FYI

I have really enjoyed trends in advertising. Its been a really interesting class and the topics have been relevant to what we have been learning and have already learnt. Honestly, the only thing I would change is the 8am start time, which I know couldn't be helped. With a later start time, I could really have enjoyed the class even more, as my brain juices would have been flowing. I also wish we could have got to know Gabor a bit more and for a longer period of time. 

Writing the blogs has actually been fun and not a chore (once I started). It's definitely been one of the best requirements for a class. If only more classes could have been like this...

Gabor, you're a good guy and I've truly enjoyed this class. Your teaching style rocks and your down to earth. Its a nice touch.

Thanks for a great semester, and keep up the good work!

You know they have an app for that

It seems that every brand is beginning to do something different, something that pushes themselves further out of the box. With the introduction of social media like Facebook, brands have found new ways to get their names out to the public. Applications, or "apps" as they are fondly known as, and limited edition Facebook gifts are just some of the ways brands are changing things up.

With every iPhone commercial I see, the more I want one, especially for the apps that you can download. There is literally an app for anything. From checking out the weather, to counting calories, to a glass of beer that magically disappears as you "pour" it into your mouth. Pointless, but if its free and gets a few laughs, it is worth it to download, thus supporting the brand and spreading the message. 

Another new media that has surfaced recently is the Facebook limited edition (usually free) "gifts". We spoke a lot about Obama today, and I remember that during the inauguration time period, there was an Obama gift. There have been many more before that and after. I have seen countless brands putting themselves on Facebook like this, too many to list. Along with brands, new movies are also releasing gifts. The most recent one I saw was for Friday the 13th, an image of Jason's hockey mask. A simple, easy Jpeg image that takes a brand somewhere that millions of people visit daily, and brings them to a more personal level. 

I never really thought about it before, but something like a ringtune would be a new form of media. Although this is something that is more novelty that we as consumers choose to do, its a great way for a one-hit wonder to make some extra royalty bucks. Its also another way for annoyingly popular songs to get even more airplay and give undeserving people even more money. I promise, I am not bitter...

In all, the more new and unique the idea, the better. Its always cool to see a brand pop up somewhere you wouldn't expect it to. Like in-game advertising. I still find that really exciting when a real brand is in the background. I look forward to seeing what advertiser's come up with next, the next time a brand pops up somewhere unexpected...

A world without Proactiv Solution ads? Perfect.

So, for this week, we were challenged to go without television for as long as possible and only use the Internet as a source of entertainment. And well, as a TV addict, that is a hard thing. I have the TV on while I do anything and everything (and I mean everything...!). I mean, it helps me fall asleep and it keeps me company when I am alone. And now, I guess I sound like a sad, crazy person. 

As of today, I have yet to watch any TV, but I am also in a TV-free room while working on soon to be due assignments and other tasks. I woke up at 10:30 am and it's now, 4:23 pm. Thats almost 6 hours of no TV watching! Impressive...

A night a few weeks ago I did spend at least an hour or more watching nothing but YouTube and College Humour. Just by choice. It started with watching one random clip and then clicking on something else that seemed interesting, and then went on from there. You know what, it was actually pretty fun! Maybe not something I would do all the time, but entertaining nonetheless (especially with some wine). 

The great thing about watching videos on the Internet is the lack of commercials that you are forced to see. I don't think I could even name a brand or product that I might have seen an ad for while I was watching my online videos. I'm sure they were there, but they weren't so invasive. It was nice to watch something without interruptions!

I am a fan of HGTV and they offer most of their shows online, at any time. So, I have been on the website for that reason, to watch a few of my stories, back-to-back. However, there is a small price to pay for watching online. There are about 3 or 4 20 second sponsor ads that you have to watch. You can't fast-forward, you must wait them out. Not that bad, and definitely better then watching the same commercial every break.

In the future, I think that TV advertising could become less popular and cease to be the biggest medium. With PVRs growing, commercials will become a thing of the past and advertisers are going to need to start thinking of new ways of getting consumer's attentions. If PVRs weren't so expensive, I would definitely have one by now. I am soooo sick of seeing and hearing about Proactiv Solution! And I am confident I am not alone on this one!

As we progress, a lot more online advertising is going to appear. Along with more outdoor advertising, as that is always going to be around (unless we continue to get fatter and fatter, and lazier!). I am not much of an online girl. I use it for email and of course, Facebook. I don't usually use it for videos or much else. However, I am sure that this is all going to change...