Author: Emilie Buckman

…I’m kind of into it

Posted on by Emilie Buckman

I always think it’s funny when people are deluded enough to think they aren’t swayed by advertising.  (And no worries, I consider myself in that generalization.) We all want to believe that we are smarter than most, that we are in on the joke.

But let’s be honest we are all influenced in ways we don’t even know by advertising.  And it’s that precise reason I always get really pumped when I am aware of an advertisement manipulating me into action. (Strange; I know.)

And recently that awkward enthusiasm made me buy a product purely because a commercial.  Not because the product sounded like I would want but the ad was so entertaining I could not not buy it.

What commercial could be so appealing I would be compelled to purchase something despite not wanting and/or needing it?  It’s this commercial of Kraft Milkbites. (I’m sure you’ll watch it and think it’s not that fantastic but more you watch it the funnier it becomes. At least, I think so.)

Everyone, me included, want to think they’re so savvy when it comes to media and marketing.  So I find comfort in being fully aware I am susceptible to the power advertising.  I think it’s important to be knocked down a couple of pegs in this smug media literate society!

Oh, and in case you are wonder Milkbites weren’t half bad.  I’d definitely buy them again.  So I consider the ad a win in my book!

Bumper to bumper

Posted on by Emilie Buckman

With this being an election year, I have to brace myself for the inevitable bombardment of political ads.  Soon every television station, newspaper, billboard, and politically conscious college kid will be telling me who to endorse.  It’s just so tiring.

But of all the terrible, mean-spirited messages and images that come with elections, nothing gets under my skin like bumper stickers.  Now, you might think that bumper stickers are an irrational and insignificant thing to be annoyed by and you’d be right.  But they still drive me crazy and with any hope you’ll feel the same after this post.

To me, bumper stickers are tattoos for cars and much like tattoos, bumper stickers are much easier to put on then they are to take off.  (I don’t care if they say easy removal; you’ll never full get that sticker off your car.)  Since that level of commitment worries me, I think the only good tattoos and bumper stickers stand the test of time.

When I see someone who made the decision to apply a political bumper sticker to their car , it’s like they are telling me, “I make bad choices.”  Whether I agree with their endorsement or not, I’ll never agree with them choosing to adorn their vehicle with something so trendy and fleeting.  Even if your candidate wins, you still lose! You’re stuck with that bumper sticker for the long haul.

So before you vandalize your bumper with a sticker, I encourage you to stop and think, for my sake and your cars! Remember, a hot coed with a lower back tattoo turns into a middle-aged mom with lower back tattoo.  So too will your bumper sticker be a dated reminder of past decisions, whether it’s “Obama 08,” “McCain Palin,” “W ’04,”  or the sad “Gore/Liebermann” I saw the other day.

Wishful thinking

Posted on by Emilie Buckman

I am about to disclose an embarrassing, personal tidbit; if I am given the opportunity to a watch a television show, any show, consecutively by season it will increase my chances of being mildly addicted to it. Of course, Netflix is completely to blame for it.  For all its faults, having streaming seasons of shows is Netflix saving grace.

Now I am still a rational human being and the dwindling catalog, increasing fees, and bizarre marketing choices are a huge issue for me and so many others.  Unlike others I am not going to bash Netflix missteps. Instead I am going to look on the bright and see the potential Netflix has for the future. Contingent on the fact they still have streaming content from major networks, producing its own original programming can only help Netflix.

But I do have a suggestion for Netflix to build on.  In November, Netflix confirm they would revive the fiercely-loved but low rated Arrested Development and nerds everywhere rejoice. The hype behind Arrested Development has grown in its six year hiatus and in no small part to Netflix.  Netflix could a prime location for other fan-obsessed shows that get canceled from major networks and they could corner their own little niche market.  They’ll be the last beacon of hope for TV geeks and their fandom.

I’ll have to wait until 2013 to see if the new seasons draw in viewers. But if it does I seriously hope Netflix considers continuing with other great-but-canceled shows.  It would be phenomenal for their conflicted brand image.  Maybe this is just wishful thinking for me, TV nerd, and my beloved Community. (Well, this post is just full of embarrassing facts about me, isn’t it?) If NBC rashly cancels, Netflix could be the way to get their “six seasons and a movie.” But this is Netflix so they’ll find a way to ruin something!