Homework #5

#1
Before I get to my observations of the book "Ad Nauseum," I must say that I really enjoyed every chapter. Truly informative.

Now in the chapter entitled "Subliminal Seduction," the author describes the eye catching techniques that are used by advertisers to lure in readers. Using the same color that is placed behind an article headline and placing it behind a neighboring ad to suggest a connection. This causes the reader to drawl a subconscious mental link. Since I am already on the subject of the subconscious I have to mention the theories of Wilson Bryan Key. How could you not bring him up? I mean all of his suggested sexual undertones were both frightening and fascinating. The orgy in a plate of clams was a really entertaining observation. Now the way in which the advertising companies were able to flip this negative attention around to work in their favor was brilliant. They do say that all publicity is good publicity.

In the chapter about Sir Jon Hargrave who pranked everyone in the industry it was amazing to discover the carelessness of credit card companies. This man was able to open an account under the name Barack Obama with no questions asked. There is something wrong with that. Which leads me to ask a couple of questions.
My first question is how is it possible that a person can so easily have access to credit? Who is regulating this?
My second question is along the same lines as my first one but instead I ask who regulates the medical advertisements? Is there no one that checks that pharmaceutical companies aren't making bogus claims?
#2
a)Twitter can ease the burdens of communication.

b)I do find myself in agreement with Johnson over the ease of communication that is created through Twitter. When talking on the phone or writing an e-mail it can become too time consuming in this fast paced world. Now when you need an instant response you can simply 'tweet' someone. Also I am in agreement with Johnson when he brings up the benefits of advertising on Twitter. Technological advances have changed advertsing in a big way. Entrepeneurs don't have to pay for advertising anymore. With Twitter and Facebook you can easily expand your consumer outreach.

Now where I differ from Johnson is that I don't personally see the merits of being plugged into cyber space at all times. People are communicating more but is the face to face form of communication lacking? Also, why do we need to be more engrossed in celebrities lives? I'm not sure that I feel the same way that Johnson does about gaining a personal connection with celeb. I just think it gives people a false sense of reality.

c)I am not a Twitter user so my relationship is strictly second hand. In fact I'm not really sure that I will ever become a Tweet-head. Facebook is about my breaking point with technology and even that is starting to bore me.

5 things from "The Merchants of Cool:"
1)Marketers pay kids to give them the inside scoop on "cool" things.
2)Hip-hop became a major vehicle in the selling of products to teens.
3)Tom Green is a "mook." Finally I know what made him famous.
4)Family friendly WB was won out by teen sexuality.
5) The Insane Clown Posse is anti-mainstream. Teen resistance movement to appose the MTV teen.