I hate to be trendy, but I am suffering from tech burnout.

According to a new report from JWTIntelligence, a top trend for 2014 is "rage against the machine."  (McClellan, 2013)  I don't know about you, but I am really feeling it.  For some strange reason it seems like all of my electronics are dying at once.  Some were quite old -- like my 32-bit 2007 HP computer.  But, it doesn't change the fact that I have spent hours installing new machines and downloading software. 

Of course it's not the same version of software that I had before so there has been some tedious relearning involved and the discovery that some of the changes Microsoft made in PowerPoint have hampered my ability to create my yearly calendar.  I can't imagine why they would reduce functionality if not to get me to buy yet more software.  Maybe they should change the name of the company to Scrooge.    

Then there's the fact that my new computers have decided to form a network without even asking me.  I have no idea what's going on or why.  And, I am afraid to mess with it for fear that I will end up erasing files.

Which brings me to my biggest peeve of all.  I was lucky enough to be one of the 38 million people whose Adobe account information was hacked.  They sent me a curt email, barely apologizing and casually suggesting that I change all my passwords.  Really?  It took me hours!  And, I haven't even bought anything from them in years.  When I went on their site to delete my account, there was no way to do it!!!  The only option was to join a line for a live operator.  An hour later I gave up.  So I have settled for corrupting all my information on their site so the next time it gets stolen it won't matter. 

But I have also begun to close all as many of my online accounts as I can and am rethinking all of my online purchasing.  So all those vendors that I have abandoned can thank Adobe for losing my business just in time for the holidays.  In fact, I sincerely hope that they do.

McClellan, S. (2013, December 5)  Consumers Are Becoming Fed Up With Technology And Change.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved December 6, 2013, from,  http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/214914/consumers-are-becoming-fed-up-with-technology-and.html?edition=67632

Can Microsoft make your holiday flying experience happier?

12/15/11

We all know that airport travel has become increasingly difficult since 9/11 and if you’re like me, something to be avoided whenever possible.  I once suggested that marketers who recognize this new reality and attempt to improve my flying experiences would have my undying gratitude.  Apparently Microsoft heard me.

Starting this week they are partnering with Southwest Airlines for “The Picture Perfect Holiday” campaign.  The Santa’s workshop displays include Santa (or a reasonable facsimile), a holiday backdrop and an interactive kiosk.  Once visitors have their photos taken with Santa, a helpful “Windows 7 elf” will show them how to edit, share, print or store shots using Windows products. (Greenberg, 2011)

It sounds like fun to me.  What about you?  Will you check it out after you put your shoes back on?

Greenberg, K. (2011, December 12).  Microsoft Santa Experience Lands At Airports.  mediapost.com.  Retrieved December 12, 2011, from

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/164044/microsoft-santa-experience-lands-at-airports.html

Would you buy Dove Chocolate from Martha Stewart?

11/5/09

We’ve discussed the fact that one of the problems with using celebrities in advertising is that they often lack believability. And sometimes they’re actually silly enough to get caught using a competitive product. After his brief flirtation with Microsoft, Seinfeld is now back to using Macs. Did he ever believe in PCs? Or was he just paid well to pretend that he did? (Tang, 2009).

Ms. Stewart’s association with Dove runs far deeper. Special-edition bags of “Promises” chocolate will carry 200 different holiday tips from Martha, in a “fortune cookie” like format. During the show she’ll discuss Dove’s commitment to cocoa sustainability and holiday craft segments will include the candies.

Perhaps the entire campaign would be more believable if it hadn’t be announced last week that she will also be partnering with Hain to launch Stewart-branded poultry, baked goods and pastas. Is she becoming the next Kate Moss? What do the Martha fans think? Will her endorsement be persuasive? Or is she officially over-exposed? (Lukovitz, 2009).



Tang, S. (2009, October 29). Seinfeld Back With the Mac in Latest Curb Episode. tuaw.com. Retrived November 4, 2009, from
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/10/29/seinfeld-back-with-the-mac-in-latest-curb-episode/

Lukovitz, K. (2009, October 30). Martha Stewart Promos Mars’ Dove Chocolate. mediapost.com. Retrived November 4, 2009, from
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=116363

Does this ad make you want to buy a PC?

7/23/09

Perhaps you have noticed that Microsoft has been running a series of commercials with the key message that PCs are a better value than Macs.

Here’s the URL for one on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqvRi2akZMA

We’ve already discussed the fact that many companies have switched to a value strategy because of the economy, and this is yet another example. So what do you think? Is it compelling? If you were considering buying a Mac would this change your perspective?

Apparently the folks at Apple are concerned; so much so that they contacted Microsoft to ask that they stop running the ads because Apple has lowered their prices. (Parekh, 2009)

And according to yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, revenue on the Mac business fell 8% last quarter due to price cutting. Kane, 2009)


Parekh, R. (2009, July 16). Microsoft Undeterred by Alleged Legal Threat From Apple. adage.com. Retrived, July 22, 2009 from
http://adage.com/article?article_id=137989

Kane, Y. (2009, July 22, 2009). Apple Net Up 15% on iPhone Surge. Wall Street Journal, p.B1.