What About the Fans?

I found an interesting post about the battle between cable companies and sports networks. Interestingly, DirecTV and Dish Network are able to carry sports channels as part of their basic packages, but service providers can't. However, this issue has been going on for a while. Time Warner Cable's(TWC) failure to carry the NFL Network continues to be a moot point for NFL fans using its services.

Great Service at GameStop

I went to GameStop Sunday, September 16, 2007 to purchase a new Xbox 360 along with a copy of Madden 08'. I brought my new system home, took it out of the box and hooked it up. I played the game for several hours. Overall, I feel the graphics for Madden 08' are really awesome and I would definitely recommend football fans to buy this game.

Unfortunately, I had to stop playing Madden 08' late Sunday evening to get ready for work and go to bed. I planned on playing the game a little bit on Monday night. However, I encountered some technical difficulties (I'm always experiencing technical difficulties with something!). My new Xbox could not read the disc. Therefore, I went up to GameStop where a customer service representative quickly gave me a new copy. I am glad to say this one works fine.

Now I'm writing this post to give GameStop kudos for providing good customer service. I was not expecting the process to be easy. I had my receipt in hand (as always), but I thought it would be a long drawn out process to get an exchange. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to exchange my video game for a new copy hassle- free with no questions asked. I might add that this experience will lead me to do more business with my local GameStop retailer versus their competitors. In addition, I will definitely include GameStop in my list of products and brands which I regularly use and recommend others to try.

Here is an updated list of brands that I recommend using as a result of positive experiences:

1. Pepsi - Good Service
2. Ford - Good products (I own 2006 Ford Explorer and a 2007 Ford Focus) My Ford Focus gets like 35 miles per gallon. I've only filled up twice between August 21, 2007 and September 19, 2007.
3. T-Mobile - Good Service
4. GameStop - Good Service
5. Sibcy Cline - I have a good relationship with my realtor even after purchasing my new home. How good is that?

Here is an updated list of brands that I recommend avoiding as a result of negative experiences:

1. Golds Gym - Very Bad Service.


Overall, I'm interested in finding out other peoples opinions regarding good and bad service experiences. Feel free to leave comments!

New England Patriots SpyGate Video on YouTube

The video shown above posted on September 15, 2007 and already has 96,000+ views. This is clearly an example of a video gone viral. In addition, overall buzz about the New England Patriots has risen significantly since news outlets released information about the New England Patriots stealing signals during its season opener against the New York Jets.

Can "Short Selling" Buzz Predict Market Conditions?

Below is a graph showing some interesting findings comparing discussion about “Short Selling” stock and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) between January 2007 and early September 2007. As you can see, online discussion about “Short Selling” peaks Jan 07’ through March 07' and again June 07’ through August 07’. Interestingly, the DJIA increases between April 07’ – May 07’ when discussion about “Short Selling” goes down. Now I’m not saying online buzz about “Short Selling” is predictive of market conditions, but it warrants attention.



Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this posting or methodology.
Have a good weekend!

Marketrman

NFL Fantasy Football Rap

Here is an interesting video I came across while surfing YouTube.

Nieman Marcus Targets YouTube

I came across an interesting post at Ad Age about Nieman Marcus taking over the front page of YouTube to show consumers its "cool" side. Neiman Marcus chose to market its style savvy to YouTubers, who turn out to be a bit older and wealthier than the typical web surfer.

Here is some interesting demographics information regarding YouTube visitors.




















Visit Ad Age to find out more about Nieman Marcus' venture to YouTube.

Source:Ad Age

McD's Going to McCafe

Are you traveling overseas in the near future? You will soon be able to get your caffeine fix from McDonalds. The company is planning to open hundreds McCafe's serving gourmet coffees in an effort to expand its business globally. But don't count on seeing a McCafe in your neighborhood anytime soon.

"They're going to struggle in the U.S., but they have a great opportunity abroad," said Darren Tristano, exec VP at Technomic, a food-industry research and consulting firm. "Americans are used to spending small amounts at McDonalds, and getting a 99¢ double cheeseburger and kids' meals. McCafé raises the bar. That's a sticking point. It's difficult to get Americans to spend more money because that's not part of their mind-set at McDonald's."

McDonald's is trying to gain momentum in the gourmet coffee arena. It competes against many other businesses such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Burger King vying for customers looking to wake up and eat. Now I must say that McDonalds has come a long way. In fact, McDonalds beat Starbucks in a taste test according to a post at Starbucks Gossip.

I do agree with the results to some extent. But you have to realize that Starbucks is not targeting the same consumers as McDonalds in all cases. Fortunately, I have experience with both companies products and services. McDonalds coffee is very bold and has a lot of aroma. Just add two creams, one sugar and I'm on my way! Additionally, I like its iced coffee selections. However, I give the edge to Starbucks in regards to expresso, latte's, mocha's and other specialty coffee selections.

Source: Ad Age

NFL Fantasy File

I came across a series of intriguing videos by typing "NFL Fantasy Files" at YouTube.com the other day. The videos feature several high profile NFL players performing amazing acts, which seem unreal. In fact, much of the buzz surrounding the videos pertains to fans doubting the content is real. I have my doubts about some of the videos being real also. Nonetheless, they still show NFL players performing some amazing feats.