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June 28, 2005
Reuters To Offer G-8 Coverage
Live 8 is this weekend and we know everyone and their grandmother will be glued to the television. Though Geldof's 21st century version of Live Aid is commendable, we can't forget the real reason behind Live 8: The G-8 summit.
Reuters will be offering direct daily feeds covering the G-8 summit starting July 6th. You can check it out here.
Posted by Jason at 10:59 AM
June 23, 2005
Putting Your Money Where Your Values Lie
A very nice post by marketing guru, Seth Godin. In My money, your cause, what now? Godin ponders the challenges facing consumers when faced with spending their money on people and companies involved in ethically questionable practices.
I kinda wish he'd shed some light on why he thinks years of consumer apathy is going to change.
Posted by Jason at 3:37 PM | Comments (1)
June 22, 2005
Today was a good day
Many of you have asked me about the status of my 17yr old brother-in-law who was shot a couple of months ago. First of all let me say thank you so much for your concern and support; it really does mean a lot to me.
As for my brother-in-law, after 60+ days in the ICU, we just received the wonderful news that he will be moved to a "step-down" care facility this week. His road to recovery will still be long and difficult but this is a fantastic first step.
The title of this blog is AKA Activist, yet I feel like I haven't been one lately. I guess I'm still trying to figure out what I can do to reduce gun violence in my city. Over the last two months, I've witnessed a number of other young men become victims of gun violence. This dangerous trend needs to stop. I'm thinking of developing a number of PSA's (I'm an interactive designer) but maybe there are better ideas. If you have any, please feel free to share them here.
Again, thank you for your support.
Posted by Jason at 1:04 PM
June 14, 2005
How much is the keyword "democracy" worth in China?
Apparently, nothing.
It would appear that Microsoft feels the same way. Once again Microsoft has left me speechless. You'd think we'd seen it all...I stand corrected. After launching its web portal in China, Microsoft is towing the line on China's speech policies and preventing users from entering key words such as "democracy", "Taiwanese independence" and get this "human rights".
Here's a quote from Adam Sohn, a global sales and marketing director at MSN,"Even with the filters, we're helping millions of people communicate, share stories, share photographs and build relationships. For us, that is the key point here, [that and making boat loads of money]" Okay, he didn't say the last part, but clearly this is where MSN is coming from. Oh, did I mention that Yahoo! and Google agree?
Posted by Jason at 11:45 PM
June 10, 2005
Big Brains At MIT Take On World Energy Crisis
Glad to hear that the smart folk over at MIT have announced the creation of an Energy Resource Council. The goal of the council is to "spearhead efforts to address the world's mounting energy problems."
Now, if we could only get similar initiatives running at places like Harvard's The Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy and the countless law and business schools that produce our politicians and CEOs. Technology is only part of the equation; leadership from within the business, political and media communities is also key.
Thanks to Wolfe for the heads up.
Posted by Jason at 10:10 AM
June 6, 2005
Mapping the Tobacco Industry's New Roadshow
Here's a press release from the Harvard School of Public Health. A new report in the journal ADDICTION, uncovers the continued lengths the tobacco industry has gone to expand its market. The release mentions a newer focus on "product design" as opposed to marketing as a way to encourage smoking among women and girls.
Some of the design changes tobacco researchers have explored include adding appetite suppressants (so they could promote cigarettes as a weight control method), reducing sidestream smoke (less smoke equals healthier product), improving the flavour as well as playing with the shape to make cigarettes "longer and slimmer" in order to "create the illusion of a "healthier" [cigarette]".
To a certain degree, the tobacco industry's actions don't really surprise me; like many North Americans, I've become that jaded. What is disconcerting however is the impact the industry's research could have on women in developing nations. As the release states, female smoking rates are expected to reach 20 percent by 2025...primarily as a result of increased smoking among women in developing nations. Sensing defeat in the U.S and Canada, the tobacco industry is clearly poised to pitch its tent elsewhere where people, especially women, are much less jaded.
Posted by Jason at 9:29 PM
June 3, 2005
People v. Apple: Consumer Activism in Action
As a former fan of Apple (yes, the love affair is over but I still like their products), I'm pleased to report that a tentative settlement on a class-action lawsuit has been met. Although you probably hadn't heard about it as the media was in love with the iPod too, many 1st through 3rd generation iPods shipped with a defective battery; one that failed to last as long as Apple's claims.
Apparently, the suit started with eight consumers and grew. The settlement will offer a $50 voucher and extended warranty to those who file a claim.
As for why I'm a former fan: my iPod died after downloading firmware sent to me by Apple as an update. My warranty had expired and Apple suggested I pay to get it assessed or buy a new one since the prices were comparable.
A quick scan of iPod forums on the Net showed that my problem wasn't an isolated one. When I complained on Apple's discussion forum, my thread was promptly shut down. So much for customer service.
Maybe after today, Apple will think twice about dismissing their fan base.
Posted by Jason at 9:39 AM