http://www.letterlover.net/2009/01/27/random-side-effects-of-the-recession/ Where the written word lives on... Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:10:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.2 http://www.letterlover.net/2009/01/27/random-side-effects-of-the-recession/#comment-8386 Masa Song Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:40:12 +0000 http://www.letterlover.net/2009/01/27/random-side-effects-of-the-recession/#comment-8386 I pulled the plug on Directv last July. The hard drive on Tivo was getting full too quickly as I didn't have time to watch all the stuff I pre-programed. I don't have 'rabbit ears,' nor have I bought the digital converter, so I watch tv on rare occasions. Your blog reminded me of a story I heard on NPR, in reference to recession marketing ("Selling Americans On The Virtuous Recession" by Martin Kaste, All Things Considered, January 22, 2009). What I remembered most about the story was when they mentioned Allstate's example, about how the company endured 12 recessions since its inception, but ... "after the fears subside, a funny thing happens: People start enjoying the small things in life. It's back to basics, and the basics are good." Okay, I'm too gullible for marketing. I'm a loyal Aveda consumer, but have fallen for Neutrogena and Aveeno skincare products while sifting through chick magazines while I wait in line at the grocery store. With recession marketing taking a "Hallmark" approach, I can't picture myself resisting the urge to buy whatever is being advertised. I take it that it's awkward having to endure infomercial-type commercials encroaching into prime time on reputable channels. Why can't they fill the gap with PSAs, non-profits/fundrisers/urge to get involved in volunteering, et al instead? Thank you for sharing an interesting observation. Have you thought about becoming a futurist? I pulled the plug on Directv last July. The hard drive on Tivo was getting full too quickly as I didn’t have time to watch all the stuff I pre-programed. I don’t have ‘rabbit ears,’ nor have I bought the digital converter, so I watch tv on rare occasions. Your blog reminded me of a story I heard on NPR, in reference to recession marketing (”Selling Americans On The Virtuous Recession” by Martin Kaste, All Things Considered, January 22, 2009). What I remembered most about the story was when they mentioned Allstate’s example, about how the company endured 12 recessions since its inception, but … “after the fears subside, a funny thing happens: People start enjoying the small things in life. It’s back to basics, and the basics are good.” Okay, I’m too gullible for marketing. I’m a loyal Aveda consumer, but have fallen for Neutrogena and Aveeno skincare products while sifting through chick magazines while I wait in line at the grocery store. With recession marketing taking a “Hallmark” approach, I can’t picture myself resisting the urge to buy whatever is being advertised. I take it that it’s awkward having to endure infomercial-type commercials encroaching into prime time on reputable channels. Why can’t they fill the gap with PSAs, non-profits/fundrisers/urge to get involved in volunteering, et al instead? Thank you for sharing an interesting observation. Have you thought about becoming a futurist?

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