Month: November 2012

MySpace disappeared from social media after other social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr launched.  However, MySpace is back and is using Justin Timberlake to hopefully bring MySpace back to life.

MySpace released a video on YouTube previewing the new layout and features on the new MySpace.  After watching the video, I attempted to sign up for MySpace and was emailed a reply with this message:

Unfortunately, MySpace has not released when the new layout will be available for public use.  The article states that MySpace will still remain an entertainment/music focused site with integration of Twitter and Facebook.  MySpace users will have the option to link all these accounts.  I think this is a good strategy for MySpace because it will eliminate the competition against the two popular social media sites.  It will also allow users to listen to their favourite artists and share them with their Facebook friends and Twitter followers.

I feel that MySpace could make a huge comeback because Facebook and Twitter isn’t directed to music lovers.  MySpace’s point of difference by being entertainment/music focused may attract users who aren’t satisfied with the existing social media websites that focus more on the social aspect instead of their users interests.

Sources: Myspace tries another revamp with the help of Justin Timberlake

The blog I chose was Google’s Official Blog on Blogspot.  I was drawn to this blog because Google doesn’t just use the blog to advertise their new products or features; it uses the blog to share stories about how Google is making a difference in the world – whether it be creating green energy in Iowa, honouring Veteran’s Day, having AMBER Alerts now available in Google Maps, or acknowledging teachers who make a difference with Google.

This blog is effective because it allows Google to advertise their new ideas and products, but also allows them to connect with the general public on a more emotional and personal level.  It allows Google users to get a glimpse of Google as a normal blogger, not a huge internet search engine or company.  Google’s Official Blog also has blog posts that attempt to help consumers, for example, their post “Get your Google back” gives instructions on how to get Google products that do not come with Windows 8.  I personally loved reading the posts about the new products Google was coming out with as I’m always interested in the latest gadgets.

Google’s blog is quite simple and friendly to use.  I feel that this blog allows the consumer to take a sneak peek into the world of Google.  In doing so, it made me feel that Google wasn’t a large, scary company – instead I felt welcomed to learn more about their company culture.

Sources: Google Blog Image

This is a response to Hans’ blog post about the new feature from RIM.  RIM will now offer free voice calls through Wi-Fi with BlackBerry Messenger.  I was drawn to this blog post because I had written a blog post on BlackBerry previously in the year.

I agree with Hans that including this feature in the new BlackBerry smartphone, the BlackBerry 10, is a good strategy to gain a position in the smartphone industry.  As Hans mentions, BlackBerry Messenger has been a point of difference for BlackBerry and is one of the main reasons BlackBerry attracts consumers.

Hans also states that he believes RIM will gain customers in the short run, but will not be able to keep its customers in the long run.  I could not agree more with Hans.  Apple and Android users already have access to the Skype application on their phone which they can use for free with Wi-Fi.  In addition, Apple has also had FaceTime since the release of the iPhone 4.  So in reality, RIM is still behind technology wise because their competitors have already given their customers free voice calls as well as video calls.  Also, the main function of cell phones are for voice calls, so I do not see a benefit in offering this feature unless the owner of the phone has run out of minutes or does not have a phone plan.

Sources: BlackBerry 10 Image

This is a response to Joey’s blog post about breast cancer awareness becoming a multi-billion dollar profit strategy.

Almost everywhere you turn there are companies that tie cancer awareness to their product.  I naively believed these advertisements and never linked any ulterior motive to using cancer in their marketing strategies.  My thoughts changed after reading Joey’s blog post.

I couldn’t agree more with Joey that companies use cancer to attract consumers and give off the appearance that they are socially responsible.  It doesn’t matter what kind of cancer they are advertising with or what the product they are advertising about, or even if the product and cause have any relation.  Cancer has been a major health issues recently which is why using cancer in advertisements attracts consumers because many consumers can relate to the illness.

I also agree that linking breast cancer with fast food establishments such as KFC is almost ridiculous.  I was on the Thai Express website a few days ago and learned that their pink take out boxes are for, you guessed it, breast cancer awareness, and that they match donations to the stories posted on their website.

I feel that companies, such as the two stated above, are exploiting the good of consumers’ hearts by luring them into purchasing their product just because it will donate the money to a cancer foundation; they have turned donations from innocent and pure to ethically wrong and manipulative.  A question I have for consumers is that if they care so much for the cause, why not donate the money straight to the charity itself?

Sources: Thai Express Pink Box Image