In Response to Doug Kendall

Doug asked; Do you feel as if the two names are too close and there is a trademarking issue? These seems to be a lot that is unknown about trademarking, how can rules and regulations of trademarking be better cleared up to the public or start-up business owners?

I agree that the names are close, but technically they are written and represented differently, which makes this a difficult case. I would have to say that yes, there is a trade-marking issue. When speaking the names aloud, they are obviously identical and in my opinion, it is too close of a resemblance.

I would say that regulations could help if some sort of database was kept so that people could check beforehand to see if a name or slogan has already been taken, sort of like when you make a name on a message forum. I think that this is an easy step that could clear up a lot of confusion and headaches.

Cognitive Dissonance

I thought it would be fitting for me to write about this because I experienced this feeling earlier today. I was on a short break at work and was sitting in the break room. I noticed that I was thirsty and I saw the Pepsi machine across the room and thought to my self that it would be really awesome to have an iced tea right now. So expecting that I would feel instantly refreshed by an ice cold beverage I walked over and bought a can of iced tea for sixty cents. After one sip, my thirst had been quenched and I didn't really have any desire to finish the can. I felt like I could have gone without that can of tea and just saved myself the sixty cents and the change from the dollar I had to break. It's pretty sad that I thought about this purchase of an iced tea this much, but I guess if I had to feel cognitive dissonance about something, regretting a sixty-cent purchase is better than something more expensive.

Have you felt cognitive dissonance about anything lately? Why did you regret the decision?

In Response to Gretchen Harbourt

Is there any other case or instance that something you know is copywrited or trademarked that seems silly or stupid which people may use day to day or every day?

One instance of this that I can think of is people using the name Kleenex to describe all tissue products. I don't know if this is necessarily a bad thing, but I hear a lot of people ask for a Kleenex, even if it is a Scotties or Puffs brand, for example. I guess this is just one of those things where people are used to calling something a certain name and nobody really thinks twice about it.

Cars and Commercials

Have you ever noticed that some products appear more in commercials than others? I definitely have, and three stand out the most to me. The one that appears most often are car commercials. There is always the "Year's biggest Sale!" every weekend or nondescript holiday, which doesn't make sense because that sale can only occur once per year. Then comes cell/phone/TV/internet service providers with each of them seemingly using a different set of facts about each other's quality and price of services. Finally, I see a lot of car insurance commercials. Each of them claims that if you switch from a competitor's policy, you will save a few hundred dollars a year. I guess I will just keep switching from one company to the next until I get a plan for zero dollars a year.

What other types of commercials appear frequently? Do they all make sense or are they repetitive?

In Response to Robert Bellavance

Robert Asked: How much could you take before you switch brands? Are you loyal to one product only?

I am not very brand loyal at all. I usually try to use the products that work the best, and not just products from one specific brand all the time. That being said, I don't just buy products from different brands just for the sake of it. I don't have a lot of spending right now, so I buy what gives me the most bang for my buck, and the brand is not super important for me right now.

The Power of Labels

Do good labels on products make a difference influencing buying decisions? I think that they do. I find that when people are examining two similar products, they will more likely choose the product with a good-looking label, with everything else being equal.

I do not know why this is, perhaps people feel more confident buying a product that is displayed in a better light? I see this a lot in the grocery business when people compare products and usually take the one with a prettier picture. Sometimes its even when that product costs more.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider. Is it just because some brands are more popular or maybe its because I have only happened to witness those transactions where people chose products with an attractive label. I guess it makes sense in a way because the company that markets their products better will usually sell more.

What other characteristics of advertising can influence customers' buying decisions?

In Response to Doug Kendall

Doug asked: Do you think this profiling is helpful or hurtful to consumers? Do companies take advantage of unknowing consumers or is it the consumers responsibility to know what they are making known to the public?

I think that tracking people's tendencies online for marketing purposes is unethical. I think of it almost as spying. I don't want companies tracking my footsteps just so they can try to sell me something.

I believe that yes, companies do take advantage of unknowing consumers when they track them without permission. Now, I think it is ok for companies to use information about people if those people gave it to them with permission. I also think that people are responsible for what information they give out, but if they are being tracked without their knowledge then what are they supposed to do? Never go on the internet? I don't think its right for companies to secretly track people.