Tacky

I just spent 2 weeks in Montreal and saw ads all over town for new kid on the block Koodo (only in Canada as far as i can tell). I wasnt sure who they were trying to target, but as a 27 year old, I can’t say the reminder of Olivia Newton John’s Physical video is an appealing way to get me to sign up to a phone provider. *Shudders*

Add comment October 8th, 2008

Rewards anyone?

In so many ways it seems Blyk is the strongest contender in the 7th Mass Media industry as previously launched Mosh Mobile(in the US) and MobiK (in Australia) seemed to have either gone the “reward points” way or pear-shaped entirely.

I’m interested in this idea of rewards though, which at first glance seems to introduce the idea of gaming into mobile usage, not unlike Tamagoshis. If you think a little further though, this introduces the idea that the mobile content isn’t that interesting and that you should get rewarded for it, like your mom used to give you a cookie if you ate your pea soup. Not a very attractive prospect really.

Blyk tends to offer you free minutes and texts of course, but they are not specifically seen as a “reward”, just as something you get for joining. Part of the terms and conditions if you will. This I think adjusts the balance of power in a users mind about what the service is there for and puts a much more positive spin on its usage.

1 comment October 8th, 2008