Media Log 3

In an advertisement for its popular F-150, Ford detailed the new features of the 2015 model.

The odd thing is that the ad is over three minutes long, but only mentions a few new features. This is because most of the video has to do with the style and attractiveness of the product, not the actual facts.

Throughout the advertisement, words describing the car's toughness and strength are shown in bold. Ford spends most of the video trying to continue to establish their signature "toughness." This is another example of how wording can be used in advertising because Ford is trying to give off a certain image and feeling with the phrases they use. They want people to think of strength and toughness when thinking of Ford.

The company is also using target specific advertising tactics because the product is meant mainly to appeal to men. They use the male's natural affinity for toughness and strength to appeal to a large male audience. Traits like these are often seen as masculine or manly, which is why they are so commonly used in advertising.

Media Log 2

In a recent ad for the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung told off Apple by showing that its own Galaxy Note's large screen preceded the iPhone 6 Plus's. It showed bad reviews of the original Galaxy Note and its large screen and compared them to the positive reception it received recently, especially in comparison with the iPhone 6 Plus.

What Samsung is trying to do with this ad is:

a) Establish that it had the idea first

and

b) Unite Samsung users by giving them the common enemy that is Apple

Similar to the "lovemarks" seen in "The Persuaders", Samsung is trying to make its name synonymous with originality, so that it will be the first thing people think of when they think of Samsung. They also try to draw people in by harnessing the most primal urge for conflict; they pit their products against Apple's and make their advertising campaign into a war. This is a common practice among advertisers because it uses the primal urge to unite people over one product against another product.

Media Log 1

Sony's ad, "Sony -- Script to Screen," features the use of relatability and prevalence to appeal to the common viewer. In the commercial, an average man is shown writing a screenplay. The commercial then describes the process of the creation of the film, showing how every step along the way involves Sony services or products. Firstly, it establishes relatability by taking a simple concept like writing a screenplay and showing an average, relatable man doing it. Secondly, it subtly makes us think that Sony is the best technology company by showing us that its products constantly surround us and enable us to act on our aspirations, much like they allow the man to make his movie. Additionally, its use of romantic lighting and uplifting music induces a sense of inspiration to the viewer, establishing an emotional connection with Sony. It makes the viewer feel like Sony is there for them and will help them in achieving their ambitious goals.

Personally, this ad has an inspiring effect on me, mainly because I'm interested in a career in screenwriting. I already enjoy the quality of Sony products, but this ad makes me more likely to purchase them in the future and makes me feel emotionally motivated to do so. I think it will have a similar effect on most viewers because of its mainstream relatability and emotional appeal.

These are just a few of the many methods companies use to successfully market their products. Although this ad was effective on me (and probably many others), it does not necessarily guarantee that Sony is a quality company or that it can really make someone's dream become a reality. It is important to consider that Sony just wants people to but its products, and nothing more, before spending money on a Sony item or appliance.