>Then and now

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In 1979, Intellivision was introduced to the United States. This was a relatively simple system to use and offered a variety of games of basic use. Nowadays, game systems have real-life graphics and internet multi-user capabilities. What a dramatic change from years ago.

Sparked from my first experience with the Nintendo Wii this weekend, I began to think about what is next for the gamers and technology advancements. A new fitness program for the Wii, The Wii Fit, has been introduced as well, giving users even more interaction with the game. This mat will allow for such exercise programs like aerobics or even as intricate as yoga.

I find it especially interesting that while Nintendo is concentrating on user physical interaction, other systems are simply satisfied with only the hand component.

What is best for our market right now – full interaction or a simple role-playing game?

-Katy

>David v.s David

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>This year, American Idol’s success was shaky but nevertheless, Idol did it again. People voting for either David Archuleta or David Cook broke the record or in Seacrest’s terms, “smashed it by 23 million.”

The finale was filled with many celebrities such as Seal, Donna Summer, George Michael, Bryan Adams and Graham Nash. A few strange people appeared: Jimmy Kimmel, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black. Of course your former Idol’s appeared – Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood. I believe this is the most star-studded finale ever.


What a way to promote Mike Meyers’ latest move, “The Love Guru.” Check it out. Not only did the two Davids love the movie but got a chance to meet him in person. Thankfully, the promo was over but then Mike Meyers appeared on stage for a shameless plug. You know what they say about marketing a bad product/movie… kill this movie fast so we can all forget about it.

ABC can’t even stop the Idol madness. So they are embracing the phenomenon – an Idol attraction at Disney World!

David Cook (one of the finalists) shows up in his first commercial for Guitar Hero. Oh wait, they filmed one with David Archuleta too! Very politically correct. Archuleta may have kicked butt last night but Cook definitely won Guitar Hero’s rendition of Tom Cruise’s living room scene in Risky Business.


So who won? David Cook is your NEW American Idol. I would have been happy with either. Cook would have been more marketable than Archuleta anyway. But the marketers didn’t choose Cook, 12 million people chose him over Archuleta. David Cook is having the time of his life singing the new Idol song, “Time of My Life” by Regie Hamm (winner in the second American Idol Songwriting contest).

Idol is over but before Seacrest signed off for the night, he reminded us that it starts all over again in January…

~Michelle

>The Real Showdown

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It is with great sadness I write this blog putting an end to the Cavaliers 2007-2008 season. With a heartbreaking game 7 loss to the overpowering Boston Celtics, our Cleveland Cavaliers will have to make another run at the Championship series next year.

Trying to shed some light on to this situation, I did take note of a few national commercials spotlighting the key players on these two teams. The first commercial for Vitamin water (YouTube video here) uses LeBron’s ball handling skills and witty commentary to prove his opponent is faking an injury and wins his case in court. The other commercial for Gatorade’s League of Clutch (YouTube video here) shows Kevin Garnett in various still captures from games throughout the season, often times capturing him with sweat dripping down his pain-striken face.

As a marketer’s perspective, both commercials are done very well. But begs the obvious question, which is more entertaining? Sorry Garnett, you might have moved on to the next round but LeBron beat your creativity in commercials. LeBron gets my vote.

-Katy

>Our Afternoon at the BallPark

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On Wednesday evening, the Felber team members received a text message from Rob saying our consolation prize for the Cavs losing game 5 was tickets to the Indians vs. Athletics game on Thursday afternoon. We are all huge sports fans, so this was a very exciting suprise for us.

Of course, being marketers, we surveyed the new Progressive Field’s changes since last season. A few things are different including a women’s only team shop and a business area in right field designated for business luncheons and group outings. They really have found a way to cater to all walks of life, hats off to them!

It was also interesting to note the obvious changes that have taken place in the park from its conversion to Progressive Field. When the field was named Jacob’s Field, there were only a few places of the name labeled around the park – now, as Progressive Field, it is very apparent there has been a switch in the overall marketing appeal of the field. Before, Jacob’s Field had minimal advertising around the field. Now, Progressive Field has replaced those empty areas with various advertisements of companies. Good idea or bad idea?


GO TRIBE!

-Katy