Analysis Blog #1 PoP CuLtUrE TeXt

So I'm fresh out of class with analysis in my head. My pop culture text that I analyzed in class, and am about to analyze now is my iPod.

Up until a few years ago (can't remember exactly) the WalkMan was still the cool thing to have. The portable Cd players and all of that. Obviously, when things like LimeWire and Napster and Kazaa came around, the music industry was in trouble due to illegal downloading. They were losing money so Apple decided to come up with something that would #1 spread popularity fast, #2 bring money back to the music industry, and #3 create a design that would be marketable to everyone.

I think that #3 is probably the most important one. As it was spoke about in class, certain music-listening devices had racial connotations in the past. But the company didn't make the iPod for race, because I think that when it comes to music people are way more open minded when it come to race. But I think that they made the iPod the way they did for different age groups. Speaking from personal experience, my father is obsessed with mine. It's easy for him to understand how to use it. They have made it very easy to download the program onto you PC at home, and putting the actual songs on the iPod is extremely simple. I've never seen him have it so easy with my CD player. All he does it put on like one song ("Heard It Through The Grapevine," by Creedence Clearwater Revival). That leads up to another strong marketing point of the iPod.

Another reason why the iPod is marketed the way it is because it is a device that can be used for people of every music genre. I guess it could be stereotyped because especially down here at Wayne, it has become a status symbol...BIG TIME. But, I have seen all different types of people carry them. It is an extremely good design because you can have a little bit of everything on yours. It also is de-sexed. They come in different colors and have different colored cases and accessories to go with everyones including both male or female users.

Also, the simplicity of the design is amazing. My own personal iPod plays videos and movies so that's a plus for people who live life on the go like myself ;).

Back to numbers 1 and 2 on the list of reasons for making the iPod. The Apple company knew that this trend would spread fast. Everyone knows the iPod commercial with the dancing shadow, which illustrates even more the fact that the iPod is for everyone. When you market something the way that the iPod was marketed; for everyone, they knew that people would catch on to it fast.

Lastly, due to the decline of the CD industry, the iPod fit in perfect. The sale of CDs is still down, but at least now on the iTunes program (for downloading music onto the iPod), they have gift cards and you can use your credit card as well for you to pay fast, with no strings attached and get your music immediately.

And that's about it regarding the iPod....I strongly recommend them though, they rock it out!!!