Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reflection Paper
I don't know if I'll be able to check my grades during the break so I just wanted to let whoever is grading that I turned in a hard copy of my reflection paper in the last day of class, December 16, 2008. So that is why it is not here on my blog. Thank you.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Chapter 13 - Law
1. Describe a situation in which you thought personal or public expression went too far and should be curbed? How might you remedy this situation?
I thought that during the whole proposition 8 controversy was going on that personal and public expression went way too far. There were certain commercials that were aired that really bothered me and that attacked the LDS church. There were people who grafitied sacred temples, and defiled sacred things. These personal and public expressions need to be curbed. Everyone has their right for freedom of speech and to put up whatever they want on TV, but it gets ridiculous when it tears down other people's opinions.
I don't really think there is a way to remedy these kinds of outbursts and events because people do have a right to what they can say and do. You can't take away someone's right to personal or public expression. That's just in violation of the 1st Amendment.
I thought that during the whole proposition 8 controversy was going on that personal and public expression went way too far. There were certain commercials that were aired that really bothered me and that attacked the LDS church. There were people who grafitied sacred temples, and defiled sacred things. These personal and public expressions need to be curbed. Everyone has their right for freedom of speech and to put up whatever they want on TV, but it gets ridiculous when it tears down other people's opinions.
I don't really think there is a way to remedy these kinds of outbursts and events because people do have a right to what they can say and do. You can't take away someone's right to personal or public expression. That's just in violation of the 1st Amendment.
Chapter 12 - Public Relations
1. Are public relations activities like image consulting ethical? Explain.
Yes. What is wrong with making the truth look good? PR is just making the truth look good to the public. It actually benefits the company, and even sometimes the customers. The problems that come with PR is when it becomes a telling of lies instead of the truth. PR is essential for some companies to keep their reputation and for businesses to thrive.
2. Showman P.T. Barnum epitomized 19th century press agentry with exaggerated claims such as those about Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind. Do such promotional methods exist today? Are there examples?
I don't believe such methods exist today. People are more critical of the press now a days, and the claims of those who run it. When something is said, usually someone will actually see if that source is accurate, especially if it seems outlandish. At least those who are more educated will be critical of such claims and advertising.
Yes. What is wrong with making the truth look good? PR is just making the truth look good to the public. It actually benefits the company, and even sometimes the customers. The problems that come with PR is when it becomes a telling of lies instead of the truth. PR is essential for some companies to keep their reputation and for businesses to thrive.
2. Showman P.T. Barnum epitomized 19th century press agentry with exaggerated claims such as those about Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind. Do such promotional methods exist today? Are there examples?
I don't believe such methods exist today. People are more critical of the press now a days, and the claims of those who run it. When something is said, usually someone will actually see if that source is accurate, especially if it seems outlandish. At least those who are more educated will be critical of such claims and advertising.
Chatper 11 - Advertising
1. Select 2 advertisements you consider good and 2 you consider bad. Include the ads and explain what makes each a good/bad ad.
GOOD
This advertisement is good because it's very unique in it's approach. It's interesting, and different. You can understand exactly what message the advertisement is saying without it blatantly being thrown in your face.
This advertisement is so good because it sends off the message that without ketchup, your food will not taste delicious - instead, it may just taste like cardboard. It makes you think you can not live without the product. The presentation is wonderful, and very creative.
BAD
I don't think this advertisement is that good because first of all, the presentation isn't that interesting, or unique. It doesn't really make you want the product.
This advertisement just isn't that aesthetically pleasing. It could have used better text, better placement, and even a better photo.
2. Is advertising effective? Why? List some examples of where it did and did not influence one of your buying decisions.
I think advertising is very effective, if done right, and creatively. If you make the customer think that they can not live without that product, or that it will make life easier, you'll make them want it all the more. If you can make an advertisement stick out in someone's mind when they go to the grocery store and are deciding between which paper towels to buy, and your advertisement pops up, you'll know which one they most likely will choose.
Advertising influences some of my decisions, but not all. Price definitely has a bigger say sometimes, but there are certain cases where an advertisement has affected one of my purchases - such as food. If I see a food advertisement on TV that is promoting something that looks good, I'll usually consider buying it. If I'm hungry, it has even a bigger influence. Sometimes I'll drop everything and go get something from that restaurant, store, etc. Advertisements don't really influence the more important things in my life such as which bank to bank from, where to get my car repaired, which insurance to choose, and what make-up to wear. :) For those life decisions, I rely more heavily on others opinions or recommendations.
GOOD
This advertisement is good because it's very unique in it's approach. It's interesting, and different. You can understand exactly what message the advertisement is saying without it blatantly being thrown in your face.
This advertisement is so good because it sends off the message that without ketchup, your food will not taste delicious - instead, it may just taste like cardboard. It makes you think you can not live without the product. The presentation is wonderful, and very creative.
BAD
I don't think this advertisement is that good because first of all, the presentation isn't that interesting, or unique. It doesn't really make you want the product.
This advertisement just isn't that aesthetically pleasing. It could have used better text, better placement, and even a better photo.
2. Is advertising effective? Why? List some examples of where it did and did not influence one of your buying decisions.
I think advertising is very effective, if done right, and creatively. If you make the customer think that they can not live without that product, or that it will make life easier, you'll make them want it all the more. If you can make an advertisement stick out in someone's mind when they go to the grocery store and are deciding between which paper towels to buy, and your advertisement pops up, you'll know which one they most likely will choose.
Advertising influences some of my decisions, but not all. Price definitely has a bigger say sometimes, but there are certain cases where an advertisement has affected one of my purchases - such as food. If I see a food advertisement on TV that is promoting something that looks good, I'll usually consider buying it. If I'm hungry, it has even a bigger influence. Sometimes I'll drop everything and go get something from that restaurant, store, etc. Advertisements don't really influence the more important things in my life such as which bank to bank from, where to get my car repaired, which insurance to choose, and what make-up to wear. :) For those life decisions, I rely more heavily on others opinions or recommendations.
Chapter 9 - Television
1. Track your television viewing for one week. What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about television? What does television provide you?
While watching television during Thanksgiving break, I realized how much television is just an escape for me. Something to keep my mind of the stress and to help me relax. I learned that the most interesting shows to me were the ones that were actually found on the discovery channel, or on the food network. I also realized that with cable, television is actually becoming better at having shows that are actually worth watching.
2. Critiques argue that in trying to "offend no one," the networks tend to offer TV programs that appeal to the "lowest common denominator." Do you agree? Can you name programs that are definitely for the LCD? Can you think of any network programs that defy the LCD label? Explain.
Yes, most television shows are catered to the LCD. You don't need to be smart to watch TV. Some LCD shows that came to my mind right off the bat are:
The Simpsons
American Idol
Friends
Seinfeld
Survivor
Heroes
Lost
and LOTS more.
I think the only programs that defy the LCD label are the ones that are on the cable channels such as the History channel and the Discovery channel. These channels at least have programs that are at least higher up on the IQ scale.
3. Many people would say that television has had a greater impact on society than any other form of media. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I do agree. Television can appeal to all audience, can be understood by every man woman and child. You don't have to read to understand the shows that are on. While not everyone gets the newspaper, or reads, television is a common medium that everyone can understand.
While watching television during Thanksgiving break, I realized how much television is just an escape for me. Something to keep my mind of the stress and to help me relax. I learned that the most interesting shows to me were the ones that were actually found on the discovery channel, or on the food network. I also realized that with cable, television is actually becoming better at having shows that are actually worth watching.
2. Critiques argue that in trying to "offend no one," the networks tend to offer TV programs that appeal to the "lowest common denominator." Do you agree? Can you name programs that are definitely for the LCD? Can you think of any network programs that defy the LCD label? Explain.
Yes, most television shows are catered to the LCD. You don't need to be smart to watch TV. Some LCD shows that came to my mind right off the bat are:
The Simpsons
American Idol
Friends
Seinfeld
Survivor
Heroes
Lost
and LOTS more.
I think the only programs that defy the LCD label are the ones that are on the cable channels such as the History channel and the Discovery channel. These channels at least have programs that are at least higher up on the IQ scale.
3. Many people would say that television has had a greater impact on society than any other form of media. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I do agree. Television can appeal to all audience, can be understood by every man woman and child. You don't have to read to understand the shows that are on. While not everyone gets the newspaper, or reads, television is a common medium that everyone can understand.
Chapter 8 - Movies
1. Why is the amount of sex and violence increasing in motion pictures? Is this a case of Hollywood giving society what they want or is it simply society's acceptance of what we are given?
I believe it is simply society accepting what we are given. 20 years ago, the ratings for movies were much more different than they are today. For example, the movie Psycho, which was released in 1960, had a rating of M, for mature audiences. But today, that movie is considered hardly "bad" at all.
We, as a society, have been desensitized by what the movie producers are making. That is why each movie seems to try and one-up the other by more sex scenes, violence, nudity, or bad language. It's seems the more controversial the movie is, the more publicity it receives. Because we are becoming immune to these changes in movies, it seems we require more to make the movie good in our eyes.
2. If you were a movie producer, what would you do to make a box office hit in 2008?
I would make sure that there was plenty of drama, adventure, comedy and especially romance. The movie would have to appeal to both women and men, so that is why romance is so important. I think big office hits seem to have all of the essentials such as the ones I've previously listed.
I believe it is simply society accepting what we are given. 20 years ago, the ratings for movies were much more different than they are today. For example, the movie Psycho, which was released in 1960, had a rating of M, for mature audiences. But today, that movie is considered hardly "bad" at all.
We, as a society, have been desensitized by what the movie producers are making. That is why each movie seems to try and one-up the other by more sex scenes, violence, nudity, or bad language. It's seems the more controversial the movie is, the more publicity it receives. Because we are becoming immune to these changes in movies, it seems we require more to make the movie good in our eyes.
2. If you were a movie producer, what would you do to make a box office hit in 2008?
I would make sure that there was plenty of drama, adventure, comedy and especially romance. The movie would have to appeal to both women and men, so that is why romance is so important. I think big office hits seem to have all of the essentials such as the ones I've previously listed.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Chapter 7 - Sound
1. Come up with a list of 5 radio stations in the Utah area (choose from FM and some AM stations - music and talk). Write a description of each station including format, advertising, and target audience. What makes each station successful?
2. Radio is described as "the most personal of the media," why is that? Why do you think music is an important part in radio programming? Why is talk radio so popular?
Radio is the most personal of the media because of the interaction we can have with the radio stations, the DJ's, and the advertising. While growing up, I used to listen to Radio Disney all the time. What made it so fun was that little kids (like me) could call the station and win prizes, make a comment about something, or vote on a song to play over, or to get rid of. Radio's rely heavily on the listeners and their reactions. This is why radio is so personal.
Music is a big part in radio programming because radios only use one sense - our ears. We can only listen to what is being played. This makes it crucial for the stations to appeal to their listeners because they only get one way to do it.
Talk radio is popular because it goes back to the "personal" factor. Two people on a radio station are able to talk however, and on whatever they want to, while getting the listeners feedback by having people call in and participate in the conversation. In times like these when there are so many controversial issues in America, we turn to talk radio.
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