Media Log 7

This commercial is part of a chain of advertisements by DIRECTV featuring Rob Lowe. In the commercial, the well-known, masculine Rob Lowe is depicted enjoying and showing off the benefits of DIRECTV services. Another "painfully awkward" Rob Lowe is shown complaining about the limitations of basic cable services.

Although this ad uses the "testimonial" technique, the technique of transfer/association is more applicable because the awkward and undesirable version of Rob Lowe is meant to be representative of cable and imply its undesirability. The ad is trying to get people to associate cable with being awkward and inferior, and it is similarly trying to get people to associate DIRECTV with the regular Rob Lowe's masculinity and confidence. This intended image of confidence might be the reason for the company's use of capital letters in its name.

DIRECTV also uses the need for affiliation to market its services. People see the ad and think that cable will make them part of a "painfully awkward" group, while DIRECTV will make them part of the more desirable and respected group of people.

The target audience is most likely men aged 30 to 50. These men are old enough to be very familiar with Rob Lowe, and are at an age where they probably have a family and can afford television services. Additionally, men are generally more concerned about being respected than women.

This commercial's humor also makes it memorable to everyone, which aids it in further establishing DIRECTV's image. All of these components combine to make what I think is a very effective commercial.

Media Log 6

This is an ad for Apple's iPad 2 that demonstrates many characteristics commonly seen in print advertisements. The first thing I noticed about it was its use of the colors black and white, which give it a clean, simple, practical feel. This is common for many Apple advertisements.

This appeals to the need for aesthetic sensations. However, rather than making us feel creative, it makes us feel organized and in control. The previously mentioned color scheme is one element that contributes to this feeling. Another is the thin design of both the product and the ad overall. The text has a stylish and simple feel to it, and so does the iPad. It makes us feel relaxed because it's a very simple portrayal. The actual content of the text is important too. It uses weasel words like "Thinner," "Lighter," and "Faster," which sounds great but don't actually give anything to compare the product to. It also lists features like "FaceTime," "Smart Camera," and the product's 10-hour battery and $499 price. So in addition to the weasel words technique, it also uses the technique of facts and figures.

The overall vibe this ad gives off is one of cleanliness, simplicity, and organization. Its target audience is probably focused on young adults and middle-aged adults who value not only practicality and functionality, but also style. It makes people feel in control and powerful because it gives the impression of being a powerful work tool that maximizes productivity. Its use of Apple's trademark "Helvetica" font helps class it up a bit and keep it looking neat. Apple's ad campaigns have been known to be successful. This is partly due to advertisements like these because they show what people want to see. They've definitely worked on me too since I've owned more than one Apple product.

Media Log 5

Motorola recently released a television commercial about the new Moto X smart phone. It showed a man at his computer in his room customizing his phone online and compares him to the man on the other side of the wall that is actually crafting the phone.

The advertisement appeals to the human need to dominate. It shows that with this phone, the consumer can be in control and, in essence, build the phone himself. The phrase "master the possibilities" definitely comes to mind because the consumer is making the most of the possibilities to benefit himself.

It also uses the advertising technique of avante garde to suggest that getting this product will put users ahead of the curve. It also appeals the consumer's desire to stand out because there are different ways to customize the phone and an option for a personal engraving, both of which allow the consumer to set himself or herself apart from everyone else and express himself or herself.

I like that Motorola lets you customize your phone so that you can express yourself, and I feel that this aspect of the advertisement will be very effective. People love to set themselves apart from the crowd and to be in control and feel powerful. Overall, this ad will be successful because of these methods of appeal.

Media Log 4

Velveeta, in an advertisement for its mac and cheese, showed a 2-minute video of a man opening jars for a line of people coming into his house. He casually chats with the people as they come in, letting us know he has a good reputation and is well-respected. Then, at the end of the video, the man reaches down to his table and continues eating his bowl of Velveeta macaroni and cheese.

The aim of the commercial, which is titled "Eat Like That Guy That Opens Jars for Everyone in the Neighborhood," is to make people think that they will become popular and well-liked/respected if they eat Velveeta mac and cheese. Naturally, the company is appealing to the consumer's need for affiliation. The video implies that buying the product will make you the kind of person that helps out the community and gains friends.

The most relevant advertising technique to this ad is the technique of simple solutions. Without any tangible evidence, Velveeta basically tells you that its macaroni and cheese will make you a popular and dependable person. It implies that its a seamless and easy transition that happens instantaneously, and that any existing obstacle in the way of becoming a popular person will disappear as soon as you start buying Velveeta mac and cheese.

This is a pretty funny ad, and the actual product in the video (which is subtly displayed in the bottom right corner throughout) looks appealing. However, this doesn't really make me want to eat Velveeta. It makes me laugh and admire a funny advertising campaign, but it also just makes me realize that Velveeta is trying to convince people on a subconscious level that its product has an overwhelming and immediate effect on a person's social status.