Media Blog #4

Earlier this week we did an activity tha included our memories and had to appropriately label a slogn with it's product. The page was fron and back, full of little jingles and slogans. We worked in pairs to see how many we could get correct. I was parners with Steph and we did not do a very good job. We knew most of the slogans and picture it in our heads, but were having difficulties remembering what the advertisement was actually for. The ones that we were able to identify, was thanks to the catchy jingles that were played specifically to make you remember. We knew Gilette, Staples, Milk, KFC, as well as a few more. However, the majority of the page was either left blank, or we guessed because we really had no idea what the product was.

I was always aware of how much advertising there is, but I never truly realized it's complete affects on me. I can usually tell when there are hidden advertisements in shows or movies, and of course there are those silly jingles used so that the viewers will never forget the product. But, I suppose I thought I was a little more immune to it then I really am. During the slogan activity I realized how easy advertisers make it to remember them. Some of the jingles were a little older, and yet I could clearly see the commercial in my head and instintly knew the product it belonged with. I now know that I am not impervious to advertising.

Enrty #3

A) I am very loyal to Urban Planet clothing. Their clothing is quite comfortable as well as affordable. I have jeans, shirts, sweaters, and shoes from Urban Planet. They are all comfortable and were inexpensive to buy. I am also loyal to Virgin Mobile. I am on my second phone and both of them have been on the Virgin Mobile network. Another brand I am loyal to is Pepsi. I will not drink Coca Cola, because it would be like betraying Pepsi. It tastes delicious and hits the spot. Urban Planet is very affordable, and comfy to wear. Virgin Mobile is the only network I've ever been on, and Pepsi is tasty. That is why I am loyal to these brands.

B) Three products that I use and are not particular about the brands are: socks, candy, and hair products. The lack of brand names is not important for these products as long as they get the job done. I do not care what my socks are as long as they are comfortable and last for a decent amount of time before being completely destroyed and no longer useful. Candy is candy, no matter who makes it. I love going to the Bulk Barn, and buying up tons of different candies!! As lnog as it tastes good, I don't care what it is. Hair products are good if they can manage my hair. More often than not I just buy hair ties from the Dollar store because I go through so many. My hair is hard to manage and so I do not think it matters waht I buy, as long as it can keep my hair back.

C) No, my loyalties not changed since discussing brands. I was not loayl to many brands to begin with, so my loyalties are the same as they ahve always been. However, I am more aware of how much people to depend on brands and what tehy are willnig to pay for "better" quality items due to the label.

Entry #2

In the past week we have observed how much product placement there really is in our everday lives. It's made me more aware of the products in movies and television shows that I watch on a regular basis. Advertisers are very meticulous with the placement of their products. They put childish products in children's shows, and adolescnet products in teeange shows.

Both, direct and hidden advertisment are very effective. However, I believe that hidden product placement is much more effective. Direct advertisments are things like commercials and billboards. They get their message across but when a commercial is played over and over again it bombards the viewers until they eventually tune it out. Hidden product placement is more effective because the viewers are not necessarliy aware that they are being subjected to advertiements. If a teenager is watching a show and their favourite character uses a virgin mobile cell phone, they will want to get one too, thinking it will make them like that character. However, they probably don't realize that is the advertisers intention. Earlier this week we took a look at a scene from "Wayne's World," that had many products. One of those products was for doritos chips. After seeing Wayne eat them, it made me crave them. Hidden product placement in movies and televivision is a more effective wway of advertising then direct advertisement.