This is a question Capital One asks consumers in its popular series of television ads promoting their brand of credit cards. However, on Saturday, November 5th, 2011, in honor of Bank Transfer Day, consumers were more likely symbolically saying “Remember Remember the Fifth of November!”
This refrain is the opening line of a popular English rhyme celebrating Guy Fawkes’ Day (a commemoration of the November 5, 1605 “Gunpowder Plot” intended to blow up the English Parliament). The poem and the date have since evolved into a rallying cry against oppression and government abuse of its citizens.
Interestingly, the logo being used for Bank Transfer Day is based on the design of Guy Fawkes masks which are also worn to commemorate the celebration — and have also been used by #OccupyWallStreet participants (though Christian’s efforts are not directly connected to that consumer movement).
The poem and the ideals it embodies were also popularized in the 2006 film “V for Vendetta” which was based on a series of graphic novels of the same name written by by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. Hugo Weaving portrayed the character who delivered the famous poem in the scene below:
Will Bank Transfer Day be successful? Predictably, banks have not commented in public, but financial institutions must disclose their deposits every three months to comply with federal regulations, so perhaps we will know more about the impact of Bank Transfer Day in February 2012?
Regardless of the actual financial impact, however, Bank Transfer Day represents a positive and productive paradigm of consumer activism.
In many ways it was similarly inspired, though with much more bite than the bark in my December 25, 2008 parody of the bank bailouts, “‘Twas The Night Before Bailout!“
In closing, with Bank Transfer Day upon us, perhaps the more relevant question today is “Where’s your wallet?”
On December 26, 2008 a Kirby vacuum cleaner salesman came to my door, offering to give a “free demo” of their latest product — the Kirby Sentria.
Having experienced such an event literally six months prior (without purchasing the vacuum) I was a bit hesitant. However, considering I teach marketing courses, I agreed to let him in so long as I could video tape his presentation for educational purposes. We set a time and I “set the stage” in my house.
His entire presentation was over an hour-long and the video of his presentation is a considerably shortened version of his lengthy sales pitch. The salesman went to great lengths to demonstrate the difference between his vacuum and mine.
His main argument was that, due to the way by which most traditional vacuums are designed and the ineffective way by which they function, I would eventually spend more on new carpet and replacement vacuums than I would if I bought the machine from him that day.
Kirby’s vacuums are expensive — $2595 was the retail price I was given, as much as my first car! So, the salesmen are trained in very “old school” sales tactics to convince prospective buyers that the product’s benefits outweigh the exorbitant cost.
Overall, I was impressed with the salesman’s presentation, despite my decision to (again) not purchase the product. He was informative, friendly and professional. He successfully demonstrated the value of the machine, but there was no way, despite his cleverly crafted pitch, that I would ever spend that much on a vacuum.
In closing, I just have one question: “Can I welcome you to the Kirby family?”
If you would like an invitation to join, please contact me with your e-mail and, once there are more spots available, I will send you one. When I first signed up yesterday morning there were invitations to be had, but 12 hours later, when I endeavored to invite a friend, the option was no longer there.
It appears the system is once again closed to new users to prevent overwhelming the servers. Of course, the secondary benefit mirrors the most basic tenet of economics: scarcity drives demand.
Clearly, there is significant interest in this latest social media initiative from Google. With some of their more recent efforts — Wave and Buzz — seeming to have disappeared before the end of their first act, it will be interesting to see what happens with Google+.
I have taken Google+ for a few short test drives so far, but nothing too in depth. At the moment Google+ strikes me as very similar in almost every functional way to Facebook, though with the trademark Google simplicity of design and interface. I like the threaded discussions (as in Facebook) but for some reason it seems more free and open like Twitter.
Some specific thoughts:
Sparks: I signed up for a half-dozen “Sparks” (news feeds about topics in which I am interested).
Circles: I have also explored some of the posts of people in my “Circles” (groups of people I can define and to whom I can share content differently — like Facebook’s Lists).
Hangout: I haven’t yet chosen to “hangout” with anyone (group video chatting allowing up to 10 users at once).
Huddle: I also have not yet “huddled” (a group messaging function that lets users share information with certain “Circles”).
One additional improvement I discovered is that you can edit an update once it has been added — something you can only do in Facebook immediately after you post it. I can’t say that I see it as a “Facebook killer” yet but it is far too early to pass judgment. It definitely has potential to make a difference.
For some reason, despite its prowess elsewhere online, Google has struggled with creating a widely used social media platform. I wish them well in this endeavor. Generally speaking I am an admirer — and user — of many of Google’s services (it’s hard not to be given their extensive involvement in everything Internet).
In March I began using an Android-powered phone and to say I am overwhelmingly impressed would be an understatement. Previously I used a BlackBerry and while it was good, it was not great. Android’s functionality and features quite simply blow me away.
In May I began using Gmail more heavily after a new laptop failed and I needed a temporary solution to remain in communication with the outside world while I limped along with my old laptop. Once I began using Gmail to send and receive e-mail from my POP account, I suddenly realized the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.
Notably, I really appreciate the immediate integration of my calendar and contacts between my phone and my Gmail account online. This was always an arduous task with my BlackBerry and one of my chief frustrations (in addition to my Curve 8330 being vastly under-powered and unable to run more than two applications at once).
I have also discovered the ease with which I can save documents online and forego the need for a USB drive (for most cases). There are numerous other features offered by Google but those are just a few that I actively use.
One thing I do like about Google+ is that it integrates with all of these existing tools that I already use. Again, the idea of efficiency, immediacy and interactivity offered by Google+ with other Google products. Overall, I am unsure what will come of Google+ and what to expect from it. I am also unsure in what way, if at all, it will change my social media practices and priorities.
As it is, I am using social media more selectively and strategicially, though I still find incredible value in my Twitter accounts (I use @MatthewAGilbert and @doctorious the most regularly) and Facebook; both allow me to learn and share knowledge while making professional and personal connections that have enriched my life.
I also continue to teach several courses that directly or indirectly deal with social media and it’s impact on industries and individuals. Social media continues to evolve into an undeniable cultural and commercial force and my being able to teach it is a great way to continue learning about it.
Looking forward, I am intrigued and excited to find out what will become of Google+. For more information about it, you might want to explore this CrunchBase profile for Google+ — I found it useful.
The video below also offers a general overview of the service:
Whenever or if ever you join Google+, I look forward to connecting with you there and/or engaging with you about it here!
This is a question Capital One asks consumers in its popular series of television ads promoting their brand of credit cards. However, on Saturday, November 5th, 2011, in honor of Bank Transfer Day, consumers were more likely symbolically saying “Remember Remember the Fifth of November!”
