Monday, June 2, 2008
How to "Save" the Zune or: Why Marketers are Idiots
Posted by Adam Krebs in "Zune Talk" @ 08:00 PM
I don't think it's worth the effort to rebut each of his half-baked ideas (though some of them aren't bad) since anyone with half an brain and a cursory knowledge of the Zune will know this guy is full of it. Instead, I'd like to focus more on the big picture, though I may slip up and name-call a little bit. ;)
Pinto suggests Microsoft become the Pepsi to Apple's Coke, and I think the comparison is reasonable. Much in the same way Pepsi targeted a "niche" audience and expanded their demographic by ostensibly targeting the cool people ("the choice of a new generation!"), Microsoft is aiming for a hipper, younger audience that most people aspire to to become part of. By promoting artists (both musical and visual) that may be lesser-known but popular in their respective areas the consumer will latch on, because after all, no one wants to look dumb. Read more...