In Response to Nichole

Yes, I recently made a new purchase. I am a big golfer and have been around the game my whole life. Therefore I know the popular brands, such as Nike, Callaway, Taylor Made, etc. As well as brands less known but same quality, such as Adams, Nickent, Mizuno,etc. I have played the popular brands my whole life until recently. My uncle purchased a pair of Mizuno irons late last year. So early this golf season I took them out for a round. After that round, I needed a pair of these clubs. The quality of these golf clubs was just amazing. So a week later I went out and purchased a pair of Mizuno irons. I am so pleased with the quality of these clubs I would not trade them for any leading brand.

Smoking

Over the last month I have come across some gruesome smoking commercials while watching tv. These commercials depict very graphic details. While smoking cigarettes can cause these outcomes, are the commercials to graphic for television and children to see?

A commercial from the CDC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEWky9PEroU&feature=related

Do you think this is an effective way of getting people not to smoke cigarettes? Are there any other ways that will get the point across?

In Response to Todd

Temporary tattoos are a neat way for companies to advertise their product. I can see companies using body paint as a way of temporary tattooing. However I don't think this could ever be an effective way of marketing their product.
No, I would never wear a temporary tattoo for any company. I could never imagine someone wanting a Yellow Tail or Nike tattoo.

Testing

I was browsing the web the other day and came across an interesting article. The article was titled, "The Most Important Aspect of Marketing".
(http://www.marketingscoop.com/articles.htm)

The author stated that testing was the most important aspect, and after reviewing the article I agreed. Testing is very important in marketing. In order to be successful in this industry, you have to be able to reach the right people. Whether your advertising over the internet, or interacting with people, in order to know who your market will be you have to test. One effective example of testing is sending mass emails and seeing who opens them or who reply's.
Do you agree/disagree with the article? What do you think is the most important aspect?

Response to Professor Johnson

Should John Smith sell the names? Does the AMA Statement of Ethics address this issue? What in the Statement relates to John Smiths dilemma?

John Smith should not sell the names. Yes, he is on the verge of going bankrupt, however by performing this act, it could potentially hurt the company even more, and even worse his reputation. If a customer cannot trust your company, and feel they are being treated right, then how is that company going to survive?
Some of the rules I think apply to this case are:
1. Do no harm
2. Foster trust in the marketing system
3. Embrace ethical values.
Fairness
Respect

In Response to Nichole

How much affect do you think NASCAR has on its viewers? What other events do you think have some sort of subconscious affect on its consumers?

I agree with Nichole when she says NASCAR is great way for companies to promote their products and services. Having an advertisement on a race car has to be a marketers dream. It is the largest and most popular sport today. Thousands of people go to professional races, and that isn't including even more people who watch it on television. So companies with advertisements on race cars are definitely doing good for themselves.
Personally I cannot stand NASCAR, but I have family in Virginia, who are obsessed with cars. Watching NASCAR to them is like going to church for religious people. My cousin Matt, is obsessed with Dale Earnhardt Jr. I know a couple of years ago he drove a car for AMP energy drink. Matt never used to drink AMP, but as soon as he saw Earnhardt Jr driving for them he had to have one. So I definitely think NASCAR has an affect on its viewers.
I don't know if any other event has such an impact on its viewers as NASCAR.

National Brands

When I was online the other day, I came across an article titled, "Americans Continue to be Loyal to National Brands".
(http://marketingtoday.com/research/roperstarch/americans_loyal_to_nat_brands.htm)
This article was very interesting. It stated that almost half of Americans are indeed loyal to National Brands. National brands can include everything from food, drugs, beauty care, etc... Brands such as Kraft, Old Spice, Gillette, and so on. It also says that National Brand Buyers are more likely to recommend the brands they use, movies they have seen, cars, television shows, etc.
At first I couldn't believe that half of the country bought National items. Then after thinking about the article it was more believable. I know personally when I go to the grocery store I always buy the same brand of ice cream, deodorant, shaving cream and razors, etc. This is just because I am more comfortable when using these products vs. other products.  I don't even think about trying a new product, I just grab what I need and the brand I use. After looking at what my roommates purchased at the store, one of them was the same as me, with the same razors, deodorant, etc. while the other two just bought whatever was on sale that week.
After reviewing this article, I think many people just get so familiar with the products they use it is almost second nature to continue buying the same products.
Are you a National Brand Buyer, or Local Brand Buyer? Why?