In Response to Kayle's Post

In response to Kayle's post regarding product placement:

Do you think that product placement is a good way to market your item?  Do you become annoyed when seeing brand names etc. in movies? 

I think that product placement is a positive and effective way to market items and brands, within reason of course.  If there are continuous billboards and signage throughout an entire movie or TV episode for one or multiple products, then it becomes obnoxious and takes away from the actual movie or TV show.  However, if done subtly and in a classy manner then it can definitely be effective.  The financial benefits are also a positive aspect of product placement in the entertainment world, due to the recession and not entirely financially stable time we live in, the added money from companies using product placement, can significantly increase the budget and ultimately result in a better movie or TV show.

AT&T Launches New Text Message Advertising

AT&T released a new marketing service this week in select cities.  Beginning in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and San Franciso, and to go national this summer; a new marketing service allows brands to send customized coupon or sales notices to opt-ed customers.  This new technique will involve the use of "Geo-fencing" which will allow participating companies to limit their advertising based on the geographical location of customers. 

Jet Blue's first geo-fencing campaign collaboration with AT&T is reminding customers to check in to places where they can earn JetBlue Points.  While K-Mart is electing to use this service to promote current deals and offers in surrounding stores.  Other companies will elect to use the service for promotions at concerts and sporting events.  

In efforts to make this service as successful as possible, AT&T asks that customers choosing to use this tool provide them with their name, ZIP code, age range, gender and e-mail address.  Due to anticipated skeptically from some customers of giving out this personal information, Vice President of Ad Product Innovation says "AT&T will not share this information with marketers or use it for other corporate marketing."; this information will allow this service to be as effective as possible and target the proper market.  No more than four text messages will be received each week by participating customers. 

Would you be willing to try this new marketing service?