The ipod effect

It's been a while since I've blogged here. Fact is, I've been a bit conflicted about blogging in general, and writing in particular. I'm going through one of those phases that many a writer trying to find his voice goes through: the one that makes you wonder time and time and time again whether the immense effort is all worth it. On some days, it seems one of the most rubbish things to do in life. Writing in the hope that someday it will all bear fruit. Clutching at straws might be a more rewarding pastime. I suppose, the fact that I'm still hammering away at a keyboard for an audience of not more than one can only mean one thing: I'm still an optimist. Why else would I want to share with the world a stupid little theory that I have about the kind of gifts one should give out to winners of the various contests the men in marketing are constantly organising to sell more of their products.

In my view, the best giveaways are things that emit the 'ipod effect'. The 'ipod effect' is that aura of intangible value some products carry with them for reasons that go beyond mere functionality. So while a product that exhibits the 'ipod effect' might cost something, the people who are given this product think it's worth more. The ipod is a great example of one such 'ipod effect' product. Which is why it makes for one of the most popular gifts marketers like to use for their promotions. Over 50% of the promotions in the last one year have given away ipods as prizes to the winners. And for good reason.

Most of the time, with certain emotional exceptions, people feel a gift is worth less to them than if they were to go out and buy it themselves. Something in the 'gifting activity' reduces the 'monetary attachment' that people have towards it. Some products escape this 'negative gifting effect'. The iPod, for instance. Can you think of other products that enjoy the 'ipod effect'?

My toons #1

Ek Akela from Gharonda

Perfectly expresses the way I feel. Always.

Lyrics: Gulzar Saab, Music: Jaidev, Voice: Bhupinder

Testing times

If I were a drink, I'd be a glass of red wine. If I were an item of footwear, I'd be a pair of fuck-me boots. If I were a colour, I'd be blue. If I were more secure, I wouldn't be any of the people taking all these tests to try and pin down what they are. But what takes the cake, in my opinion, is a test that tells you what you might be if you were a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Well, let me tell you what I would be if I were a Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle. I'd rather be dead.

Rants apart, what kind of person would someone not inclined to put themselves up for any of this kind of pop-psychology be? Serious, complicated, boring, messed up or just plain happy? This is why human beings fascinate me. But not much more. Finally, if I were a test, I suppose I'd be quite testy.

Sri Linka: Friends, anyone?

I've often wondered why I have few friends. I still do. I suppose, it must have something to do with the things I do, or not. That said, here's an heartfelt take on the matter of friendship and what it can do, or not, to you. It touched me. Maybe it'll do the same for you. Much like a good friend ought to. Not that I know of any in my half-circle of acquaintances.

An excerpt: A real friend doesn't sleep with your partner. A real friend doesn't use you. A real friend wishes you well. A real friend acts in your interests. A real friend isn't possessive. A real friend will do you a favour without holding it against you. A real friend will tell you what they think. A real friend will drop everything for you when you are in need. A real friend is rare indeed. And elsewhere in the piece this gem: "Your friends are God's apology for your relations".

Sri Linka: Friends, anyone?

Überviews #52: Cash

2/10: Give or take a few techniques and a song or two, the film is pretty much an utter waste of ... well, a lot of cash.

Guess which country?