2010 – Page 16

In a recent post I put forward the idea that sex used in the advertising of nonsexual products betrays products of no particular distinction. At root, however, the previous post was not about advertising. Rather, it was the tip of the iceberg in a larger conversation about the decision to use (or, by extension, not use) sex in any kind of authored content.

The question is not why sex is used in commercials or authored works. We know why it’s used. Our animal brains are hard-wired for sex, apart from any additional sociological or psychological interest we may add as we grow and develop in whatever culture we happen to live in. Sex does in fact sell — meaning attract and hold consumer interest — but that’s not what I’m interested in. Rather, I’m interested in what motivates creators to use sex and its sure-fire, brain-simple appeal in any given instance, and particularly in stories. [ Read more ]

Your presents are either broken, boring, or waiting to be returned. You’ve eaten all there is to eat. You have two days before the hammer drops again and someone somewhere expects you to do what they tell you to do.

Between now and then, freedom to read.

Persuasive Games: I Want My 99¢ Back
Good solid data on the financial race to the bottom in iPhone app pricing, and good analysis to go with it. If you’re thinking of selling something on the internet, either through Apple, Amazon, or your own store, you need to read articles like this and think hard about what’s happening in the digital marketplace.
A world of hits
More pricing discussion — this time tackling the long-tail/hit conundrum. Again: whether you’re a sole proprietor or planning on opening up your own social-media marketplace, you need to be up to speed on these issues.
The Trouble with Blogging, or: A Writer’s Dilemma
On artistry, writing, being a businessperson and the problem with platforms.
Piracy
The beginning of an interesting conversation and exchange about piracy and copyright, which continues in subsequent posts.
NSFW: Free as in “my publisher will disown me after I pirate my book on TechCrunch”
Found on Kassia’s Kroszer’s Booksquare site, this deserves a read if you haven’t seen it. (Speaking of pricing issues, you get a free book for taking the time and trouble to click your mouse a couple of times. Good deal, or still too steep?)

There are very real opportunities opening up on the web, but there’s a lot to think about and a lot to learn. I’ve been thinking and learning for four solid months, and I’m only now getting a handle on where I need to go and what I need to do. And I don’t have any confidence that there’s money at the end of the road.

— Mark Barrett

The Sex Question

Weekend Reads

Archives for 2010