Model Perfect
an essay on branding and advertising21 total reviews
Comment from Erik McGinley
Excellent essay!
You could have called it "How Sheep Become Sheep and Why Android Farmers Hump Electric Sheep".
Luckily(?) I grew up in a world where being a sheep was deprecated. But I will acknowledge one serious flaw in my tutelage on how not to be a sheep.
It failed to take account of that fact that one errant sheep can start a stampede - and then you can get trampled.
For those of you that refuse to be sheep. If you pick a fight with one, butcher the bastard before you walk away thinking that it's only a sheep.
reply by the author on 07-Oct-2014
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Excellent essay!
You could have called it "How Sheep Become Sheep and Why Android Farmers Hump Electric Sheep".
Luckily(?) I grew up in a world where being a sheep was deprecated. But I will acknowledge one serious flaw in my tutelage on how not to be a sheep.
It failed to take account of that fact that one errant sheep can start a stampede - and then you can get trampled.
For those of you that refuse to be sheep. If you pick a fight with one, butcher the bastard before you walk away thinking that it's only a sheep.
Comment Written 07-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 07-Oct-2014
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Wow1 All that candle power! Thanks.
It's like the story a farmer tells about docile cattle, but if you corner them, they will charge you and do serious damage/
Thanks.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
what an interesting topic matter... I must have been a real disappointment to a plethora of companies and products, but then again I wore name brand advertising, when it wasn't really in, to do so... the perks of sports and being good at it. Apart from the freebies that clothing and sporting brands threw at me, I didn't care to much about what I had on... I looked good any how... smile)))))). Over the last ten years or so, at least in Australia the 'sell' has gone crazy and it seems the target group are mostly teenagers down... and that goes for every product... it looks like the younger we are, the more money we possess, mmmm, or is that the plastic economy that is taking over?
Now, you know I'm going to have to comment on the tattoo debate... self-expression, not for me, every piece of art work on my body has a significant story attached, as well as all the scars I possess... but in saying that, I think the punk era of the seventies and the eighties gave rise to the self mutilation perspective... hey, tats were just the natural progression.
You have once again, given a truly entertaining account of the complexities involved with image and the ego attached. I think if I was born at the right time, I would have chosen to be a Goth... you know, brooding teenager dressed in cool black attire, pasty skin with a bit of make-up just to highlight of course... nah, just joking, I'm too much an individual to join the 'LOOK' or the must haves', but I guess I have skated on the fringe, just happy to observe and be entertained from the colourful scenery.
Well written my talented friend, a topic piece that I'm sure everyone will think about or have something to say about... yeah, I enjoyed it, even the swipe at tats... smile)))))).
With our thoughts we create,
a false image,
James xx
reply by the author on 06-Oct-2014
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Hi Ingrid,
what an interesting topic matter... I must have been a real disappointment to a plethora of companies and products, but then again I wore name brand advertising, when it wasn't really in, to do so... the perks of sports and being good at it. Apart from the freebies that clothing and sporting brands threw at me, I didn't care to much about what I had on... I looked good any how... smile)))))). Over the last ten years or so, at least in Australia the 'sell' has gone crazy and it seems the target group are mostly teenagers down... and that goes for every product... it looks like the younger we are, the more money we possess, mmmm, or is that the plastic economy that is taking over?
Now, you know I'm going to have to comment on the tattoo debate... self-expression, not for me, every piece of art work on my body has a significant story attached, as well as all the scars I possess... but in saying that, I think the punk era of the seventies and the eighties gave rise to the self mutilation perspective... hey, tats were just the natural progression.
You have once again, given a truly entertaining account of the complexities involved with image and the ego attached. I think if I was born at the right time, I would have chosen to be a Goth... you know, brooding teenager dressed in cool black attire, pasty skin with a bit of make-up just to highlight of course... nah, just joking, I'm too much an individual to join the 'LOOK' or the must haves', but I guess I have skated on the fringe, just happy to observe and be entertained from the colourful scenery.
Well written my talented friend, a topic piece that I'm sure everyone will think about or have something to say about... yeah, I enjoyed it, even the swipe at tats... smile)))))).
With our thoughts we create,
a false image,
James xx
Comment Written 06-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 06-Oct-2014
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I love you stud muffin, tats and all. I'm not offended by tattoos on other people and have enjoyed listening to a couple of people as they show off their art work. Like you, each one seemed to have significance and the stories were fascinating. You should consider the story of your tats for the non-fiction contest. What the hell--it's free.
I'm just still stymied why people do it to themselves. At the very least, if you get in trouble with the law, they won't need DNA and pretty hard to escape into obscurity.
And I suppose, I don't know how confident a person is that they won't tire of something as the years go by or watch their perfect picture morph into abstract when the wrinkles hit.
Hugs, thanks for the stars. How are you feeling. ingrid
Comment from DALLAS01
I was lucky enough to escape all of that madness. We were blue collar poor, mom was a seamstress and sewed our clothes, our friends were just as poor, and TV commercials and mass marketing were still a thing of the future.
I had boys, none of whom were brand conscious, so luckily, I came a way unscathed. Guess being poor had its advantages. Great article. Branding is the perfect terminology.
My grandson on the other hand has a thing for tenners. He just paid $160.00 of his own money for a pair. Think he has a pair of shoes for every outfit and every day of the week.
reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
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I was lucky enough to escape all of that madness. We were blue collar poor, mom was a seamstress and sewed our clothes, our friends were just as poor, and TV commercials and mass marketing were still a thing of the future.
I had boys, none of whom were brand conscious, so luckily, I came a way unscathed. Guess being poor had its advantages. Great article. Branding is the perfect terminology.
My grandson on the other hand has a thing for tenners. He just paid $160.00 of his own money for a pair. Think he has a pair of shoes for every outfit and every day of the week.
Comment Written 05-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
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We were spared the blast of ads, but not the designation of which actresses and 'looks' were looked at as ideal. Your grandson is one of billions.
Thanks so much.
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Yea, I know.
Comment from judiverse
This is excellent, and you really brought back memories with your recollections of some of the hot styles from by-gone eras. Although my family didn't have much money, I did have the obligatory hoop skirt and chartreuse and fuchsia socks. The boys also had their fads of gray corduroy pants and pink shirts. I envied the beautiful girls who majored in theater when I was in college. You are so right about how susceptible we are to advertising. Branding in politics is important. Image is everything, as it is with the athletes. It seems that movie actors get away with practically anything as long as they look great. Kiddos are certainly easy prey for the advertising geniuses. Great work. judi
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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This is excellent, and you really brought back memories with your recollections of some of the hot styles from by-gone eras. Although my family didn't have much money, I did have the obligatory hoop skirt and chartreuse and fuchsia socks. The boys also had their fads of gray corduroy pants and pink shirts. I envied the beautiful girls who majored in theater when I was in college. You are so right about how susceptible we are to advertising. Branding in politics is important. Image is everything, as it is with the athletes. It seems that movie actors get away with practically anything as long as they look great. Kiddos are certainly easy prey for the advertising geniuses. Great work. judi
Comment Written 04-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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I got into my journalistic mode, triggered by a truck ad. As I spent many years in creating in-store brands, the whole thing came tumbling out. Thanks.
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I really got a lot out of this. We know how important "branding" is when we see how quickly a sponsor dumps an athlete if he does something that might reflect badly on the company. I'm also interested in how individual politicians (or their families) establish their brand. judi
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They all have spin doctors, image consultants and speech writers. There is a full team of publicists whose sole job is to leak info and garner favor. Each politician, from the day he/she takes office immediately begins a campaign for re-election. Heady stuff.
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I hate that they have to spend so much time and money getting re-elected. As you say, they never let up. judi
Comment from Cumbrianlass
One of your better essays. They're all good, of course, but this one has nudged its way to the forefront. It should be submitted somewhere. I never went with the flow - the flow being Bay City Rollers and suchlike. I was a rocker - me and one other girl. All denim and wild hair. Still listen to the same music!
You brought back a lot of memories with this one.
Bravo, mon amie.
Av
(I'm sick at home today - got a flu bug or something. Feel like shite and had to forego my visit with my granddaughter) GRRRR!
Cheap drugs are helping
xx
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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One of your better essays. They're all good, of course, but this one has nudged its way to the forefront. It should be submitted somewhere. I never went with the flow - the flow being Bay City Rollers and suchlike. I was a rocker - me and one other girl. All denim and wild hair. Still listen to the same music!
You brought back a lot of memories with this one.
Bravo, mon amie.
Av
(I'm sick at home today - got a flu bug or something. Feel like shite and had to forego my visit with my granddaughter) GRRRR!
Cheap drugs are helping
xx
Comment Written 04-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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I'm sorry you're down for the count...warm brandy, Gravol, a duvet and the remote in hand.
Thanks for the stars, my journalistic 'snapshot' side was knocking hard on the door.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Luckily, I never had to dress to fit in. I was one of those quirky girls who likedd to be a little bit different. Everyone attributed it to my artistic passion. I just didn't want to look like one of the pack. Now, I like claassic clothes. In layman's terms, I am just too cheap to purchase a whole new wardrobe ever year. With my two girls, I have one 'artistic' girl and one who dresses like a model. Go figure. I wasn't the farrah Fawcett type and that was what was in when I was growing up. SO I modeled myself after Dorothy Hamil. Short hair and big smiles. Great essay.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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Luckily, I never had to dress to fit in. I was one of those quirky girls who likedd to be a little bit different. Everyone attributed it to my artistic passion. I just didn't want to look like one of the pack. Now, I like claassic clothes. In layman's terms, I am just too cheap to purchase a whole new wardrobe ever year. With my two girls, I have one 'artistic' girl and one who dresses like a model. Go figure. I wasn't the farrah Fawcett type and that was what was in when I was growing up. SO I modeled myself after Dorothy Hamil. Short hair and big smiles. Great essay.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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LOL! I immediately went out and had my hair layered.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
An excellent expose on marketing and it's effects through the last 60 years. I guess it was second grade when we got our first lesson on advertising methods and were advised to examine products closely -- because they NEVER were as advertised. Very true in the case of kids toys.
Modern advertising stinks. Turn off the sound and watch the ad. It not only doesn't tell me why I should buy the product, it often doesn't tell me what they're selling.
I can't believe companies waste their money - the old sign "Drink Coca-Cola" was more effective.
Like you, I never fit the 60s-70s mold. That's okay. My mother controlled what I wore and she was stuck in the 40s - 50s. Some things, one just has to endure.
Outstanding piece, Ingrid. :) Nancy
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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An excellent expose on marketing and it's effects through the last 60 years. I guess it was second grade when we got our first lesson on advertising methods and were advised to examine products closely -- because they NEVER were as advertised. Very true in the case of kids toys.
Modern advertising stinks. Turn off the sound and watch the ad. It not only doesn't tell me why I should buy the product, it often doesn't tell me what they're selling.
I can't believe companies waste their money - the old sign "Drink Coca-Cola" was more effective.
Like you, I never fit the 60s-70s mold. That's okay. My mother controlled what I wore and she was stuck in the 40s - 50s. Some things, one just has to endure.
Outstanding piece, Ingrid. :) Nancy
Comment Written 04-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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Companies don't actually waste their money, most people buy into the ads, lock stock and barrel. Remember jingles?
'You can brush your teeth with Pepsodent.' The lifestyle ads want the same thing, product identification through experience.
Thanks for all the stars. Woke up and felt my journalistic side thumping for attention.
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I'm an advertiser's nightmare. I want details - why I should want their product and why it's better than their competitors' similar products. Instead, what they "sell" is lifestyle - and it's never one I'd want or could realistically achieve. I doubt I'm alone. Interesting essay - woke up my sleepy brain. :) Nancy
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Here's another thought for you to ponder. Almost everyone loves a bargain and justifies a purchase because it is 'on sale.' Few people realize that retailers mark-up their product (especially department stores) four to five times establishing that as regular price. When they put it on sale, it becomes an actual fair retail price.
The everyday low price policy--honest, and usually the sale price (50% off)--has not been accepted by customers all across NA. They DEMAND sales.
Add to that, that retailers demand ad and volume rebates of up to 17% and the mark-up is taken on the wholesale + rebate and the item you bought on sale looks a little like this:
Manufacturer's selling price--$10
Rebate 17%--------------------$1.70
Total cost--------------------$11.70
Mark-up 4X--------------------$46.70 (=$49.95 retail rounded out)
50% OFF=$25 sale price
Retail Gross profit=$13.30 or 53% Gross profit
Everyday low retailers operate at 50-55% Gross profit.
It comes down to the reality that most people don't have any idea how much most things should cost and the gimmicks are endless. This is the most basic.
How about them apples?
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Hey, everybody's gotta eat. ;D
Comment from padumachitta
Hi. A good essay for the contest. I hate most advertising. We are fed crap and told it makes us happy. It is like the Emperor's Clothes. Thanks for this, I hope you get tons of readers:-)
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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Hi. A good essay for the contest. I hate most advertising. We are fed crap and told it makes us happy. It is like the Emperor's Clothes. Thanks for this, I hope you get tons of readers:-)
Comment Written 04-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2014
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Thanks, but it is not in any contest. My journalistic side was lit up yesterday.
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Hey, well, dang I thought it would do well in the nonfiction...and might make some people think a bit...
Comment from dreamin'
Reading your work is like wrapping up in a warm blanket on a cold night. Well, except for when you're really mad about something. Then I'm scared. :)
Seriously, Ingrid, I have been away from FS for two weeks. Seeing your name as one of my messages meant one or more of three things: (1)I would instantly be comforted by your "voice;" Okay that sounds like something a stalker would say, but it's your writer's voice I speak of; (2)I would definitely learn something; I always do; and (3) I would either be wide-eyed astonished, laugh out loud, or go, "oh man! I would not want to get on her bad side. Whew!"
This time, except for being comforted by your voice, I just thoroughly enjoyed reading. I did take pause after reading: "What strikes me as a lesson to my grandchildren is the responsibility of teaching independent thought." What a novel idea. In a vast sea of everyone wanting/needing to be alike, perhaps a bit of independent thought would be just the ticket to turn some thing around.
Thank you
Debbie
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
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Reading your work is like wrapping up in a warm blanket on a cold night. Well, except for when you're really mad about something. Then I'm scared. :)
Seriously, Ingrid, I have been away from FS for two weeks. Seeing your name as one of my messages meant one or more of three things: (1)I would instantly be comforted by your "voice;" Okay that sounds like something a stalker would say, but it's your writer's voice I speak of; (2)I would definitely learn something; I always do; and (3) I would either be wide-eyed astonished, laugh out loud, or go, "oh man! I would not want to get on her bad side. Whew!"
This time, except for being comforted by your voice, I just thoroughly enjoyed reading. I did take pause after reading: "What strikes me as a lesson to my grandchildren is the responsibility of teaching independent thought." What a novel idea. In a vast sea of everyone wanting/needing to be alike, perhaps a bit of independent thought would be just the ticket to turn some thing around.
Thank you
Debbie
Comment Written 03-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
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Wow! I feel like I've just received a good night hug. What a generous and kind review and such lovely words. You flatter me, but it is the kind of flattery that every writer craves, that her/his words will resonate with the reader.
Made my day...and thanks for those sparklers.
Comment from livelylinda
Spiritual Echo: as kids and teens and young adults, we must fit in with the crowd. Maybe one percent feels best when doing their own thing. It has been that way as long as I can remember and probably will always be that way. It helps make the world go 'round, creates new jobs, etc. It is only when we grow older that individual thought and style become important to us. Good write with a lot of thought and facts. livelylinda
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
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Spiritual Echo: as kids and teens and young adults, we must fit in with the crowd. Maybe one percent feels best when doing their own thing. It has been that way as long as I can remember and probably will always be that way. It helps make the world go 'round, creates new jobs, etc. It is only when we grow older that individual thought and style become important to us. Good write with a lot of thought and facts. livelylinda
Comment Written 03-Oct-2014
reply by the author on 03-Oct-2014
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You are so right. Thanks.