Main Street = Blah

(Post based on What Main Street Can Learn from the Mall by Steven Lagerfeld. It can be found here.)

The criteria Gibbs uses range from bench placement to window displays to street layouts to evaluate "Main Street." He believes that there should promptly be a "generator" store; a store that generates both customers and business, i.e. a gym. Then there are "rules" as to which side of the street different store types should be located on, think leaving home stores on right and coming home from work stores on left (so pretty much you never have to turn left while driving to the respective place). In addition to store location, street layout can make a world of difference. In a mall the idea is that the customer always has his eyes on merchandise. Main Street could be designed in a way to makes a driver unable to not see a storefront. On that note, bench and tree location is another aspect of the criteria. Public seating can look "sketchy" and bring about unappealing loiterers. Dirty sidewalks are a no-no. Displaying brand names sold in the store are a yes. Another yes is using the window display appropriately. Smaller = pricey, larger display = inexpensive.

I do think that "Main Street" should move towards mall-material. Main Street is straight up lame. They think they're being all "cozy" and "historical" and "inviting." They're not. They look old, worn-out, and undoubtedly failing- a.k.a. overly expensive. I don't think that MS should nix the kitschy feel, but "small town charm" is dead. MS doesn't need to industrialize to much, but take hints from what works. I'm from a small town that tries to pull the whole "small town charm" thing. It's not fooling anyone. Generally small towns give off a sense of being poor, being dirty, and being boring. Malls? Rich, germy, and exciting.

This is me judging "Main Street": Is it clean? Does the store accurately display the products and reflective design? Can you park nearby? Is there a variety of store options? Is there a variety of food options? Where are the police? Banks? Map? 

I think it's important that things look friendly, clean, modern, and special.

Stacey Mathia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stacey_mathia

Stacey Mathia (born February 11, 1973) is an American-born, aspiring politician who ran for the position of Michigan’s Governor in 2010. She was formally nominated for Governor of Michigan by the convention of the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan (USTPM). She is also associated with The Tea Party, a movement towards far right politics and coined after the taxation upset known as The Boston Tea Party in 1773 ^[1] . The Tea Party affiliate is running with USTPM nominee Chris Levels for Lieutenant.

Biography

Mathia was born in Bay City, Michigan ^[2]. She graduated from Bay City Central High School. Although she didn’t graduate from college, she taught herself, through reading, about various topics. She also learned sign language.^[3] She worked for five years as the sales manager at American, retail chain Younkers. She also worked at her local library, Fife Lake Public Library, where she was the president of library board. In addition, her other leadership experiences include being Trustee on the Village Council (Fife Lake), President of Planning Commission, and recording secretary of the Fife Lake Sewer Board. She was inspired to run for the political position after she became angered by the “arrogance of [the] elected officials.”^[4] She notes that they “have given us a state that is failing all of us.”^[5] Before her decision to run, Mathia was a stay-at-home mother. She has four children whom she has homeschooled for 13 years.^[6] She tells WOOD-TV 8 that she will support homeschooling as a means of “effective cost savings to restore the highest quality education possible.”^[7] She notes that staying home and working with her kids has taught her valuable skills like how to be a “nurse, chef, teacher, and Judge.”^[8] Likewise, she says she “knows how to run a household”^[9] and “the importance of individual responsibility, of sacrifice when necessary.”^[10] It’s these notions, she feels, the elected officials nowadays have neglected and treated as “an unintelligible foreign language.”^[11]

Campaign

Her campaign is managed by [Robert Eichmann] who helped New Jersey’s 2010 Governor Chris Christie get elected.^[12] Running as her Lieutenant is Chris Levels. He is a radio talk show host in Flint, Michigan. Before Levels was nominated and came aboard, Thomas Matos was her previous running partner. He said that he dropped out of the election due to financial difficulties. Picking up African-American Levels benefitted Mathia’s campaign by helping to disprove allegations that because her affiliate, The Tea Party, was being accused of racism^[13], she might also be racist.

Platform and Positions

Mathia plans to institute “’Law-Abiding Constitutional Government and State Sovereignty' in order to free the 'People of Michigan' from the political oppression of big government operating outside of its authority.” On her list of 58 items, numbered from one to sixty, expressing where she stands, number one on her list states that “I believe the only legitimate responsibility of government is to protect the person, property, and freedom of its citizens.”^[14] Her most important views are centered on the economic state of Michigan, education, and individual rights. In addition to these topics, Stacey Mathia has strong religious views that directly correlate with her opinions on government action and inaction.

Economics

For Mathia ridding the government of unnecessary spending and many taxes is essential. One of her first priorities would be eliminating the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) which has been seen as an impediment of small business owners’ success and economic growth.^[15] In addition to removing the MBT, she also believes in abolishing the Drivers Responsibility Fee, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) in order to save the taxpayers’ money. Along with the MBT, eliminating property and income taxes saves the people of Michigan money while also restoring power back to them. Additional revenue would not be sought after in this administration.^[16] Within the government itself, because the administration is not seeking additional revenue, a staff downsize would be implemented. With fewer government employees, taxpayers would not have to give additional money.^[17] She finds that many of the current government jobs are often “wasteful, unconstitutional, and oppressive,” not to mention dysfunctional and unable to distribute the wealth and benefits of taxes fairly. In her platform^[18], there is a reminder that Governor Jennifer Granholm had trucked in aggregate and asphalt for road repair from places that are outside of Michigan. Mathia believes that Michigan “has everything she needs to supply her infrastructure.”^[19] As an additional infrastructural aid, Mathia wishes to increase the manufacture of arms and ammunition. These items would not be taxed. Her official website declares that “it is her vision to follow the lead of Montana, Wyoming and other States by not requiring serial numbers on these arms. Montana has jobs and the people have liberty. People move to Montana to find freedom from the federal government’s oppression. It’s time for Michigan to spread her wings into other business besides the auto industry which is nearly dead here.”^[20] It is important that the taxpayers “have a government that buys from them.”

Individual Rights and Education

With Michigan manufacturing its own arms and ammunition, a law enforcement reform would be Mathia’s next step. A “Peace Officer’s” job is not to serve and protect. No law implies that police officers are to protect the people. They are meant to protect the Constitution. Although referred to as peace officers, bearing arms is recommended and retired officers would be allowed to keep their firearms after service.^[21] Her administration is famous for supporting and protecting the original intent of the Founders to keep and bear arms.^[22] Besides a strong advocacy for the individual right to bear arms, Stacey Mathia also supports the idea that the government is not responsible for any individual’s education.^[23] It is the responsibility of a child’s parents to educate or find privatized education. Because of this principle, she supports giving state public education funds to private and home schools as well, regardless of income level or local school’s performance. As Mathia is a strong supporter of parental responsibility of a child, her candidacy is supported by A Child’s Rights organization.^{[24] [25]}

Religious Connection

Mathia is a devout Christian^[26] and admits that she has “personally accepted Jesus Christ as her savior.^[27]” She was a church Youth Group Leader. In her list of where she stands on a range of issues, number three shows the link between church and state before Separation of Church and State was significant. “I believe that the primary source for the principles and ideals instilled in our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and original code of laws was the Bible.”^[28] This doesn’t mean she suggests combining of the two, but she believes that the church is where “state” got its inspiration. To add to her ideas on education she proposes that all schools present both the Theory of Evolution as well as the Theory of Intelligent Design. Public schools should also be allowed to pray at any school-sponsored events, like games or graduations. Her religion directly influences her opinions on green energy and finding ways to be ecologically much beneficial and less harmful. She doesn’t support any government commands for using green or alternative energy sources, nor energy efficiency mandates such as “cap and trade,” carbon taxes, or automotive fuel economy standards (CAFE). For Mathia, greenhouse gases cannot be regulated or controlled in a substantial way by humans, it is that “God can and does control the world’s climate;^[29]” thus, she would eliminate all state efforts in these matters.^[30]

Views on Popular Controversies

Abortion: She supports a complete and total ban on so-called partial-birth abortions as well as a ban on all abortions, except in cases where the life of the mother is in danger.^[31] Gay Marriage: She supports the federal Defense of Marriage Act, and believes that marriage should be exclusively between one man and one woman. She does not support the institution of civil unions for same-sex couples.^[32] Immigration: She supports the deportation of persons who are illegally present in the U.S., denial of welfare benefits, Medicaid, etc. for illegal immigrants, and the construction of a fence or other barrier along the southern U.S. border.^[33]

References

http://www.staceymathia2010.com/

1. ^ Lieb, David A.. "Tea party leaders anxious about extremists - Politics - More politics - msnbc.com." Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News- msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36555655/ns/politics-more_politics/>.
2. ^ "Stacey Mathia | Michigan | onPolitix." Home | Michigan | onPolitix. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://michigan.onpolitix.com/bio/853/stacey-mathia>.
3. ^ Lieb, David A.. "Tea party leaders anxious about extremists - Politics - More politics - msnbc.com." Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News- msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36555655/ns/politics-more_politics/>.
4. ^ "About Stacey | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/about>.
5. ^ "About Stacey | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/about>.
6. ^ Lieb, David A.. "Tea party leaders anxious about extremists - Politics - More politics - msnbc.com." Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News- msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36555655/ns/politics-more_politics/>.
7. ^ Lieb, David A.. "Tea party leaders anxious about extremists - Politics - More politics - msnbc.com." Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News- msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36555655/ns/politics-more_politics/>.
8. ^ "Stacey Mathia | Michigan | onPolitix." Home | Michigan | onPolitix. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://michigan.onpolitix.com/bio/853/stacey-mathia>.
9. ^ "About Stacey | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/about>.
10. ^ "About Stacey | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/about>.
11. ^ "About Stacey | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/about>.
12. ^ Calabrese, Dan. "Stacey Mathia: Long-shot Michigan gubernatorial candidate has lots of ideas, and ‘a big mouth’." The North Star National. N.p., 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <www.northstarnational.com/2010/02/16/stacey-mathia-long-shot-michigan-gubernatorial-candidate-lots-idea-a-big-mouth/>.
13. ^ Lieb, David A.. "Tea party leaders anxious about extremists - Politics - More politics - msnbc.com." Breaking News, Weather, Business, Health, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Travel, Science, Technology, Local, US & World News- msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36555655/ns/politics-more_politics/>.
14. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
15. ^ Calabrese, Dan. "Stacey Mathia: Long-shot Michigan gubernatorial candidate has lots of ideas, and ‘a big mouth’." The North Star National. N.p., 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <www.northstarnational.com/2010/02/16/stacey-mathia-long-shot-michigan-gubernatorial-candidate-lots-idea-a-big-mouth/>.
16. ^ "Stacey Mathia | Michigan | onPolitix." Home | Michigan | onPolitix. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://michigan.onpolitix.com/bio/853/stacey-mathia>.
17. ^ "Stacey Mathia | Michigan | onPolitix." Home | Michigan | onPolitix. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://michigan.onpolitix.com/bio/853/stacey-mathia>.
18. ^ "Platform | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/44-2>.
19. ^ "Platform | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/44-2>.
20. ^ "Platform | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/44-2>.
21. ^ "Platform | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/44-2>.
22. ^ "Stacey Mathia For Governor Brochure." Stacey Mathia For Governor. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <www.staceymathia2010.com/StaceyMathiaForGovernorBrochure.pdf>.
23. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
24. ^ http://parentalrightsequality.blogspot.com/2010/09/acr-endorses-stacey-mathia-for-michigan.html, Darrick. "Equal Parental Rights: ACR Endorses Stacey Mathia for Michigan Governor." Equal Parental Rights. N.p., 28 Sept. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://parentalrightsequality.blogspot.com/2010/09/acr-endorses-stacey-mathia-for-michigan.html>.
25. ^ http://www.achildsright.net/
26. ^ "Stacey Mathia | Michigan | onPolitix." Home | Michigan | onPolitix. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://michigan.onpolitix.com/bio/853/stacey-mathia>.
27. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
28. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
29. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
30. ^ , Dan. "Stacey Mathia: Long-shot Michigan gubernatorial candidate has lots of ideas, and ‘a big mouth’." The North Star National. N.p., 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <www.northstarnational.com/2010/02/16/stacey-mathia-long-shot-michigan-gubernatorial-candidate-lots-idea-a-big-mouth/>.
31. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
32. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.
33. ^ Mathia, Stacey. "Where I Stand | Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan." Stacey Mathia for Governor of Michigan | Michigan needs strong leadership. Stacey has that leadership.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2010. <http://www.staceymathia2010.com/where-i-stand>.

Sleeping Tiger

Retail Analysis: Sleeping Tiger

I observed the store Sleeping Tiger, located in the Crossroads Mall. I'm not entirely sure who they market to. When I heard about the store, I imagined it was generally for anyone. After staying there for a bit, it seemed to target age ranges from about 12-28. It's very "spiritual" and I'm guessing trying to relate to the modern "hippy/drug-user" crowd.
Walking by, it's hard to see what store it is only because it's at a weird angle in the mall. At the door a display of tie-dye and jeweled bags, that appeared handmade, I imagine were meant to entice. (They just weren't really my style, I guess...!) As you enter, the strong, earthy scent of incense is almost overwhelming. You don't actually see the copious amount of sticks because you're naturally drawn to the right side of a store. The right side is a variety of different Buddha statues and whimsically shaped mirrors and wind-chimes. Throughout the store, all of their spiritual statues and sculptures are displayed on many shelves and tables, which allow customers to feel the various textures and materials. And many textures and materials there were. There was glass, plastic (rarely), wood carving, stone, wax, and other assorted materials. On the ceiling there were alcohol affiliated signs, wind-chimes, dragon and flower figures also hanging from the ceiling. The lights were very dim and went well with the general autumn color scheme. The music was generally popular alternative rock music, played very quietly. The floor was crushed stone and speckled rock tiles, in a creamy tan. The tiles near the cashier's pentagon were smaller. The cash register was on top of a display case of knives that matched the sword display behind the cashier.
The whole place had an air of casualness and; which could either come across as sloppy and unprofessional, or anti-corporate and low-key. A customer mentioned that she thought it was supposed to be the "happy hippy store," but in fact it was the "scary, witchcraft store." I think the store was trying to portray an earthy, spiritual, modern-Rastafarian appeal. The earthy quality comes from the essential oils and incense, as well as the handmade knickknacks. It's spiritual in the sense that it contains a lot of mythical and religious figurines. They have faeries and Chinese symbols reflecting Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, and Love. The modern-Rastafarian element is portrayed through the range of marijuana paraphernalia and Jamaican flags (not that this actually represents true Rastafarianism...). The cashier was wearing sweat pants and a button-up shirt, which went along with the feel of the store. No fuss. His conversation with a customer about how he is trying to avoid hanging out with underage girls at parties wasn't all that surprising if the aspect of professionalism is considered.
The customers were varied in age and style. There was a preteen girl looking at the butterflies mirrors and pseudo-hipster teens loving the randomness and later a middle aged father walking around with his 5-year-old daughter... One thing was certain: everything had to be touched. Like I mentioned before, there were so many textures. Also a massive selection of incense- ten for $1- and everyone had to stop and smell. I guess I never made it to the back of the store, but there wasn't that much stuff there anyway. Lastly, the cashier and one sales associate never asked the customers anything nor offered assistance.
I found the overall "chillness" of the store interesting. It really felt like it didn't belong in a big mall like that. The lack of professionalism kind of made the small store seem sketchy and there weren't really that many customers the whole time I observed. Everything was pretty overpriced and I find it interesting that it is still in business.

Eggs.

Okay, so, Claire and I googled ways to design the best container for an egg to rest in while being dropped out the window all the while not breaking. I read something about a Pringles can, but we didn't have one of those. Then, while doing our research for the library thingy, Mike tells Christina and me that he plans on using balloons. My roommate has balloons. Basically, Claire and I thought that that was a sweet/cute idea. And, in much honesty, ours was pretty much adorable. We found the box in the recycling and the tape was Claire's. Long story short, whether or not positioning is to blame, the egg broke first try. NBD.
Mostly we tried to use air as our buffer. Air in the balloons and air in the bubble wrap. In that respect, we used very few materials and our container (it's named The Funk) was relatively small. I thought it was pretty funny that the three boys froze their egg! And Christina and Olivia's parachute worked out way better than most home-made parachutes.
In all fairness, we could've improved our design. The landing was a bit off. We wanted to weight the bottom in order to make sure if fell appropriately. Another part I questioned was the bubble wrap. i thought that maybe it was a bit firm. We wrapped the egg very tightly in the container and that could have been a lot of pressure.

The Science of Shopping

(...Based on the scarily interesting, yet terrifyingly LONG article "The Science of Shopping" by Malcolm Gladwell.)

The important points of this article are varied. I think one point was that, as much as we'd like it not to be true, we, as shoppers, are very much predictable. That being true, with research, stores have the ability to transform these habits and preferences into layouts and designs that try to make more profit. Another point was that stores nowadays go to raise the amount of product sold per person, rather than focusing on trying to create more shoppers in general. Lastly, I think a subtle point was just a look at how much retailers try and try and try to capture the desire of the buyer. They put a lot of effort into the look and feel of their store. I'm not sure what is to be said about this though.

I guess I haven't noticed certain types of store's layouts. I notice grocery store layouts because I've read about them in past years. I just realized, after reading this, that I had made an observation earlier this summer that is relevant even though it was completely random at the time... I had noticed that sale/clearance items, in clothing store particularly, are usually all the way in the back of the store. I remember in this article that the farther into the shop a customer goes, the more likely s/he will buy something(s). I think that because I typically don't notice stores' layouts, I'm probably influenced by them. Thinking back, I noticed that I do usually turn right in a store and if I have to ask for assistance I probably won't buy anything (or bother asking for the assistance in the first place!) I can't say whether or not my butt being more/less likely to be touched has been a major influence... All of this said, I can't really tell you which layout I like or respond best to. I just don't know. I just like buying things.

How I Would Want To Analyze A Retail Store/Things I Would Consider:

• The location. It's mentioned that being near banks has a negative effect, etc.
• The color scheme/palate. If you're a rebellious store, look rebellious. I think the colors and decor of a store should reflect the reflective nature of the clothes being sold. If you're a store owner and you want your store to appear homey and cozy, you have to mimic this with interior design.
• How the items are sectioned off. He said that you have a better chance of get a buyer in a ration that is proportional to how far into the store they venture. Put the beloved sale/clearance items in the back- the shopper unconsciously searches and scans over all the other stuff on his/her way to the back. 
• Have sales people available. DO NOT have them attack you every five seconds since the moment you enter the store. No matter who asks, "Can I help you find anything?" or whatever variation of this question... it's generally going to be replied to with something along the lines of "Nope. Just browsing." I'm always JUST BROWSING. Rarely will I ask. And when I do ask, it's after I've tried it on my own. I understand that the store wants to show that they have staff that is friendly, but... I don't want to be stalked.
• I think that the amount of shoppers shopping is also important. I don't want TONS of people in the store while I am. When this happens, I feel like I'm being judged a lot. Also, sharing a rack of clothes with one (or more) people is just plain annoying. I'm pretty thorough in my rack searching. There will be much physical force used. If someone is trying to share this with me, I just want to leave and find another rack... or make them leave... On the flip side, if there is no one at all in the store except me and the staff... I start to wonder why... and then I feel like I'm being too loud or that the staff is watching me intently. Sometimes, they get too into trying to help me and then I'm like "GO AWAY!"

Isn't It Iconic... don'cha think....

(This post is based off the article Isn't It Iconic by Stacey King Gordon and The Power of The Box from The Cool Hunter)

Packaging is extremely important in the marketing of a product. Stacey King Gorden wrote about a few brands whose packaging made them a huge success (Coke, Heinz, etc.). Although a consumer may not even realize, the packaging is the immediate attention-grabber for a product. A product that influenced my purchase solely based on packaging appearance is 5 gum. I love the black box. I love the shiny wrappers- especially the black ones. They just look rebellious and sleek. My family always buys 5 gum- even though it's not even my favorite. In the hair products aisle at the store, I can't help but notice the Got2B and BedHead brands because there products are so bright and look cool. (Then I remember that I don't need to spike or gel my hair...) Many times alcohol bottles are in special shapes and designs to attract the customer's eye. Many times I've noticed that soap is more appealing in bright colors and they catch your attention when they have a cool bottle. On the opposite side, Jiffy mix boxes are so plain and old-fashioned looking, but not in a good way. I know that they are less expensive... but they look too boring. (I went to school in Chelsea where the Jiffy factory is located.)

They mentioned in the Iconic article about how Cambell's has an iconic package. I think Garnier Fructis has iconic packaging because all of their products are lime green! The McDonald's "M" is very iconic as is their fry boxes and mascot, Ronald McDonald. When you see the M or a red box of fries, you think McDonald's. I played this game on the internet (Sporcle) in which you were given only one letter from a store or restaurant's name and you were to guess which store/restaurant it was. This is based solely on their brand's packaging. I recognized Best Buy's name and Taco Bell's just by seeing one letter.

The best example of usability issues in packaging is the Heinz ketchup bottle. It's famous for being the most annoying glass bottle to try and get ketchup out of! The glass bottle has to be turned over and hit many times before a too-big glob of ketchup falls out. The usability was terrible- but it left the product as an icon. On that note, the usability of a products packaging has to work and the more frustrating it is, the less likely it will be that that customer is going to come back. For instance, how absolutely terrible is it to get pretty much any cheap electronic device out of the welded-shut plastic packaging? Ridiculously hard. Packaging that takes forever doesn't build suspense.... it's turns-off customers.

Know It All

(Post based off the article written by Stacy Schiff for The New Yorker, found here!)


The author's main point, I believe, we're how wikipedia was created (and the history of encyclopedias in general), why it's important to the world (the world because it's available in over 200 languages), and how Wikipedia works (she went on... and on... about admins and the editing process).

If credible writing means that you got information from good and reliable sources, then wikipedia, techinically, would be considered not exactly credible writing. But the article by Schiff had a lot of supporting detail, that, as far as I know, would be reliable. In the passage: 
Is Wikipedia accurate? Last year, Nature published a survey comparing forty-two entries on scientific topics on Wikipedia with their counterparts in Encyclopædia Britannica. According to the survey, Wikipedia had four errors for every three of Britannica’s, a result that, oddly, was hailed as a triumph for the upstart. Such exercises in nitpicking are relatively meaningless, as no reference work is infallible. Britannica issued a public statement refuting the survey’s findings, and took out a half-page advertisement in the Times, which said, in part, “Britannica has never claimed to be error-free. We have a reputation not for unattainable perfection but for strong scholarship, sound judgment, and disciplined editorial review.” Later, Jorge Cauz, Britannica’s president, told me in an e-mail that if Wikipedia continued without some kind of editorial oversight it would “decline into a hulking mediocre mass of uneven, unreliable, and, many times, unreadable articles.” Wales has said that he would consider Britannica a competitor, “except that I think they will be crushed out of existence within five years.”
This passage shows supporting details, like the survey, which showed the error comparison between Encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia. Then, she showed how EBrit handled this. As well as, a supporting quote from the Brits. She also included the detail of how Wales handled it.

The design comparison between Wikipedia and EBritannica is obvious- one is a website and the other is a book. The EBrit is clearly a reflective item; the books sit on the shelf and look all smart and nice. Wikipedia is just a website. Not really meant to be seen, but to be used. Wikipedia has an amazing behavioral advantage. There's not a lot of searching and flipping- you just look up exactly what you want to know and (more than likely) it's there. Not to mention, the site has an immense amount of articles, and if I remember correctly, more than EBrit. The editing process for the two are different as well. Wikipedia allows nearly anyone and everyone to add or delete information on a topic. There are many, many people that contribute to Wikipedia. Now, EBrit also has many people researching and writing, but, I think it's fair to say, Wikipedia allows a more "variable" writer/editor. Of course, Wikipedia is edited and monitored, but it does allow more "BS" than EBrit. And important feature to note is the price. Wikipedia is free! EBrit is outrageously expensive. Not to mention rather wasteful (paper-wise). When something is more expensive many people think that it is better or have less errors, but that isn't exactly so. In all fairness, the modern person would probably be more drawn to the free, seemingly limitless, and overall simple Wikipedia than a stuffy ol' book.