Today I picked up The Philadelphia Inquirer and USA TODAY and both had articles regarding Blu-ray format. For the purposes of this class I decided I would read at least one of the articles, The Philadelphia Inquirer's"Sorry, HD DVD--it's Blu-ray." At first I was very curious as to why Blu-ray was making headlines and as soon as I read the article, I thought its all for the wrong reasons. The article talks about Blu-ray winning the war against HD DVD over the next generation of at-home movie players. I believe that all of this is completely ridiculous. I cannot believe that some major movie studios such as Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. said that they will only be producing DVDs in Blu-ray format. A big deal is being made about the production of HD everything, that they will soon be throwing the "old" production of DVDs out the window. I personally do not have a problem with the DVDs I own. At this point the Blu-ray DVDs are just a luxury, not a need. However, in a couple of years it will all change when the standard DVD players and DVDs themselves are no longer available.
Just out of curiosity I checked the prices of a standard DVD and a Blu-ray DVD at bestbuy.com. The recently released Across the Universe sells for $19.99 and $29.99 for Blu-ray. Perhaps 10 years from now people may see the huge difference in the two, but right now, I think its rediculous. I look at my Disney VHS movies that I've had since I was a little girl and compare them with the picture on my nieces DVDs, and obviously the picture is much better; its clear, but how much better does the picture need to get?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNoeJH2aQW8
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Critical Analysis
Check out some local and national advertising. Try and figure out the marketing plan. Compare a local one to a national one from a critical standpoint.
For this particular assignment I chose the Shannondell at Valley Forge ad; local, and the American Medical Association (AMA) ad; national.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq1tgigO6_k
The Shannondell at Valley Forge ad's slogan is "Do Something New Every Day." The target audience here is obviously senior citizens who are looking for a place where they can find recreation. When most of us think of senior citizens the first thing that comes to mind are sick, tired, and grumpy old people, which is very stereotypical. However, the people in this ad seem to be having a great time by standing in a pool, playing golf, using the computer, and drinking a glass of wine. I believe the placement of this ad is appropriate. I found it in the Local News section of the Philadelphia Inquirer which is read by many senior citizens.
The AMA ad is accusing Washington of political games and powerful insurance companies who lobby to keep billions in access medicare payments that threaten health care. This ad is targeting senior citizens who are the ones who really need the medical care. The viewers are encourage to speak with their senators so there won't be premium increase, or threats to doctor access. It is clear that the AMA is attacking politicans who do not look out for those who really need medical treatement. However, I do not believe that many senior citizens are in conditions to speak out for themselves. They actually need people like AMA and AARP to represent them, not neccessarily tell them what they should be doing.
The difference between both is that the Shannondell ad, is showing that senior citizens are enjoying themeselves and living life to its fullest. However, the AMA ad clearly demonstrates that many patients, particularly senior citizens, are threatened because they do not have access to doctors. The Shannondell ad is trying to get senior citizens to join their community, while the AMA wants them to speak up for themselves.
For this particular assignment I chose the Shannondell at Valley Forge ad; local, and the American Medical Association (AMA) ad; national.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq1tgigO6_k
The Shannondell at Valley Forge ad's slogan is "Do Something New Every Day." The target audience here is obviously senior citizens who are looking for a place where they can find recreation. When most of us think of senior citizens the first thing that comes to mind are sick, tired, and grumpy old people, which is very stereotypical. However, the people in this ad seem to be having a great time by standing in a pool, playing golf, using the computer, and drinking a glass of wine. I believe the placement of this ad is appropriate. I found it in the Local News section of the Philadelphia Inquirer which is read by many senior citizens.
The AMA ad is accusing Washington of political games and powerful insurance companies who lobby to keep billions in access medicare payments that threaten health care. This ad is targeting senior citizens who are the ones who really need the medical care. The viewers are encourage to speak with their senators so there won't be premium increase, or threats to doctor access. It is clear that the AMA is attacking politicans who do not look out for those who really need medical treatement. However, I do not believe that many senior citizens are in conditions to speak out for themselves. They actually need people like AMA and AARP to represent them, not neccessarily tell them what they should be doing.
The difference between both is that the Shannondell ad, is showing that senior citizens are enjoying themeselves and living life to its fullest. However, the AMA ad clearly demonstrates that many patients, particularly senior citizens, are threatened because they do not have access to doctors. The Shannondell ad is trying to get senior citizens to join their community, while the AMA wants them to speak up for themselves.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Advertising and Society
Does advertising emulate society or does society emulate advertising?
I really want to say both, but since the question is which came first the chicken or the egg I am going to say that advertising did not create this culture. It is what occurs in "our" world that is showcased through the media. What I believe is a great example are the upcoming elections in November or any elections. Elections are very important in the U.S. and can make a big impact in our society. The only time that we are bombarded with campaign ads are usually during elections. If it wasn't because our nation placed such a high importance on politicans there would be no need for ads about the candidates and their competition.
Bottled water is something that many Americans drink. It has just become a part of our society and many think nothing of it. However, a Poland Spring ad will not be seen in a country like Palestine where the water resources are very limited. I personally drink bottled water all the time and its not because I saw an ad for water, its just because its easier for me. Which brings me to another point. Americans are always on the go. It's just easier to grab a bottle of water from the fridge than have to grab a cup of water from the sink. It's a shame that plastic bottle are bad for the environment but I honesty believe that many people do not care whether the bottles have changed to be eco-friendly.
In the end, it is people within a society that make an impact amongst eachother. I have seen a million ads for facial care however, I do not purchase them unless several people recommend them. I rather purchase something because many people like the product as opposed to buying it because I seen it in a magazine or commercial.
I really want to say both, but since the question is which came first the chicken or the egg I am going to say that advertising did not create this culture. It is what occurs in "our" world that is showcased through the media. What I believe is a great example are the upcoming elections in November or any elections. Elections are very important in the U.S. and can make a big impact in our society. The only time that we are bombarded with campaign ads are usually during elections. If it wasn't because our nation placed such a high importance on politicans there would be no need for ads about the candidates and their competition.
Bottled water is something that many Americans drink. It has just become a part of our society and many think nothing of it. However, a Poland Spring ad will not be seen in a country like Palestine where the water resources are very limited. I personally drink bottled water all the time and its not because I saw an ad for water, its just because its easier for me. Which brings me to another point. Americans are always on the go. It's just easier to grab a bottle of water from the fridge than have to grab a cup of water from the sink. It's a shame that plastic bottle are bad for the environment but I honesty believe that many people do not care whether the bottles have changed to be eco-friendly.
In the end, it is people within a society that make an impact amongst eachother. I have seen a million ads for facial care however, I do not purchase them unless several people recommend them. I rather purchase something because many people like the product as opposed to buying it because I seen it in a magazine or commercial.
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