My Whacky Advertising Class - Com 443 Blog Entry No.2

What? Is that the way to publicize?

Lately, it has occurred to me of the large numbers of papers that were fluttering vigorously at our local bus stops.

Slowly, as i skulked up onto one of the fluttering ads, in the midst of heaps of numbers, words, and some printed self made articles consisting of blurred pictures, was truthfully, unpleasant. Although, some may argue that this ad space was purposefully provided , this notion of "free ad space" truly required a proper relocation altogether.

The introduction of sign boards behind or around these bus stops were meant for paid ad spaces, however, my observations have left me in doubt.

Simply, the pasting of papers of owners offering apartment space, missing cats or dogs, and seeking business opportunities, ought to adopt a better marketing approach to this, as this ultimately distorts and affects the true value of hard earned advertising.

Communication Gone Wrong

Undoubtedly, print ads, billboards, posters, flyers, or advertising agencies that supply advertising services, for example, JCDecaux, an International ad agency whose ad spaces are aimed at achieving maximum visibility to the general public, in which, faces a new challenge , and that is, changing the public's perception of good advertising.

It appears that the dissemination of messages in this notion, has created a negative outlook on all forms of advertising. In the same vein, not only does it appear to be aesthetically ugly, but it also reflects shoddily on the local advertising industry.

For myself, its free space that embraces nothing but a surface of abysmal promotion.

PR campaigns and the many firms that worked tirelessly into executing ethical, proper, and mindful campaigns for the general public are diminished. All of this has ended up with nothing but dreadful, terrible, appalling string of words that the public views as bad advertising strategies used by the few, done incorrectly.

Advertisements on these "boards" proved to be a clutter of propaganda to some. Also, it has devalued the proper aspects of advertising effectively and accurately.

Proper advertising requires lots of thought, research, planning, and mindfully earned media space advertised for a good cause. More importantly, to benefit, inform, educate,communicate, and perhaps, deliver value to those who consume print ads.

So it all boils down to

Professional ads versus "lousy ads"

On a Personal Note

Personally, this has only encouraged more and more unnecessary junk, "spam", and unsightly additions to bus stops. I am not saying that this is bad or it has out-rightly disrupted the local advertising sphere. Instead, however, i am implying that such free ad spaces that fosters self promotions, will eventually impact the advertising industry ultimately.

As American Author & stand up comedian George Carlin argues,

" The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity."

On the whole, maybe, not now, or perhaps within the next ten years or so, but when it does transpire, the advertising industry would be facing an impediment, " free lousy ad space" which could have been vetoed. For that, let us celebrate high-quality advertising by appreciating, honoring, and recognizing those who have made advertising, enriching.

My Whacky Advertising Class Com443 - Blog Entry No.1

A Tribute to The King of Pop

With unfortunate sadness, the departure of a well-renowned pop icon that is liked by so many is finally at peace. Even after his death, his brilliant music will always be perpetual. "You will always be remembered Michael Joseph Jackson". For myself, growing up as a little boy during the late 80's, MJ's hits were always at the top of music charts. His music hits sold records after records in thousands of music stalls all over the world. Till today, somehow, my family and i still recollects MJ's tunes by bringing up old CDs of his successful albums. To name a few; Michael Jackon's Thriller Album, MJ's Off the Wall, MJ's BAD album, and finally Michael Jackson; MoonWalker, an old video tape that could only be played on an old VCR.

Media coverage over Jackson's world wide tours never failed to amaze me. Millions of fans from all over the world would pay high prices just to attend this this once in a life time musical experience and witness the atmosphere during his concerts. Every time the news reported on Jackson's next performance, enthusiastically, my family and I would be glued to the television sets, just for that few minutes to catch a glimpse of his whereabouts ,and concert updates. At times, during the early 90's here in Singapore, if i can recall, almost every occasion where a new album is released at music stores, television commercials would advertise on MJ's latest songs, albums, new CD releases, and news coverage on his upcoming tours.

Some of his songs that i remembered and really enjoyed comprises of songs like Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat it, The way you make me feel, and We are the World (a mixture of different singers) were some of my personal favorites. His songs addressed sensitive issues which included, race issues, political issues, poverty issues, and the corruption of several nations. "Man in the Mirror" swept every one off their feet when he performed it on stage with strong crowd all ears glued to him. I was blown away with the song lyrics, and it somewhat influenced me to become a better person every time i heard his songs. Specifically, i used to actually imitate MJ's dance moves and finish off by throwing the hat into the crowd. Apparently, i dun have a hat, any object would do. It might have been a Smurf's mushroom roof top acting as my hat? Lost memory? The one thing that really threw me off my seat was watching concerts after concerts of people who attended , seeing them faint, collapse or fall to their knees as though they were in a weird stupor.Thousands of people especially women and girls, shedding tear after tear almost uncontrollable every time he sang or did the famous pelvic thrusts towards the crowd.

Seriously, no one moved like MJ, no one sang like him, and no one could write songs of his caliber. In addition, his dance moves were uniquely different and well choreographed by his own unique talents. Originality. No one could ever deny Michael's famous "Moonwalk". This dance move alone thrilled Billions of fans including myself, and starring at it for hours made me want to attempt or try out the moonwalk instantly. No doubt, it was truly magical to watch him execute the Moonwalk flawlessly. When MJ released another one of his latest albums, called "Dangerous" which included songs like Black or White, You are not alone, Remember the time, Jam, Will you be there, and my all time favorite Smooth Criminal, friends including myself purchased his album instantaneously and we would listen to it for hours and hours over our pocket CD players.

MJ held only one concert here in Singapore and i was there to witness his every move. His concert was held at the Singapore National Stadium. When the media announced that he was embarking on his world tour and that Singapore was one of his stops in Asia, ticket inquires were flowing in non-stop, and people were willing to fork out any amounts just for a ticket to his concert. Finally, when it was confirmed that he was coming, everyone was so hyped up about his Asian tour. Unfortunately, on performance night, thousands of people including myself waited impatiently for his arrival and only to be informed of negative reports from his spokesperson, "Ladies and gentlemen, and fans, MJ is not feeling well today, and has left the stadium, please do not be saddened, the concert will go on tomorrow night indisputably, thank you for your understanding." Well, after crowding for almost 2 hours with the fans just to enter the stadium made me wonder, perhaps, he was facing time differences and jet lag upon arrival into Singapore. On concert night, it was an experience which i never forgot. Latest songs, upcoming hits, and all of his dance moves were showcased impressively to a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people in the National Stadium. His music was ever pleasing to every one's ear and there was never a moment for seating Everything, in the concert, was just magnificent.

Indeed, it was the most jubilant and memorable experience of the king of pop.

Despite the tabloids, the recent unscrupulous reports on his drug overdose, his unstable conditions, we loved him just the way he was. Michael Jackson was always against racial issues, his music was written to address these problems that the world faces, his song lyrics loom on national improvements for countries that were facing poverty, and his endless care for those who were less fortunate, never ceased to touch the hearts of everyone. Michael Jackson's unending quest to make this world a better place for all of us will continue to grow and we thank him for his wonderful music that is never-ending.

Our prayers will always be with him and i will always be a fan of a truly talented musician Michael Jackson.

Here is something to always remember him about..ABC.