Wednesday, November 17, 2010

iPod, Generation 1000

      I love Macintosh as much as the next geek, but I must say that one thing annoys me. Apple is always coming out with a new iPod, iMac, Macbook, etc, every few months it seems. I remember when I got my first iPod touch. It was August 2007, but two weeks after I purchased mine, the second generation came out, with speakers and sound. I wasn't too happy about that. Should I have researched it more? Probably. However, like many college students, I didn't.
      My question is, are the generations developing too quickly? If I was not in the emerging media world, I would be lost already in the changes, that is for sure. Many people do not even know what generation to buy, what generation is the newest, or what is going on. Also, it seems as though the newest generation only has a few extra perks than the last most of the time. It seems when I go to Apple's web site, that I find something "new and innovative'.
       How fast is too fast? How much time is enough time for people to soak in the new information and product? It seems that just as people start accepting the new product, another generation comes out. Of course people find out about new products via commercials, but what about those that do not watch much television? Would generations be more "special" if they only came out every two years or more? I think the marketing would be more effective and the products would sell even more than they would now. If people had the chance to buy the current generation, but had to wait a few years to get the new one, then it would be a big marketing release for the new products. It would be more exciting and easier to keep up with for the average person. A big marketed release every few years would be a much bigger and exciting deal than a new release every couple months. Perhaps this is just my opinion, but I am interested to know how everyone else feels about this idea.
      I feel that people become overwhelmed with too much product and product information, that sometimes they make uninformed decisions because there is too much to soak in. As Americans, the lazy thing to do is take someone else's word for it, or just take what is in front of you and what is available. If people had more time to soak in the knowledge of the product, talk to their friends and family about it, and research it themselves, then the products would produce a steady cash flow. Apple cannot just account for the early adopters and such, they must also include the laggards.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I think I'm getting Carpal Tunnel in my elbow.

      I know what you're thinking, what does this have to do with media?! Well. Let me explain. I got into a wreck yesterday, and have been dealing with it ever since. I was talking and said, "My rental car doesn't even come with power locks or windows." Danelle then said, "We are so spoiled." Then it hit me, I used to be ecstatic just to have a vehicle, now I'm whining because it doesn't have electronic locks and windows? I was griping about how we're too dependent on technology earlier this semester, then I do it myself without realizing it! I told my friend Sofia, "I didn't even know they still made these types of cars."
      It's amazing to me that power locks and windows are a norm for people now, when five years ago it wouldn't have been the case. People have gotten so dependent, even on a little thing like power locks and windows in a car, that it takes us by surprise when we have to put effort into rolling down a window or unlocking the doors for passengers. Has media contributed to this? What do you think? I think there is a link between the two. Even the officer's car was nicer than mine, and had electronics all inside the dashboard and there he had a laptop hooked up to all of it. I know how it all works, but it still boggles my mind when I'm in the situation and have to experience each step first hand.
      Every step of the process was done electronically. The accident information is put into a report on a computer by the officer. I can then access the information from the report online, and pay the ticket online, or anything else regarding that online. I can then reserve a rental car online, talk to a representative on the phone with a number I found online, and then go in person to pick up the car. I even found the best guy to fix it online. Reviews online helped with that. All of this was done via media and technology. I think I have 3 papers from the accident, the rest is electronic.

http://www.mojopages.com/biz/motorsports-auto-body/garland/tx/75042/39717967

That is the link to the best auto body shop I have ever come in contact with. Amazing owner.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Media and Marketing

So, now that I have my new job at Fossil at Northpark, I must say it really changed my view of the mall, stores, and marketing in general. I did not know the extent that stores/companies go through to change their sets during the holidays. It sent my mind spiraling into the process of supply and demand, but more importantly, how people know sales and new items are available. Then my manager showed me the web site for Fossil, and they have flash on it. It's incredible how every single little piece of different mediums come together to represent a whole brand.
The orders trickle down from corporate, down to the newbie sales associate stocking the back room. Everyone there was hustling around like worker ants, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The whole look of the store had to match the web site, and all of the physical store items fit into a little place on the web for people to browse.
There are so many details in media, marketing, branding, etc, that companies have to think of in order to sale new ideas successfully. Every detail must be perfect, from the small ribbons around the Christmas presents, to the way scarves hang from their shelves. All of these tiny details add to the experience and encourages people to feel the vibe of the Christmas season before it is even Thanksgiving.
Here is the big question. Do you think the companies would be as successful with a smaller budget for television commercials, magazines, the computers used to make the seasonal art and props, the models, and the web site? Please add your thoughts and add to the media marketing concepts.