http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/business/advertising/the-future-of-advertising-how-crafty-marketers-are-chasing-after-your-cash.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/advertising/the-future-of-advertising-how-crafty-marketers-are-chasing-after-your-cash.html Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Broadcasting networks which rely heavily on the multi-billion dollar advertising industry to survive are taking a new approach, with the introduction of “ads-free” television shows. But wait a minute. Television networks are not exactly turning down the cold, hard advertising cash worth billions just to please their viewers. The new trend is to conveniently place ads and product logos in such a way that they do not appear advertorial. In other words, products will have to seamlessly integrate with television shows in such a manner that they do not steal the limelight, but rather appear to be part and parcel of the show. Does it seem like a strange twist of coincidence that the judges on the popular “American Idols” show are always taking coke with the “Coca-Cola” logo constantly facing the audience? Also take note of the “Coca-Cola” couch used by the contestants and the endless mention of the name “AT&T Wireless” by the show’s host. You may also be familiar with the Apple logo which hits you straight in the face every time Carnie Bradshaw uses her laptop from the hit series “Sex and the City”. What about Jack Bauer and his CTU cronies always riding high in Ford SUVs and their penchant for Dell computers in the hit show “24”? You may also recall some of the more memorable examples of product placement from classic movies such as “Back To the Future” (Pepsi products), “You’ve got mail” (America Online, Apple, IBM, Starbucks), “I,Robot” (Audi RSQ), “Men In Black” (Ray-Ban sunglasses, Burger King) among others. The king of them all is probably James Bond. The latest Bond flick, “Casino Royale” is awash with a plethora of product promos from the magnificent Aston Martin, Range Rover SUVs and flashy Sony-Ericsson mobile phones. A recent trend has been the 45-minutes priceless exposure companies like Unilever, Dairy Queen, and Burger King among others have enjoyed in Donald Trump’s recruitment show, “The Apprentice”. I guess nothing is more pleasing to the CEOs of these companies than watching a group of young hopefuls battling among themselves to create marketable products for their companies and selling them to the public. Whatever the outcome, this strategy is highly effective, brilliant and is easily a zillion times more valuable than a simple 30-seconds TV commercial.

Product placement or Covert advertising is the new fad in marketing. It was mainly confined to movies from the moment Gordon’s Gin ran the first promotion in the 1950s classic “African Queen”. The concept is now widely used in other media forms, namely songs, books, television shows, and now even on Video games. Remember that most people hate being at the receiving end of a sales pitch. Skillful marketers will ensure that their products are clearly visible, without being the center of focus to the public. That is no easy task, especially when fitting brand names within the context of a movie, book or music video while at the same time, adding a feeling of realism. From a psychological perspective, Product placement involves “re-wiring” or training the unconscious mind through some kind of hypnosis. The end may be hard to justify, but it surely does work. The logic behind this concept lies in a simple truth. Generally, the human brain does not have the time to process the thousands of advertising messages flooding today’s society. If the brain is constantly used to watching particular ad messages over time, there is likelihood that people will be compelled to purchase the product when presented with the opportunity. That is debatable, but is the main idea behind covert selling. Is this ethical? I presume that from a vendor’s perspective, it is not only ethical but highly rewarding.

Product placement has had its fair share of problems and controversies; an example is the blatant violation of advertising requirements for harmful products like cigarettes without including the Surgeon General’s warning. Another controversy is the negative portrayal of products, for instance smashing the windscreen of a popular automobile in a film noted for its violence. Some movies like “Minority Report” and “I,Robot” have been subject to negative criticism over their insensitive depiction of the same products they have heavily promoted.

However, Product placement has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years. The fundamental goal is exposure, which will hopefully translate into higher conversion rates.
With the rapid advancement in digital technology and the perennial aggressive advertising scene, advertisers will keep coming up with innovative marketing techniques to lure potential customers. There is little doubt that we will be seeing well-known television personalities, sports figures and movie stars using a multitude of popular household products for many decades to come.

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Ed Gichia is a Systems Analyst and Online marketer based in Nairobi. He frequently features top reviews in Entertainment sites including Marketing, Advertising and TV services in his resource MegaOnlineGuide.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/advertising/skipping-irritating-commercials-at-the-push-of-a-button.-is-the-end-nigh-for-tv-advertising.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/advertising/skipping-irritating-commercials-at-the-push-of-a-button.-is-the-end-nigh-for-tv-advertising.html Wed, 27 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Most TV ads run from a few seconds to a several minutes, including program-length infomercials. This advertising is so powerful such that virtually everything has been sold on television, from household goods and services to successful political campaigns. Its visual impact has attained unprecedented heights. Television advertising has greatly influenced pop-culture and spawned a wave of memorable catch phrases such as “Where’s the beef?” and the classic Grape Nuts ad “Oh no, Mrs. Burke, I thought you were Dale”. Here comes the ugly lowdown of television. The social impact of these ever persistent and sometimes irritating television commercials cannot go unnoticed.

Successful television advertisements will strive to enhance appeal to home viewers, hence the fashionable use of animated characters, sometimes combining them with real actors. Humor is also necessary to drive attention and enhance persuasion. TV advertisements are also widely used to interrupt TV shows with an aim of heightening suspense, particularly during key periods or “cliff-hanger” moments of the programme. However, the upsurge in volume of TV advertisements, at the expense of regular programming is considered an annoyance. This is compounded by constant repetition of a particular advertisement campaign over the duration of a television show.

The future of TV advertising is somewhat unpredictable. The advent of Personal Video recorders, allows users to record TV programs onto a hard disk, and enable them skip those commercials at will. However, advertisers, faced with this impending development, have devised some clever advertising strategies like placing their ads at the bottom of the viewing area. Other ingenious schemes devised include “in-your face” product placement promotions or covert advertising on popular shows. Times are not only tough but unpredictable. Yeah, sometimes we just wish we could do away with those pesky ads. A lot of people are buying more of those PVRs, and are relishing every moment of using them, without any regrets. Don’t forget the fact that the time slot allocation is very competitive and ridiculously expensive. Is it worthwhile for a small business to compete placing an ad on TV and paying a fortune? Most people would rather “fast-forward” using their Tivo or leave the room to grab a snack whenever a commercial shows up. Only time will tell what the future holds for advertising on television. Whatever, the outcome, we do not foresee a dearth of television advertising in future, but a proliferation of new marketing strategies like Ad gaming and Interactive advertising among others.

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Ed Gichia is a Systems Analyst and Online marketer based in Nairobi. He frequently features top reviews in Entertainment sites including Marketing, Advertising and TV services in his resource MegaOnlineGuide.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/dating/the-shocking-truth-about-every-mans-greatest-fear-in-life.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/dating/the-shocking-truth-about-every-mans-greatest-fear-in-life.html Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 Many men cheat on their partners, and some of them make no excuses. On the other hand, many women will not readily admit cheating unless you are very good at prodding and asking the right questions.
This brings us to an interesting observation. Men are indeed full of surprises, especially where sex is involved. We all know how sex is important to them. It is a great source of power; the ultimate means for a man to prove his masculinity and show the world that he is a lover and a provider. While a man is more likely to admit having been unfaithful to his partner, he is far less likely to forgive his girlfriend if she does the same. Now that doesn’t sound like somebody who knows anything about keeping loyalty and commitment in a faithful relationship.
Men are competitive by nature. For thousands of generations, they have waged wars and utilized countless ingenious techniques to outwit their foes, for the love of women. Thousands of years ago, this was probably achieved through the use of fist-fights and weaponry. Today’s society is more civilized and sophisticated but the competition for the fairest of women is as intense as ever.
The modern man has every reason to worry because he never knows what his rivals have been up to. Many men keep worrying from time to time. Do not for one moment expect them to come clean about their fears. How often do you hear a girl moaning that her boyfriend is very possessive? Chances are that he is, and with good reason. A man will become very suspicious of his woman, especially when he knows that she is very attractive. He is scared stiff that the world is full of other potential mates out there who are taller, richer, good-looking, seductive, and more suave than he is. He also knows that these red-blooded hunks are on a sole mission to charm and bed as many attractive women as possible; his spouse included. To heighten his worries, he cannot accept the fact that his dream woman will find one of them attractive, if not fall into his arms. So his best strategy is to hold on to her and ward off any competition. But don’t be startled when he zealously keeps close tabs on his girlfriend but maintains a wandering eye for any beautiful lady that comes his way. I know of very few men who can resist the lure of a warm smile or an affectionate pat on the arm from a super-gorgeous girl, no matter how innocent. Is it that men want to have their cake and eat it too? Of course, men want commitment just as women do, only that both sexes have different expectations. A man’s strategy is to boost his chances by seeking pleasure from as many partners as possible, in many cases with minimal responsibility. Women take a different approach. For her, she is most likely searching for Mr. Faithful who can offer a quality and stable relationship. Problem is most of the faithful and reliable guys are very boring. This leads her to give in to the seductive types, the ones who are most unreliable and have little time for stable relationships. So you can now imagine what follows next. Almost everybody starts sleeping around. In some cases, the woman may decide to marry the dependable bloke. At the same time, she gets tempted by the flashy but unreliable guy and therefore decides to keep him on the side.
The results of a recent study carried out in Britain uncovered a most shocking secret which left most men cringing, hoping against hope that it was nothing but a bad dream. Guys will hate hearing this. The fact is women stray just as men do. The real killer blow of the findings was the heartrending truth that many men have no idea whether they are raising their own children. The ultimate fear in life is when a man realizes that after all these years of hard work and undeniable paternal responsibility; he has been taking care of another man’s child. It may eventually hurt his ego when he comes to grips with the fact that some other sly, better looking dude than he got their way with his wife or girlfriend. For this reason, most men will closely guard their women, at all costs. So girls, that innocent glance at the tall hunk across the room or the affectionate smile from your athletic gym instructor won’t go down very well with your man. No matter how attractive the man is, he had better keep a wary eye at all times because there is danger lurking at every corner. Men are certainly full of surprises, but will not take surprises very kindly themselves.

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The writer is a Systems Analyst and Internet marketer based in Nairobi. He frequently features reviews of top dating sites and e-books in his online resource MegaOnlineGuide.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/how-to-beat-her-at-her-own-game-the-friend-zone-trap.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/how-to-beat-her-at-her-own-game-the-friend-zone-trap.html Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 To understand why you are now Mr. Nice guy and not her dashing Prince Charming, you need to know how and why you ended up in the friend trap. These are some of the main reasons why:
1). She’s just not into you: To cut the story short, you don’t rock her world. This is a bitter pill to swallow. You will have to accept the fact that if she doesn’t dig you, you had better quit wasting your time and move on. Attraction is the single most powerful force that will instantly pull streams of women towards your direction. If a woman doesn’t feel any attraction for you, there is very little you can do. You can either resign to the fact that you will always remain her friend, or get to learn the powerful techniques to transform yourself into an instant female magnet.
2). You are Way too Nice: If you make that fatal mistake of being too nice and letting her get away with anything, she will most likely treat you like her blue-eyed little brother or her favorite puppy dog. If she is pitiless, you will instantly turn into her doormat. And don’t think for one moment that you can buy her attention and impress her with flowers, expensive gifts and meals.
3). You’ve got nothing to offer: Sometimes, the odds may be harshly stacked against you if you haven’t got anything to deliver. You don’t need unlimited wads of cash, fast cars or power to win her over, but I have to admit that sometimes these things make a difference. Don’t worry yourself to death. There could be something in you, some hidden talent or special quality that would boost your appeal. If she can’t see anything exceptional in you, then you are destined to remain casual friends.
4). She’s got issues: If this is the case, then don’t be too hard on yourself. She was probably abused from past relationships so there is very little chance that you will become her knight in shining armor.
The Friend zone is not such a great place to be in. Fortunately, it is possible to get out of this dead-end situation. All you need is to put into practice these tips:
1). Get on with your life and be scarce: I’ve done this many times over and the outcome has a powerful and alluring effect on the girls. Simply try acting like you don’t need her. Pursue your hobbies, get on with your daily work and focus on your priorities. Quit following her around like a lovesick pup. But don’t overdo it. For some reason, the sudden shift in attention from her to you works wonders.
2). Pose a challenge: Once you make yourself not so readily available and she begins to seek out for you (believe me, women always do this), try to keep her off balance. Learn to be unpredictable. Try rousing her interest in you, while at the same time maintaining your distance and keeping her guessing all the time. Never ever let her know that she’s already got you. She should never get wind of your next course of action. If you can keep this going, kudos to you. The power of intrigue, suspense and unpredictability is like an aphrodisiac to women.
3). Date other women: She’s probably an exceptional beauty, a perfect 10, but make her realize she’s got competition. You can give her an honest compliment. Tell her that she is attractive and special, but this should not hold back your wandering eye. Don't limit yourself to one woman at the initial stages of dating. Your girl may also hit back and do a similar thing but this shouldn’t faze you. If she has a genuine interest in you, this will instantly drive her crazy for you.
4). Send mixed and conflicting signals: This takes the game of mystery and unpredictability to new heights. By now, you’re probably into her, but don’t let it appear obvious. Keep it very light. Learn to use simple gestures, and body-language tips to hint your desire. If you know how to use humor, you can never go wrong. This creates interesting conversation and will in the long run elevate you into a fabulous romantic prospect.
As a word of caution, many women are very smart, and will easily decipher any wily antics you try to conjure. You will need to be very shrewd and discreet. These few pointers should go a long way in helping you avoid the blind alley zone of the friend trap. Always remember, you don’t need to be too nice and over-accommodating to win her approval. And you don’t have to agree with her every word and deed. She needs you to take charge and be the lead man in her life.

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The writer is a Systems Analyst and Internet marketer living and working in Nairobi. He frequently features reviews of top Matchmaking services, dating & seduction programs plus e-books in his online resource www.MegaOnlineGuide.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/the-secret-behind-a-womans-most-powerful-weapon-the-dreaded-friend-zone.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/the-secret-behind-a-womans-most-powerful-weapon-the-dreaded-friend-zone.html Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
I know this is going to generate a lot of heat from the ladies, but let it be known that you are not going to get this info from a female perspective. Let’s quit pretending and be honest. Our natural instincts drive us to seek females in the hope of getting things physical. Every time you step up to initiate a simple conversation with a woman, you can be certain that her radar detector is on high alert and she almost always knows what you could be up to. It seems unfair that women can have sex anytime, anywhere and anyway they want it. Unfortunately for guys, women do not always want to have sex, while the average guy can’t help fighting those ravaging hormonal tendencies that keep haunting him. This is understandable because the female logic will separate friendship from sex. So this gives women lots of power. She has the power to select her most desirable mate; that’s the naked truth and the cruel rule of nature. The slightest prospect of a steamy flagrante delicato is solid enough to keep most men right within her reach. The moment a woman gains total dominance and realizes she can have you at the snap of her fingers, you will undoubtedly be consigned to the friend zone. Once this happens, it is almost unlikely that she will see you in a different way. If she is the ruthless type, she will most likely “sexploit” you the same way she does to all her current “lovers”. The last thing you want is to be her new best girlfriend. You may not realize when you find yourself always offering to take her out, footing all her bills, carting her and her friends around and even buying her all sorts of expensive gifts. You may have hoped to enjoy the benefits of a sizzling encounter in the sack or a lasting relationship, but ultimately end up burning your hard-earned bucks.

Guys will always fantasize about hot women. The moment a man falls for a woman, he will naturally want to please her and express his feelings. This will lead him to becoming too nice hoping that the woman will do the same and romanticize about him. Don’t fool yourself as this is not a ticket to winning her heart. The moment you start hearing phrases like “You are so nice”, or she starts pouring her heart out to you about her guy problems, or some great guy she just met, then this should be your tip-off that you have been thrown into the “nice-guy” category. Let me emphasize this. There is absolutely nothing wrong in being a good person and treating people well. When it comes to wooing that irresistible lady, you will have to set the boundaries of being accommodating, else she sees you as just another hapless jerk who is trying too hard to please her. Women are easily repelled by guys who are too predictable and docile. Once you learn how to unlock her defenses, while at the same time posing yourself as a challenge, she may think twice before putting you aside as just another passer by. Ever wondered why the bad guys always seem to get the hottest, most sought-after women. Infidelity, dishonesty, and callousness just to name a few are character traits of the so-called bad guys, yet they always finish ahead of the nice guys. It is not for their appalling behavior that women find enticing, but something else much more powerful. What is this secret attribute that these Alpha males possess that women find so attractive and appealing? It is human nature to desire that which we cannot have or that which is rare. This could explain the charm and appeal of the married man, or the A-list movie star, but this is a story for another day. A beautiful woman will rarely run out of prospects because she is always bombarded and approached by hundreds of men daily. Most of them are just the same. To her, you could be one of the many clueless jerks who always come up with all those old and tame pick-up lines. If not, you are just another overly polite, obsequious average Joe; who makes a prime candidate for a good emotional buddy, if not a brother. However, all is not lost. With some powerful insider dating secrets and tips, you can easily turn over the tables and have these same women buzzing around you like bees, not wanting to let go. But as you venture into the world of dating, you must be prepared to face the many tests that women will put you through just to size you up and see whether you are game enough to take the heat. The key to counter these female tactics is to understand women, and learning the art of instant attraction. So if you are intent on scoring big with the ladies, check your nice-guy attitude, be unpredictable and a challenge, and ultimately graduate from just another of her girlfriends to a dashing lover! If all you are going to do is keep following her around like a lovesick puppy, trying to play Mr. Nice and thinking that you can impress and buy her attention with flowers and gifts, you are nothing but a lame doormat. My dear brother, don’t dare seethe at yourself when she runs off with some well-chiseled tattooed hunk for the weekend.

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The writer is a Systems Analyst and Internet marketer living and working in Nairobi. He frequently features reviews of top Matchmaking services, dating & seduction programs plus e-books in his online resource www.MegaOnlineGuide.com]

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>