. I do not know if it is because I like these ads in particular or if they were just memorable to me.

I think any ad that makes you look twice or do a double take has achieved it's purpose. For example, this 3M interactive ad with the money in it is something that someone would definitely look twice at if they were walking by. It is unusual and out of place. Although the composition would make me do a double take, I probably would not remember what the ad was for, nor even consider using the product advertised.

Another ad I will always remember is one that was made to sell many a few brands. This billboard Incorporated Ikea furniture with an Absolut Vodka slogan in the shape of the liquor bottle. This advertisement is an attention grabber and was photographed by many who passed by until it was taken down. But, unfortunately this would not provoke me to buy Ikea furniture, nor Absolut Vodka.

I guess if advertisers can grab the attention of viewers then they have done part of their job. Because of memorable ads like these (well maybe not in the case of 3M) I will remember these brands. And if I was in the market to buy a product that each of these brands sold, I would automatically recognize the name, and thus be more likely to buy it. In both of these cases these ads did not stay up for very long because of the mediums used. Even more evidence to prove these ads as mere attention getter's. And ultimately, I think it worked.

Reality TV Stars- X2

Although I am an avid TV watcher, my favorite ones are reality TV shows. In particular Bravo shows, especially Top Chef. I find it to be a little bit more educational than the Kardashians. This new season of Top Chef is an "all star season", letting those who have already competed in a Top Chef season compete in another season of cooking to try and win the Top Chef title once and for all. This has made me come to realize though, that reality TV shows are using cast members that have already previously been on a show or on that same show. 

This trend started years ago when networks like MTV aired Real World/Road Rules Challenge shows using cast members from previously aired Real World and Road Rules seasons. Then networks like VH1 caught on and had shows like Charm School who used girls from other dating shows on VH1. Finally network TV has kind of put a spin on this idea by creating shows like Dancing with the Stars and Skating with the Stars using B or C list Hollywood stars, athletes, etc. to compete on the show. Furthermore, many people who start off in a reality show with many people seem to be getting their own spin off shows like Kendra and Holly who were on Girls Next Door. They both got their own TV shows on E! after their time with Hef ended. It seems like reality stars and already known famous people are being reused on shows. How can anyone new in the world get their 15 minutes of fame from a new reality show?

Uninteresting Ad's

Being a 22 year old college sorority girl most people would peg me as someone who is engrossed in pop culture. And they are absolutely correct. I purchase US Weekly and People once a week and tune into E! to watch shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Rachel Zoe Project.  I am not usually one to really pay close attention to any advertisements between TV segments. But while watching the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday one ad in particular recall caught my eye. It was a cell phone ad for Sprint but a TV host was live,  posted on the awards red carpet  talking about a phone. The host was not even interacting with the celebrity guests, they were simply using the red carpet as an enhancement for the product.  I guess advertisers figured if they were going to try and reach an audience (like me) who watches entertainment television, that by introducing a cell phone at a red carpet would be a good marketing tool? Although I do not think this advertisement was successful, because in no way am I going to research or even think about buying that phone, this commercial made me ponder this approach to advertising which I am not yet in tune with.

Ad's on Facebook

Although I am an avid Facebook user (going on it probably more than once a day), I have to admit  that just because a business I like has a Facebook page or even advertises on the site does in no way, shape or form mean that I am going to become a better customer to that product.

In a recent marketing class we looked at the effects of Facebook on a local restaurant in Houston. The study found that although customer behavior changed for the better including an in increase store visits, generated word of mouth, and higher emotional attachment, yet bottom line sales were not increased. Clearly even though the restaurant is not generating move revenue it seems that because they have created a better customer relationship that something good will come of their Facebook presence and hopefully overtime with draw more revenue to their business.

Facebook Advertisements

Even though these results seem positive, the ultimate goal for the product being sold is to sell more in order to make more money. And these needs are just not met. Personally I think being able to create a page on Facebook for a company is beneficial, but advertisers need to remember that they are just one among many who are cluttering and already overpowering social network. Many- such as myself still use this popular site to connect with friends and not to be drown smothered by advertisements from products that I probably do not need at all.

NY Times article of Facebook Advertising

Black Friday Ads- Love Them or Hate Them?

Being an avid shopper, I have always been one to look forward to Black Friday. For years it seems like stores have advertised their great deals, yet this year the promotions seemed out of control. Every other commercial on TV was for a sale that a store was having, including establishments ranging from car dealerships to Wal-Mart's. The most startling aspect of the advertising I found though was that they were claiming to be opening their doors for this crazy shopping day starting at 3am on Friday. 3AM! I think that is outrageous.

Even though it seemed like most of the stores that opened at this time were stores that had a wide variety of products, some stores like Toys R Us and Gap were open on Thanksgiving night so people could come shop after having their family time. I guess this is just a sales tactic they use because they think it will better their chances of selling more in a down economy.

As well I have thought to myself about this day- do the retailers really follow through with what they advertise. Most of the ad's have disclaimers that state something like "while supplies last" or "only valid for the first 100 customers", but I am sure they get tons of people who come in that have probably totally disregarded any disclaimers. I really think this day of the year is bombarded with cheap advertising that serves one purpose- to attract customers to stores so that they will buy as much as they can because they think they are getting such a great deal. What I would say to these retailers though is, is the deal that good that I want to wait in long lines, along with being bombarded with those crowds? I think not.

Can a Major Airline Change It's Image?

With the holidays upon us, there is so much media attention on air travel. If it is not about the new TSA security screenings, then it is something to do with all of the crazy fees that airlines make you pay now a days.  I recently stumbled upon an article in Advertising Age that actually discussed an airline that is trying to reposition their brand. The article, Why'd You Pick That Airline to Fly on Thanksgiving? We Thought So discussed how Delta, since working with Wieden + Kennedy has changed their ways. Their campaign now focuses on acknowledging the truths that we all know and hate about flying.

Honestly, this tactic seems ineffective to me. The article mentions this and I completely agree, that almost every time people are searching for flights they are always focusing on prices and not paying as much attention to which airline they will be traveling on. Most people do not care if they are on American when they could have been on Delta, they will usually fly on the airline that offered the cheaper fair.

I think that although Delta may believe that they are doing something new and innovative by re-branding, I just do not believe that. I think that the only way an airline may be able to be able to set themselves apart in the industry lies in their level of service. But even this important aspect according to Ad Ages article is not even being considered as valuable anymore when it comes to a customer choosing an airline to fly with. In the end people will always be looking for a deal, unless we all win the lottery.

Going Viral

After seeing many commercials both on the Internet and on TV, I have come to the conclusion that not many of them grab my attention. As of recently I have come to find myself laughing out loud at commercials that were sent to me via email, my Facebook, or those that I find on YouTube myself. In this day in age, it seems like more and more advertisers are approaching consumers by hoping that they will get a laugh out of their commercial and then hopefully send it to their friends or spread it via word of mouth.

I recently watched a short interview on YouTube with a creative team from Wieden + Kennedy who are behind the idea for the new Old Spice campaign including "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like". This character they created has basically gone viral. Although this has undoubtedly increased the sales of Old Spice products, I found it interesting these creatives were more ecstatic that their commercials were getting such big hits on YouTube. It seems like effective advertising does not just mean that sales are increasing, but it also depends on how interactively popular your campaign is. Even though the job of these advertising creatives is to get the Old Spice products sold, it seems like they are enjoying that people genuinely enjoy the work that they have created. No one would want to hear a consumer groaning when they saw their ad campaign, they want people to laugh and think its funny and send it to their friends. I think that the old Spice character has achieved this.

Old Spice Commercial- The Man Your Man Could Smell Like  

Navigating the Job Market

I think that everyone has seen the commercials for websites like Monster.com etc, that are websites dedicated to solely finding jobs. But then there are websites like Craigslist. On a site like this you can not only search for things to buy, but you can search for listings for jobs, roommates, and recently I saw on the news even people trying to sell themselves on the site (very strange, it was a sex slaves in America special). It is stories like this that make me wonder, how can I possibly know what is legit from what could just be a scam when applying for jobs in the real world.

Although these online outlets seem to think that they are ultimately making it easier for people to find a job they desire, for me I feel like the more I look, the more I am confused. When I graduate next semester I hope to work somewhere in the advertising, PR, marketing, communications industry. Instead of scouring these large sites, I find it easier to look up companies in the location that I would want to work. Usually these sites have a job opportunity pages where you can apply directly for a position, or even send someone in human resources an email to get more information on any upcoming available positions. Not only can you get your application in, but you can learn about that company at the same time. I have found it so difficult to decipher all of the different companies listed on large job search websites because honestly they all sound the same. I feel like this tactic has been most helpful for me, so hopefully all my searching will pay off soon!

Sarah Palin- Politician turned publicity prowler

We all first met Sarah Palin on the campaign trail a few years ago. Being the first woman to become governor of Alaska as well as the first woman to be a vice-presidential nominee for the Republican Party are very impressive points on a resume, yet it seems recently that the only place I see her name is on entertainment websites or shows.

It seems like ever since 2008, Sarah has constantly been on the covers of People, US Weekly, etc., and no where to be found on any political news channels such as CNN, etc. Also because she revealed that her teen-daughter, Bristol, was pregnant during the 2008 presidential election, even Bristol is a star now. Presently Bristol is public advocate for sexual abstinence for unmarried teens, as well as a contestant on the prime time ABC show Dancing with the Stars. And America seems to be just as obsessed with her relationship between baby-daddy Levi Johnston as they were with Jamie Lynn Spears and Casey Aldridge.

Just this week a TLC show starring Sarah, plus the whole Palin family premiered. Sarah Palin's Alaska brought in a huge number of viewers. I find it interesting that they premiere a TV show at the same time that Bristol is still on another show. It seems like the whole Palin family can only get more famous from here- but I doubt they will be visiting the White House anytime soon.

Marcel the Shell and Charlie the Cheez-it

YouTube in not a place of information, but rather a place for  entertainment. The countless YouTube links I see either on people's Facebook walls or on my Twitter feed, attests to the popularity of YouTube. The best thing about it is that it is word of mouth. Once I see a funny video on my mini-feed, of course I am interested and watch it and pass it along to other friends.

Last week I came across a video that could be as big as the Charlie bit my finger video from a few years ago. This one is called Marcel the shell with shoes on. Although as funny as humans can be as we see in the Charlie bit my finger video, there is something about giving human characteristics to random objects like a shell. Throughout the video Marcel walks around and explains all the things he does with his life as a shell. He is cute, but the things he says are very funny as well. After watching Marcel, I saw a link for a friend of his called Charlie the Cheez-It. Charlie, also an object given human characteristics says some pretty funny things as well. His voice is just a little different. Even though some may think that are stupid little videos, some film students are probably living their dream. They have received over 900,000 hits so far.

Election Day

Because today was election day, I felt it necessary to brush up on some issues before I voted. Although this issue was not on the ballot that I filled out for this election, a big topic of discussion especially for the state that I am from is the legalization of marijuana. Being from Colorado, there is much debate on this issue. And last November on ballots, Amendment 44, known as The Colorado Marijuana Initiative was listed. This amendment stated that it would be legal for persons over the age of 21 to be in possession of less than an one ounce of marijuana. Before this, anyone over the age of 21 caught for this would be charged with a petty offense and be fined $100. Although this amendment was defeated, it will always be a controversial topic.

Because Colorado has already legalized the use of medical marijuana, I believe this is just another step towards legalizing the substance for everyone. It seems that since that law has passed, medical marijuana shops have been popping up everywhere in Denver. They even advertise on the radio and TV quite often. If law makers think that they can pass a law like making medical marijuana legal, then they need to realize that this is only creating more users of the substance.

Although you need a medical marijuana card in order to buy any from medical marijuana shops called dispensaries, it is getting easier and easier for people to obtain these cards. All they need is a note from a doctor that says they have "chronic pain" (they're are known doctors to go to, especially in Boulder to obtain these doctor's notes), and to know a caregiver who can provide them with the signature to achieve a card, which will later be sent to them by mail. And most of the people with the cards are not in need of the drug for medical reasons at all. They use marijuana recreationally because they have obtained their card.

If a state such as California (where it is also legal to grow and obtain medical marijuana as well) had a question on their ballots today bout the legalization of marijuana, then Colorado should be right there with them, giving people the choice to vote yes or no to legalizing the drug for all.