TOW #18-Survive technology

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/technology/personaltech/how-to-survive-the-next-wave-of-technology-extinction.html?src=dayp&_r=0

      Basically everyone today (in well-developed countries) rely on technology to fulfill some need or another. Sometimes it's merely for convenience. For example, this assignment could have been written using old-fashioned pen and paper. Other times, technology is more practical than alternative methods. As technology is constantly changing, so do our methods of using it. Every type of technology that is new one moment, will become extinct as soon as something better emerges. In his article, How to Survive the Next Wave of Technology Extinction, Manjoo first explains the meaning of technology extinction, and then offers numerous tips and tricks on how to survive it.
      Manjoo uses the example of the Nook to explain the meaning of technical extinction. In 2011, the Nook was proclaimed "the best e-reader in the land" by Consumer Reports. Yet, only a year or two later, the Nook has fallen out of style with consumers. So it is with every type of technology. The thing that proposes a risk to all consumers, is how to avoid choosing technology from a company that will not prosper. Manjoo's recommended strategy is to play every tech giant against the others, sample every company's best features, and do not overcommit. He offers a step-by-step plan/tips and tricks for making the best decisions and surviving in a world of increasing technology extinction.
        The first step, according to Manjoo, is to BUY APPLE’S HARDWARE because Apple’s phones, tablets and PCs are the best-designed and best-made on the market. This step also maximizes a consumer's ability to be promiscuous with software. The next step, is to USE GOOGLE’S SERVICES. He says that, "throwing your data at Google is a good idea for two reasons: First, the company is incredibly good at managing it; it lets you have access to stuff on pretty much any device, anywhere in the world, all the time. Its services almost never go down, its data is extremely accurate (see Maps), and...Google offers solid security...." Manjoo claims that giving Google all of your "stuff" is not a commitment because "Google allows you to download your personal data from most of its services so you can easily move to some other pusher." The third step is to BUY MEDIA FROM AMAZON because books, music and movies from Amazon are the most widely viewable. It's possible to watch and read Amazon’s media on Apple devices, Google devices, Amazon’s own Kindle line and lots of other places, letting you use a variety of products. The last step is to  BET ON CONNECTORS which bridge the gap between otherwise foreign technologies.
      With different pieces of technology constantly going in and out of style, being replaced, and being remade, it presents an uncertain floor for consumers trying to make a decision about which company/products they want to commit to. In times of uncertainty, people seek something steady to rely on: a plan. Manjoo offers a plan for surviving in this world of technological extinction, supporting each step with examples that verify his advice. With technology playing such a pivotal role in most people's lives, a set of guidelines can prove extremely helpful when trying to make technological-related decisions. 

IRB Intro Post #3

For my third IRB selection, I have chosen The Lost Boy by David Pelzer. It is the sequel to the bestseller A Child Called "It." The first book focused on Pelzer's life as a victim of child abuse; his struggles, resilience, and coping methods. The Lost Boy is a narrative about his life after being rescued from his home where he was abused, and his life as a teen as a member of numerous foster homes. Both books provide a shocking, inspiring account of one of the worst cases of child abuse in California, and show the inner strength of the human spirit. Today, Pelzer travels around the U.S. educating the public on how to prevent/cope with/seek help for child abuse. He also carried the Olympic Torch for one of the games, and has received commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton for his work.

TOW #17-Visual-WMF blade

       This is an advertisement by WMF, a well-known cooking-products producer, for one of its products: the Grand Gourmet knife. In this ad, the creators use a visual exaggeration, the company logo, and a product slogan to encourage consumers to purchase this item.
      The visual exaggeration used in this ad is that of the cutting board being sliced, as well as the carrot. The implication is that, while regular knives cut only the vegetable, the WMF Grand Gourmet knife is so sharp that it can slice through wood as well. This addresses the advertising of the blade's quality. The point is made clearer by the addition of the slogan for the product: "Sharper than you think." The slogan clearly identifies what viewers should realize from the visual picture, that the knife is truly sharper than one would think, sharp enough to slice through food and wood alike.
      The addition of the WMF logo in the lower right-hand corner of the advertisement lends the ad an immediate sense of ethos. Many consumers will recognize the logo of the company, and therefore associate the Grand Gourmet knife with a company known for its quality cooking products. The logo also gives the consumers the information as to where/from whom to seek purchasing the blade, if they so wish. If a consumer is pleased with a product they purchased from WMF, then no doubt they would be pleased with the Grand Gourmet knife as well. This also encourages consumers and regular customers to purchase the product.
      I believe this ad was very well done, especially with regard to the visual aspect. The image of the carrot AND the cutting board both being sliced would have been sufficient to get the point across even without the slogan. However, the slogan clarifies any possible misconceptions about the intent of the ad, and the final addition of the company logo makes the advertisement extremely effective.