This year’s Super Bowl commercial collection set all types of new records. Less hashtags and sex, with more celebrities and sobs. Most of the veteran brands toned down their messages, while the newcomers literally emptied accounts to make their name. Overall, I really enjoyed this year’s selections, but there were a few that silenced me for a minute. What was pretty lucky for me was that I watched the game at a local theater that shows the Super Bowl and the away Jaguar games for free. There were around 50-60 people watching, ranging in demographics, and most pretty vocal throughout the game (which kept it fun). This included their ratings for the commercials. I agreed with most of the room’s consensus, although unfortunately I missed a few of them at the concession stand. Below are my choices for the Good, the Bad, the Weird and the Ugly. Enjoy! Continue reading
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DUUUVAAAL Needs a Geofilter
StandardLiving in a city going through its renaissance is extremely exciting, but only if everyone is involved and active. There are many organizations and groups supporting our Jaguars, the historic districts of Jacksonville and our community events, and when you search local hashtags, we outrank other major cities in the state. In my opinion, there is one thing could make this revitalization better and more interactive – Jacksonville’s very own Snapchat Geofilter! Snapchat introduced it’s Geofilters last summer as an added feature for its users. This allows Snapchat users in specific market areas to add custom overlays to their snaps for personalization. Some examples of this would’ve been seen by users during the College Gameday games on Saturdays and while visiting Disneyland.
Best Election Day Commercial? Not from a Candidate or Super PAC!
VideoFor over a year now, we have seen and heard all the commercials, radio ads , web ads and banners. History was made once again Tuesday, a second term for the country’s first African American president. But who’s commercial reigned supreme on Election Day 2012? It wasn’t the President’s. And it wasn’t Mr. Romney’s. It was Nestle with their election advertisement from KIT KAT.
“Curiouser and Curiouser”
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“‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English); ‘now I’m opening out like the largest telescope that ever was! Good-bye, feet!'” – Lewis Carroll
Advertising is more than just creating a eye-catching print, or special effects commercial in order to sell a product. There are more complex tasks at stake when attempting to create an effective ad. The creator of that commercial or print ad must successfully appeal to the audience’s emotions. Emotional appeal, according to behavioral psychologist John B. Watson, is the most effective way to create an advertisement. More specifically, Watson states that appealing to the three emotions of love, fear and rage will influence consumer behavior the most (Watson 2000). The use of these appeals can be found in any advertisement, from commercial products to political ads. However, I feel there’s one key human emotion/feeling that is missing in these analyses. Continue reading
Editing Isn’t All Good, All the Time
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Emma Stydahar and companions at a mock fashion show protesting Teen Vogue’s model retouching.
No one can argue that creating the perfect atmosphere, timing, lighting, movement, etc. is an easy task. Photographers, creative directors, set designers and producers all work the best they can with what naturally comes by. That includes making sure outdoor photos aren’t darkened from a cloud-covered sun, or that the wind makes a model’s scarf move just slightly, not obstructing any faces. Editors, photographers, models, art directors and more all want the perfect shot, spread, cover and publication. In the digital age, obtaining that perfection has become more than easy- but at a cost. Continue reading
People Only Care for What They Know
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When was the last time you went to the grocery or typical drug store and decided on a particular brand for a product simply because you recognized the name? Consumers continuously go this route when shopping for different products, and psychology supports this action in a very simple way: People are more attracted (not just physically, but cognitively) to products, places, or people they are more familiar with. Continue reading
A Change in Direction
AsideWith my first semester of Communications classes under my belt, and the summer classes soon ending, I have learned so much about the journalism industry. Completing classes such as Law and Ethics in Communications, Advanced Writing for the Media, and Media Theories and Effects, I have experienced and tried my hand in many issues and styles of journalism. And that is just the beginning. The Law and Ethics course sparked my interest the most, as I played the part of a mock lawyer defending my “college newspaper” in a libel trial, which led to my final paper discussing libel laws for online uses, including the recent SOPA controversy. I became much more involved in local and national events these last few months, thanks mainly in part to my professors asking I read a newspaper every day (which I still try to do.) Another huge change in my communications career happened when I finally got off my high horse and signed up for a Twitter account. Since then, I don’t believe I have ever been more interested in news and stories, nor been slapped with so much information in one space at one time. Yes, these last two semesters have made me ever more sure of what I wish to do in my life and where I want my future to be: communications and media. Continue reading
Need a Job? Get a Twitter?
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As the growing popularity and usability of social media continues, it may have a positive effect on our economy. Corporations and small businesses alike are learning the advantages of embracing the technological era to earn better, well-rounded and prepared employees, as well as strengthen their grasp in society. More and more college level students are participating in these tools and building their resumes on paper, through the web, and in their every day lives. Social media embodies many useful capabilities that can help employers and job hunters all around. Continue reading
Journalists Now Carry Everything They Need – In a Backpack!
VideoJournalism was a powerful tool in the growing years of our country. It inspired thought and influenced political matters. What was just 100 or so papers and printers has progressed into a far more complex institution and idea. It is not simply a printer, editor, or writers per se. It includes photographers, graphic designers, copy editors, printers. layout designers, etc.
The last decade has introduced a technological era that has altered the approaches of journalism. There are more ways to gather information and sources for stories, advancement to the style and mechanics of print, and a broader field of information and “scoops” available.
What’s My Line?
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Mike Keefe, Cagle Cartoons
This campaign season has brought up numerous questions about the responsibilities, or roles, of the media. Throughout this country’s history, the media continues to play a larger and more important role. Whether its our own government attempting censorship during the revolution, or breaking boundaries in Vietnam, the media represents our society across many mediums and is a vital part of our democracy. Recently, in the last decade maybe, the appreciation of journalism has turned. Either we are too liberal, too conservative, or too intrusive in others lives. However, there shouldn’t be any doubt what our duties are as journalists and what our place in society is, if everyone follows the principles and ethics of journalism, and laws and precedent from history. Continue reading
C.K. 