A Midsummer Night's Dream!

Theatre lovers! Pay attetion! Theatre likers! Pay Attention! Hell, EVERYONE! Pay attention. I am here to inform you of new production soon to hit the stage. Marquette University's Helfaer theatre will open its rendition of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" tonight at 7:30!

Student actors and techies will bring Shakespeare's masterpiece to life. Veteran director Maureen Kilmurray is directing. Deb O. a graduate of Yale's world renowned theatre program will be taking care of the scenic and costume design. Deb O. is famous for her work with "found items" that will be sure to bring a contempary twist to the 400 year old play.

There will be shows at 7:30 PM this Thursday-Saturday and again the following weekend. There will also be a 2:30 show during the two sundays. With tickets at only $8, you are definately getting some bang for your buck. Pick up your tickets at the door or on the helfaer's website http://diederich.marquette.edu/COC/Box-Office.aspx

Take a look at what the Helfaer has said about its production: "Spells are cast, lovers are fooled and revelry abounds as worlds collide in Shakespeare's imaginative comedy. On a night when anything can happen, young lovers rouse the mischievous curiosity of fairies, who use their charms to lead them into a playful midnight frolic through the forest. In the midst of it all, a local acting troupe gets caught up in the chaos when a magic spell turns its leading man into a donkey. One of Shakespeare's best known comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream blurs the line between magic and reality, leading to a night so fantastical that you'll have to dream it to believe it."

How To Lose a Potential Customer in 10 minutes

I like looking good. In a professional environment, that mean wearing a tie. Some men hate em', I love wearing ties. I have a pretty good collection and am always looking for new additions.

So when I saw a Facebook ad that read "Four quality ties for a buck! No hidden fees" I clicked.

Ten minutes from that click, they would lose me as a customer forever.

The next page is laid out well. There is a photo at the top, a selection of 18 ties that you can choose from, instructions for ordering on the bottom left and testimonials from past customers on the bottom right of the screen. The bottom of the page even has a guarantee and trust-type seals.

Nowhere on the page is there anything about shipping charges, or any other obligations. At first glance it appears that the site is merely a way for potential customers to sample a company's product at a low price, with hopes of making future customers.

I should have known better.

As I was about to make my four selections, I realized that I had to check a box that stated that I had read the terms and conditions...uh oh.

I don't see any terms and conditions. So I wonder if this company would sink so low as to not include the terms and conditions until after you check the box. Turns out they were. As I checked that I had read them, a new box appears on the page that explains all the terms and conditions.

I finally got it. This wasn't a company looking to supply customers with new ties. It was another scam that insulted my intelligence by actually thinking that I would fall for it.

First off, they want $14.95 for shipping and handling. I actually might be able to accept this, even though real shipping is only a fraction of that, because I'm only paying a buck for the ties. Its still less than in a store.

But then I get into the fine print. By buying I'm automatically enrolling in a Wholesale Discount Club for "just $7.49 per month, billed annually." So if I don't tell them within 14 days from my signup date (note, if shipping takes a week, it's only 7 days from receipt,) they're hitting my card for $89.88. For that I get nothing other than the right to buy more ties for $19.99 each (probably plus $14.95 s&h, so they're probably $35 ties.)

Interesting deal - I've gone from an expectation of spending a buck plus some probably outrageous shipping costs to forking over $90 to have the privilege of overpaying for ties for a year. (I'm assuming these ties are of the quality that you would pick up at a Wal*Mart, not a fine men's store - admittedly, I could be wrong.)

But more importantly, they promised me "No hidden fees!" and a relationship I could trust. What I got was clearly not what I had expected.

I'm sure their refund and chargeback rate is astronomical.

Lessons to be learned:
1. Don't lie. Lying is bad.

2. If you want to build an offer for something that will be in addition to your advertised offer, don't slide it in on the sly, tell your customers about it, and sell them on the benefits of your offer. Be explicit, and sell it, don't do the bare minimum to pass a legal challenge.

3. Recognize that in today's world the consumer has a voice and that voice can be VERY effective in driving people away from you. Do you want people talking about how horrible you are to deal with, and how you ripped them off, or singing your praises. It's up to you!
Needless to say, I didn't buy any ties from this company. I wouldn't recommend that you do so either.

Microsoft's Use of Social Media

Social networking has allowed manufacturers to improve on customer service by providing a sense of intimacy with their consumers. Traditional forms of customer service like an answering service or email service have been helpful in tracking issues that consumers are experiencing, however a more efficient way to solve these issues is to see live conversations and deal with issues by posting a resolution for all consumers to see. Social networking has allowed for a new type of intimacy to develop. . Manufacturers now have the ability to see what their customers think about their products or services. In past decades it has taken the manufacturer weeks, if not months to gather data regarding their customer’s feelings. Social Networking and the advances in technology have now made it possible for manufacturers to better understand their customer’s wants and needs.

Microsoft is an example of how social networks have helped improve customer intimacy. Microsoft’s involvement began when the company wanted to get their customer’s input on Windows Vista. Microsoft looked to the conversations their consumers were engaging in on social networking sites. They were able to see the frustration and issues their product was creating for users. Microsoft gathered that information and sent the data to their programming department. The programmers were able to pinpoint the major issues and improve their next version, Windows 7.

Social networks now play a key role in developing and strengthening customer intimacy between companies and their consumers. It is important for manufacturers to embrace social networks, and make it a priority to be involved in the conversation.

Social Media and the Domino's Scandal

All this talk about crisis communication in class made me want to delve into a little more.

Wanna a great way to ruin your company's reputation? Just take a look at the Domino's scandal. Why anybody would do this, I don't know. Its a one way ticket to a pink slip.

Well, a pair of genius Domino’s Pizza employees either didn't think about this or didn't care. They thought it prudent to tape themselves ruining takeaway food and doing horrific things in the kitchen of a Domino's franchise.

This video was uploaded to YouTube and hit nearly a million views before it was taken down. The two employees were identified, tracked down, and promptly arrested.

This clearly shows you how any moron with a camera can destroy the reputation of a well established brand. While socail media is a blessing for PR practicioners, it can also be a curse.

So what did we learn? First of all, keep a close eye on all social media. Facebook, twitter, blogger, youtube, the works. Know what is being discussed, what people are saying about you, whether you are in the spotlight or not, good/bad reviews, etc.

News can spread like wildfire especially through Twitter. Domino’s however, was swift in responding to this crisis. They immediately countered with the creation of their own Twitter account (dpzinfo). They promoted positive coverage, tweeted with customers, and most importantly, thanked customers for their support.

Dominos also created its own YouTube video featuring the CEO in an attempt to fix the damage and relay a message of apology and reassurance in an attempt to keep the loyalty of its customers.

Finally, a little more communication between the employees and management probably couldn't hurt. I have to imagine that anyone disgruntled enough to basically sign themselves up to get canned had to hate working at Domino's. Screening for that kind of thing and listening to the feedback is vital.

One last note, I wasn't able to find anything about what Professor Branigan said about Domino's "adding more cameras." So I didn't include that in the blog.

Ain't that tweet?

I was not a twitter fan. I can barely stand facebook. I don't see the need to post one's entire life onto a public domain for the world to see. I do have a facebook, it is a necessary evil these days. I guess the thing that bothers me the most is that people think it can take the place of face to face communication. If i want to talk to someone, I will call them for dinner or coffee or just to hang out. My feelings towards can be summed up by the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVA047JAQsk

Given my experience with facebook, I assumed twitter be worst. I viewed twitter as facebook, except with the good parts taken out. Facebook with just the status updates? Sounds terrible.

After two weeks of twittering, my worst fears were confirmed. I learned nothing useful in my two weeks. All i recieved was mostly useless banter. I'll list the three worst experiencs.

First off, within an hour of joining, I had five people following me, none of whom I knew. To make it worse, four of these five were people attempting to convince me to join....uh....adult....websites. This trend of random strangers and groups deciding to follow me continued throughout the two weeks. I do not want these vultures following me, I do not want to be associated with these groups. The fact that every time i logged on there was some new annoyance to block was just disgraceful.

Secondly, the information shared by those I chose to follow was usually pointless. I don't care that it is raining outside. Or you are having a good day :). I don't follow status updates on facebook, so a program that only contains status updates is not for me. I will admit that there were some interesting articles posted by my classmates. Also, following the New York Times supplied me with some extra current events. I was dissapointed by some of the groups that I followed such as The Economist, their posts were limited.

Finally, the various functions of twitter are confusing! I would often end up posting my status twice because I would mess up on the tag at the end. Direct messages also gave me trouble. I'm pretty sure I accidentally messaged some very confused strangers because of my inability to master the various functions of twitter. However, I will admit that if I spent some more time on twitter I would have gotten used to it.

So call me a luddite, call me old fashioned. But after this two week trial, twitter and I will be ending our relationship.

What Writing Means to Me

My mind tends to work in definitions. When I take notes, I basically write down a vocabulary list. I make things into definitions that most people would never think to. So I guess I'll start with the literal definition of writing. Dictionary.com defines writing as "the act of illustrating characters to express thought." I guess that is a pretty solid summary. Whenever I write, I am trying to translate thought into ink. A task that is not usually not easy. I am much better at expressing myself with the spoken word rather than written word. You would think that written would be easier because you have time to plan it out. Maybe that's why it's harder. Because you have time to prepare, people expect more. Or I expect more.

When I was younger, I always viewed myself as a creative writer. I used to write short stories, I dabbled in poetry, I even attempted writing a screenplay. None of them were very good in terms of writing quality, but I did it anyway. My only strength was in my characters, I would create heroic, villainous, ordinary, extraordinary people but then make them have adventures fraught with mediocre writing. Now, I find myself in the communications field. Not in something creative like advertising. But something fact based. Basically, I abandoned my strength to pursue a career in my weakness. The way I see it though, one must be strong in both areas to succeed in either creative or factual writing. Hopefully I find a way to channel creativity into this fact based career.

About Me

What’s your full name? Ryan David Jackson Were you named after anyone? The biblical King David Do you have a nickname? If yes, what is it? Snowball (long story) What’s your astrological sign? Aries Are you a morning person or a night owl? Definite night owl Do you wish on stars? When I really need something Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No Do you have tattoos ? No but by then end of this semester I will What do you do most often when you are bored? Mario Kart 64 Donkey or Elephant or Neither? Donkey What makes you angry? Hypocrites What did you do last night? I was on duty What frightens you? Being alone How many keys are on your key ring? Seven What do you do to relax? Bike to the burbs Do you believe in superstitions? No but I adhere to them just in case Have you attended a church or religious event outside of your own? Yes several Name a foreign language that you know. Latin Name three things most people don’t know about you. I'm a closet Taylor Swift fan I have been to Italy I like sauerkraut and chicken pizza Family, Pets, & Friends

Do you have any siblings? Yes, a younger sister and brother Who is your best friend in high school? Will "Dr Bill" Newby Do/did you have any pets? Hamsters Cat person or dog person? Both, can't we all get along? Who is the last person you talked to on the phone? Christine Travel

What states have you been to?

32 of em What countries have you been to? USA, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, Greece In how many states have you lived? Three, Wisconsin, Washington, and Minnesota When is the last time did you take a train? Over the summer to Chicago Food

What do you like to eat for breakfast? Who has time for breakfast? What is your favorite food? Fried Chicken What foods do you dislike? Lima beans What ethnic food do you like and dislike? Love japanese, not too big on mexican What is your favorite chip flavor? Original (I know, I'm lame) What is your favorite sandwich? The wreck sandwich from potbellies What is your favorite drink? Coca-Cola What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Ben and Jerry's Phish Food What’s your favorite salad dressing? This strawberry dressing my grandma makes but won't give me the recipe to Plain, buttered or salted popcorn? Plain What’s your favorite pie? Pumpkin with cool whip What’s your favorite fast food place? Kopp's Media Which Harry Potter characters are you? Hagrid What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Inglorious Basterds (GREAT film) What is your favorite TV show? Castle Last book you read. I'm reading Guyland What picture is on your computer wallpaper? New York Skyline What is your ring tone? Vibrate only What are three favorite songs on your iPod? How I Go by Yellowcard, But Tonight We Dance by Rise Against, Hero by Skillet Do you have a Facebook page? Who doesn't? Do you have a Twitter account? Yes, MUryanjackson Do you have a blog? I'm pretty sure you are reading my blog right now... Wishes

Where would you retire to? Anywhere with family If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Scotland Would you ever bungee jump? Skydive? Yes but it might take some convincing If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Platinum