Archive for July, 2009
Speak Softly And Simply Foolishness Sells
In 1993 the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living conducted a study of young Japanese in their late teens and twenties. An important finding was their extreme distaste for pushy preachy communication. Their mood was vividly captured by one young man who said that preaching at other people is pointless like pissing on a frog. It was around this time that while preparing a presentation for another client I learned about one of the most successful new car launches in my agencys history. The product was a new Nissan coupe named Lucino that sold five times its monthly target. The campaigns catch phrase was ii ka mo Could be OK.
In the years since a preference for soft simple shizen natural communication has been noted repeatedly by advertising creatives and marketing research staff who constantly find themselves talking about how important this is to clients who respond to shrinking or sluggish markets by demanding hardhitting promotions that trumpet their products superiority. It is not surprising then that the September issues of Sendenkaigi one of the advertising industrys most influential trade publications returned once again to the theme what makes effective copy.
The September 1 issue features a special section on words with kaiwaryoku conversation/talk power i.e. words that engage in dialogue and strengthen involvement and empathy. The lead story begins with the observation that in 2007 five of the top 10 bestselling novels in Japan started out as cell phone novels written for serialization in small chunks emailed daily to cell phone users.
Toshiako Ito whose cell phone novel portal site Magic Library for total sales topping five million suggests that what cell phones describe is the real world with which teens are familiar. The language they use is everyday not literary. Writer and reader angles on the world are very close. Ito says that cell phone novels differ from conventional novels which are written and then published in a form of oneway communication from author to reader. In contrast cell phone novel sites are equipped with bulletin boards where readers can communicate with the author while the work is still being written.
Cell phone novels are frequently described as twoway communication but in fact says Ito most comments simply thank the author for writing the novel. Instead of suggesting changes to the story these expressions of support encourage the authors to keep writing. Occasionally there are critical comments but these are rapidly countered by supporters of the work. Ito says “If an ordinary novel is like a CD cell phone novels are like live performances where the performer is stimulated by the audience response.
Kazuhiko Washio author of Kyokan Burandingu Empathy Branding argues from another perspective that cell phone novels succeed because they cater to young people used to receiving information in fragmentary forms. He notes the current popularity of short nonsense gags in contrast to the protracted banter of traditional Japanese comedy.
Sociologist Tatsuo Imamura points to the popularity of comedian Shinsuke Tanaka who has transformed the TV quiz show from a game in which contestants strive to show how smart they are into an arena where obaka tarento celebrity fools display their ignorance in amusing childish ways. Tanakas great talent says Imamura is being able to elicit the foolish answers that build empathy for each of the celebrities distinctive personalities.
A part of me goes Ah hah noting how these comments draw on deep historical roots that celebrate the wisdom of foolish simplicity a trope that begins in Daoist traditions in China and is later incorporated in Japanese Zen. But then I think to myself the paths that these roots have followed have been twisted. The resurgent popularity of foolish simplicity expressed in simple unpretentious language follows an earlier period in which the burning generation who rebuilt Japan after WWII were passionate advocates for new products presented as the latest the greatest the best. The battle between the creatives and the clients mentioned above is among other things a conflict of generations.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;John McCreery is an anthropologist who has lived and worked in Japan since 1980.In 1984 he and his wife and business partner Ruth McCreery founded The Word Works a supplier of fine translation copywriting research and consulting services to firms doing business in Japan.
You may also find articles by John at the TalentZoo.com website under Ads Without Borders.
Online Social Networking – Writing A Bio That Works
Online social networking has taken the internet by storm. The rising popularity of social networking sites has attracted users both young and old. What’s more is that these sites are now being used for more than just socializing. Businesses both big and small have found these online communities to be very effective for marketing purposes.
No matter what your motivation may be the key to your social networking starts with posting an effective online biography. Most social sites require that users post a little information about themselves.
These profiles are basically used as ‘filters’ by site members to determine common interest they may have with any member whose profile they may be viewing. It is important therefore that you put a little thought into the short bio you post on the site.
Whether your goals are for business or social purposes you want to be able to connect with other members who best fulfill your intentions or needs.
Let’s now look 5 key elements you should include in your online biography that will make your interactions at any of the social networking sites all the more effective.
Adopt a Unique Avatar
Most every site has ‘default’ avatars that can be used by the members. Take the time and thought to change this. You want to make yourself noticed and not blend into the crowd so the best start is to choose your own avatar.
Personalize Your Avatar
When selecting the avatar that you want to represent you it is ALWAYS best to simply go with your picture. People can better relate to a picture rather than a symbol or cartoon character. Remember these are ‘social sites’ where you’re interacting with real people so be a real person yourself by posting your own picture.
For those of you who are perhaps a little ‘shy’ or possibly part of the Witness Protection Program you can select a ‘character’ that may best reflect you or your personality.
If your intentions at the site are business your avatar can be something that relates to your line of work.
Keep to the Facts
The short bio you post does not necessarily have to be complete but it should contain nothing but facts. Regardless of your intentions by immediately ‘drifting’ away from the truth in your bio you are starting out on the wrong foot. If you intend to create something meaningful from your membership you are not going to be able to do that by ‘building your foundation in the sky.’
Remember once you’ve compromised your own credibility it takes a lot of effort to restore it if you even can. By lying up front you are ALREADY wasting your time and that of others who attempt to interact with you. Be nice be truthful or be gone!
The Bio Outline
Your bio should be brief but it will need to contain certain information in order for it be effective for you.
Let’s look at 2 different types of bios and what we should include in them:
1 Personal this type bio is for the purpose of socializing. You’ll want to include a little about your background personal interest beliefs and any other ‘experiences’ that may be relative to who you are.
2 Business your bio information here should be more detailed and include what your business is what you have to offer any experience relative to your line of work and what your business goals are.
No Selling
If your social networking is for the purpose of business restrict the use of any hard sales pitches within your bio. Nothing will turn people away quicker than being met with ‘in your face sales tactics’ while viewing another members’ profile.
Online social networking can be a very effective means in which to conduct business. Originally established for the purpose of serving as social hubs online communities now cater to both personal and professional needs. What you need to keep in mind is not to overlook the importance of the bio you post. This is usually the other members’ first impression of you. By focusing attention on the 5 key elements that we spoke of above you will insure that your first impression will be accurate and hopefully favorable but certainly not misleading.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;TJ Philpott is an author and Internet entrepreneur based out of North Carolina.For additional Money Making Tips and a free guide that demonstrates how to find both profitable markets and products visit:http://blogbrawn.com/
La La Land Offers Fair Share Of Scare For Gay Community
Once again Los Angeles California plays host this 2008 Halloween season to a variety of fabulous treats for the gay and lesbian community. From wicked theater to a tricky night at local clubs to costume balls you cannot miss a gay Halloween in the city of West Hollywood. Locals and visitors from all of the world will surely have more than goodies to fill their pockets and definitely more fun than you can shake a wand at!
To start with wicked theater there is Wicked REALLY! the Musical based on the sensational bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire playing at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. Most of the show takes place in OZ and focuses on the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda the Good Witch of the North long before little Dorothy of Kansas and her house accidentally dropin on them and on their other sister. The Pantages Theater is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Wicked runs through October 2008 until January 10 2009 with performances almost every day excepts Mondays. Check out http://www.pantagestheater.com/ for information on show dates and tickets.
For those looking forward to the nightclub scene at least two clubs spin dance tunes for a mix of gay and straight clientele. 7969 in West Hollywood has weekly dance themes and hosts an array of shows. The Halloween theme this year should be as spectacular as the last. Entering a dark corridor you emerge to find yourself in a huge open bar area with an expansive dance floor and stage. Located at 7969 Santa Monica Boulevard you may phone the club at 323.654.0280.
For more par tee a la gay Halloween another club favorite is the infamous Factory also located in West Hollywood. Formerly run as the Love Lounge and Girl Bar it has now been revamped with a 2 million overhaul. Find it at 652 N La Peer Drive and call 310.659.4551 or www.factorynightclub.com for further information.
Of course you may want to just dress up and have a ball or two on the most gayest of night of the year! Miss Kitty’s Halloween Masquerade Ball at the Dragonfly Nightclub can be found at 6510 Santa Monica Boulevard at Wilcox in Hollywood. The entire property is transformed into a virtual haunted nightclub with costume contests erotic stage shows and naughty fun packed in every corner. The mixed clientele includes gays and lesbians. Check out their website to see if this party is for you. For information time and date go to www.misskitysparlour.com.
But for the biggest of all balls you cannot miss the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnivale on Santa Monica Boulevard on Halloween night. The Los Angeles areas second largest event next to the Rose Bowl Parade the Carnivale draws over 400000 participants to the Boulevard for costume contests parades food and merriment for a mixed crowd. While checking out the costume competition visitors can stroll up and down the street listening to famous musical acts and comedians. The West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnivale began in 1987 three years after the City of West Hollywood officially became a City within the County of Los Angeles. What began as a primarily gay and lesbian event has now expanded to include pretty much every walk of life and is probably the most attended and recognized Halloween event in the world. West Hollywood Carnivale takes place from 6PM to Midnight on Friday October 31st 2008 between La Cienega Boulevard and La Peer Drive on Santa Monica Boulevard the Route 66 in West Hollywood California. For more information on this hugest of huge Halloween events contact West Hollywood Convention Visitors Bureau at 800.368.6020 or 310.289.2525. or click on www.visitwesthollywood.com.
Nothing says trick or treat for the gay and lesbian family better anywhere else than a Halloween night in La La Land. For other events browse your favorite search engine with subject headings such as Gay Halloween West Hollywood Events 2008. Or just use your wicked imagination!
At the end of your fun Halloween events don’t forget to find your favorite male massage therapist in the Los Angeles Male Massage Listing on Findamasseur.com and have them scare away your night of terror tensions.
Have a safe and fun Halloween.
About the writer: James Newman is a freelance writer in Texas and currently a staff writer for FindAMasseur.com.
