Bryan Landaburu (aka Reno Bryan, Willie Vega, and Fuze) | Dont call me a blogger

Food for thought Friday - Nestle, know when to fold'em

Since its been...oh months since I've posted, and I am all hopped up on the goofballs (aka the warm afterglow of a successful campaign presentation) so I thought I'd share a little food-for-thought on this fine Friday. From AdFreak, this article about Nestle's desire to put out a fire with gasoline is a nice lesson on how not to respond to criticism.

"The brand's representatives have also lost their patience a few times, snapping back with comments such as this one, which simply must be read in its entirety: "So, let's see, we have to be well-mannered all the time but it's perfectly acceptable to refer to us as everything from idiots right the way down to sons of satan with a few obscenities and strange sexual practices thrown in?" Read David Griner's full article here

Perhaps Nestle has lost their mind? Best advice is given in the article and repeated by many a social media guru[douchebag]: make your point, but know when to walk away. You cant CONTROL an open conversation online (or offline for that matter). Social commentary is a sleeping tiger...the best you can do is try to watch from outside the cage and occasionally toss in a goat (or something), but try to ride the tiger like it's a sedated Shetland pony, or make FAST, and SUDDEN movements, and you're poking a tiger. I think we all know where that leads.

(NOTE: link is not a Tiger Woods reference - but this one is)

Delta and American Airlines continue to underwhelm

Offers that aren't offers. Websites that aren't up to par with hobbyist sites. Charges for your luggage, food, plane detail service fees, etc. All crappy ways to make more money and all reasons that some of Americas largest airlines, in my opinion, are doomed. How long until they start passing the hat through the cabin to collect for de-icing? What about a tip jar outside the cockpit door with a sign that says something clever like, "Support Cockpit Intelligence" or "This shit ain't gonna fly itself". Frankly, it all sucks because it just makes getting places more challenging, and it doesn't need to be this way.

Outside of the aforementioned, the inspiration for this post (and another reason i think they will continue to circle the drain) is their unintelligent electronic marketing. For instance, I have an upcoming business trip to Miami next month. I have a couple fare trackers watching flight segments i like. Today, i got an offer for Florida flight sale. While I THOUGHT maybe it was because i told Delta to watch those flight segments for me, I soon realized on the contrary, it was pure coincidence. I know that because this message and the offer are irrelevant.

Ex. My email

When i clicked through on the offer to look at flights, this was the search result:

Now, Delta knows where i travel to, how often, that my travel is primarily for business, that i pay with a business platinum card (theirs), that i am a registered traveler, and that i have a 6 figure mileage balance. So, if they know all this information, why then, would they send me an offer that has 30 flight options, all with 2 or more stops across the country. Delta, that offer is not for me. That offer is for someone who opted to fly vs take the Greyhound. I dont want to just "get there" I want to get there FAST, and if i can get a deal, so be it.

HEY DELTA: bouncing human bodies through multiple airports and onto segments you cant sell to make travel an all day/night process is NOT A SPECIAL OFFER, its a prison sentence.

- bryan landaburu, passenger

On that topic, American Airlines also has its share of issues. Try to get to NYC from RNO without getting in a puddle jumper at some point. Also, try to navigate their absolutely atrocious website:

Their website and its horrible user interface are so bad that people volunteer to redesign it, FOR FREE. Dustin Curtis, one amazing designer, wrote this post based on his letter to AA after he too was sickened by Americas largest airline company having such a crappy web presence. Here is his redesign...

I guess this post is more of a rant than anything. I get frustrated when companies who have access to hoards of valuable information that they have either collected because you are a loyal customer, or that they have specifically asked you for in the past, don't do anything relevant with that information. Small marketers do a better job than the big guys. If companies like Sojern who don't even know me, can discern enough about me to serve me relevant content throughout my checkin and boarding pass printing processes, why then cant the actual airlines send me email offers that they know I would have a high probability of accepting?

In contrast to the two examples above, new comers Virgin America and JetBlue buck these trends. And then there is the beloved price-performer Southwest, with its fantastic websites, a great social media strategy, low fares, no frills airline with serious business plans and a great sense of humor. They don't charge for bags, changes, etc, and since 1967, they have taken marketing very seriously. Here is their latest email offer from this week. In this email they did their best with what they know about me:

So i clicked through as they asked me to, and it brought me to a screen displaying what they know about me and allowed me to provide additional information on my preferences:

With this information updated, I GUARANTEE that they will send me relevant emails for the destinations and interests I have, taking into account my mileage points, status, frequent trips, etc. That's how it is supposed to be. I call that FULL SERVICE and that's just one reason i am loyal to them.

Much like everything in society we are going to see a trend to move to high-end/high-service and super-value for less service. The middle ground, mediocrity, will be extinguished and vanish, thankfully. Give me premium service and i will pay for it. Present me a relevant value, don't insult me in the process, dont try to trick me (you scalawags), and my bargain hunter side will take it. Know who the hell i am, and i will reward you with my patronage, hard, hard earned monies, and loyalty. I cannot be alone in this thought and purchase process.

Anyway, I have taken quite a break from my blog. Primarily because i am busy and secondarily because i haven't had the energy. Hopefully i can get back into it here. We'll see.

Till then...happy trails, and happy holidays.

B

I love thinking about the future...

This could be a monster post, but i am on deadline so i dont have time to play a futurist myself today.  I did however come across a cool Microsoft ad that predicts our lives in 2019.  The funny thing about the video is that in the past, this would have all seemed like pipe dream and crazy-talk.  Think about explaining the iPhone to someone back in 1999. Their head would have spun.  Dont forget the bold predictions of AT&T "You Will..." spots (narrated by the great Magnum PI) way back in 1993. It was quite futurist, and frankly, all true. So give it a watch and see if you can fathom how some of these ideas would work.  To me, most of the things they show could be feasible today.

While our lives are all being changed, our lives still go on.  Look forward...

Bryan

It's Baseball Season

While it annoys me that every year i have to buy, and re-learn the new MLB baseball game for the XBOX 360 but I do it because dammit the virtual technology fascinates me.  Anyway, a great new TV spot from Ground Zero (agency) for MLB2K9 from 2K Sports, features Giants 24yo superstar Tim Lincecum. Not only is it cool that he's a Giants starting pitcher, but that he was picked for the cover over veteran superstars like Jeter, ManRam, etc,  Ground Zero came up with a concept thats actually pretty damn funny. Be sure to check out the behind the scenes over on 2K Sports site on how they make those characters. Amazing.

courtesy of AdGabber

I am so ready for spring, and likewise SF Giants Opening day.  I hope they have Lincecum on the mound because he's been lights-out in spring training.

Anyway, i have 20 deadlines today so I'm keeping this brief.

Play Ball!

B

Dearest Christina, another home run.

There's little that Ms. Aguilera could do that i would call wrong in my book. Ever since she adorned those chaps in the "dirty" video, she won my heart. In addition, she and her husband Jordan*** stay out of the limelight for the most part and seem happy. She seems like a good mom. She's actually talented. And, she promotes herself and her endorsed products in very unique ways. The video below exemplifies what a creative approach to a perfume launch looks like...and in Israel no less. Outlined as a campaign case study so if you arent interested in advertising, and rather, youre looking to see some new footage on hot-mom, i am sad to say that this will disappoint. However, if you're in advertising and claim to do unique campaigns...chew on this:



Wonder what it smells like? Interpret that however you like. Just for a contrast, here's how P.Diddy launches his Unforgivable new stink (note: "Blue Steel" at :38 and the elegantly arrogant "look-back" at :55 make this worth watching).  What do you think sold more?

B

***On the name "Jordan": unless that is preceded by "Michael", or you're a female British model, I've never met a "Jordan" I like. Just sayin.

Happiness, prosperity, woozals.

This week has sucked...and its Tuesday. I have been fighting a migraine for two days now and its lingering here like an unwanted house guest that waxed their Camaro with your good towels. I have been cursed with headaches all my life but i haven't had one in quite some time.  Something this week triggered it.  Not sure what, but i wish it gone.

Anyway, I have long been a believer in the concept of karma and the fact that what goes around, comes around.  Sometimes that's true, sometimes it isn't. Does everyone who deserves a bad turn get one? No. Does everyone that deserves happiness actually find it? No. Happiness is elusive...like the Woozals.

Life evolves and you either surf along or crash and burn. For me I became pessimistic about whats comin' down the pipe, what my outlook is for our economy, and what the likelihood of finding true contentment and balance in my life would be.  At times it all seems like a long shot, but there are strong elements of my life, both business and personal, that I try very hard to stay focused on because not everything is grim, doom & gloom.

Tonight i did a little roots revisit.  Had dinner at my mom & dads with my son. Like a big happy family of the 60's we ate our home cooked meal that only your mom makes, and watched President Obamas address to congress on the TV box. It feels good...that simplicity. So lucky I am to have the family I do.

I have to admit when i hear the president speak, I believe him. You can say what you want about hot air, fancy talk, democrat/republican, or whatever, but if someone doesn't inspire hope, then all the policies in the world wont bring a nation/world together. When you look at how he looks at his wife, it conveys a sense of family, and love, and togetherness. Those values arent laced to someone telling me about "their god", telling me how to live or what to believe, they are just core family values that got lost in the shuffle over the last decade or so. That sort of thing inspires me as much as any policy or stimulus package does. Simple values, real stories, real life...its motivating and grounding. I am not a political person but I thought it was a good speech, and I feel that someone with the power and charisma to evoke change, is leading our ship.

I strongly believe in positioning and establishing your true direction, now more than ever, is critical important.  We are doing this at Fuze as we shift directions for the company, narrow focus, expand our reach, cut costs, establish new partnerships and alliances, and implement new standards/procedures/platforms. This all will enable us to be more agile and service our clients better than ever before. Another big part of that is re-explaining to the clients we already have what it is we CAN do, well. There's a LOT longer version to this story, but just like the local/global economy, the Fuze universe was spun on its head in 2008. When that happens you have the option to huck in the towel, cry poor me, or alternatively to get off your ass, realize business isnt always easy, accept the challenge, and change the fundamental way you do business, approach clients, and affirm relationships.

We have some great project stories to share from small to large...companies ARE actually doing things. Bigger prosperity is someplace ahead and we fully intend to be around to capitalize when the shift happens. I will share the entire story of what we are doing here, soon.

Whats your point Bryan?
Ohhh fuckit, this post is going nowhere. I'm rambling and not getting to an end so I'm hitting EJECT.  Maybe I'll come back here and complete where i was going, or maybe I'll just let it sit here like a crappy outlined tattoo that needs finishwork.  I have 100 things to do tonight, time for 2, I need to get back to work.  Sorry my 10's of readers...more coming on the topics of Sparks City rebrand, Fuze rebuilding, partnering, what makes a good client, and a book I want to write...all in time.

Oh, before I go and please join me in supporting Nevada New Media Summit, and Ignite Reno.  These are both great events and great organizations for our community. Several Fuzians including myself are involved, and the content of both is good so if you can attend, or get involved, please do.

Ever forward...

B

PS to Clients:
This is how not to write a good blog post.  I give this a D...nay an F.

New Jott v2.0 App for the iPhone, kicks ass.

I have been a fan of Jott since it came out some time ago.  I use it quite regularly.  I also became a paid subscriber when they moved to that model.  In my opinion, even my occasional use makes it worth while to be able to message my contacts, teams, family, bookie, etc, while driving, walking through an airport, or anyplace that thumb typing is too cumbersome, and i am not at a computer.  Anyhoo...they just released a new and VASTLY updated iPhone app that is about as sexy as you get.  Here is a short video on the new features:

If you havent tried Jott, they still have a free version so you can take it for a spin.  Though, you will quickly see the benefits of upgrading.

Twitter your Facebook, hands free. [Cheeky]

Enjoy.

B

Where are you from, really?

When I feel the most overwhelmed with life and times I like to look back to where I've come from. I think there are many misconceptions about where people are from but it's our past that makes us who we are. I'm on a plane headed back to New York for Inman Real Estate Connect where the global gurus of real estate meet to hypothesize on the future of residential real estate and the modern ways to market your business, and brand you. I'm not flying with the usual excitement that I fly with when I head to one of the greatest cities in the world. I am on a strict and tight budget. Being in Manhattan is a $500/day decision so you must maximize the time. Still, it's worth the investment of time and money to "be about it" vs talk about it.

I remain personally overwhelmed with all that's going on these days. Yesterday was my only day in the office for the week. I am coming off 3 nights getting to bed at 4am (wish it was because I was out partying). Trying to get year end billing done, organize finances, be a good leader, keep up with email, maintain my relationship, be a good dad...all these are important and time consuming. All are necessary and all worth doing. The hours do tick off quick, and I know I need rest, but the night shift is really the only place I can even attempt to focus on my tasks at hand. A single day in the office for someone like me is a curse in a way. It's impossible to get it all done which creates stress. Reflection and "plane time" help me crave the bright spots in my life, my grounding, my focus. It also makes me liken back to a time when life was so, so simple...childhood.

Where did I come from?
I was born a poor white kid, raised in Sparks, Nevada. And, while I have maintained second homes in other cities, Reno has always been my true home. It is a bit hard for many to understand that the Fuze offices are a mere couple blocks away from where I grew up. My childhood home was 309 K Street in Sparks, Nevada, USA (see photo). As I drove in to the office Monday I decided to detour by my childhood home. If you haven't done that, you should (if you can). K street is where I lived from 0-15 years of age. Our home was 1000 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. We had a 1-car garage. I shared a room with by brother Todd until I started high school. I've driven down my childhood street many times. The neighborhood seemed so much bigger when I was a kid. I look at the little house we had and I am amazed. When I was little, the yard seemed giant. The space between the houses seemed to be like a football pitch. My trees seemed to reach to heaven. When I look at it now I realize that it was all, in reality, tiny. Yet, when I was there...I never felt alone, or deprived of anything. In fact, I always felt like we lived in the center of the world. What we lacked in amenities, we had in family, friendships, and love. Trite as that may seem, we figured out how to make things fun. Life was just simple.

As a father, I struggle with being a good mentor, provider and to give my son everything in life he could ever desire. But, the complexity of that cause periods of overwhelm. Our current economic times have many folks thinking back to simplicity, core, value, importance. It's good for us, all. So much excess and nothing that matters. As a for instance, u could fit 4 of my childhood homes inside the home my son and I live in now. I have a commercial kitchen in my home that rarely ever cook in. One of my cars cost 5 times what my dad paid for 309 K in 1970. I am not bragging. I work my ass off. You want it, go get it. But, there's a trade...and I'm realizing it now more than ever as I work on cutting expenses. Think about how you live as an adult vs. how you lived as a kid. As someone who was born with a Raley's freebie spoon in my mouth vs the silver variety, I feel like refocusing, something I speak about often (like here, and here, etc.) is a constant goal of mine. Stick to what's important. Love those who love you, without condition. Without exception. In them you find your core, who you are. And, really, shit else matters. I teach my son to be a good person first and to never feel like he is better than any other person in spite of what privileges he may enjoy. He shouldn't necessarily follow in my footsteps. There are simpler ways to live.

Well, we are about to land here. 36 kevin dee-grees. Cold. Ok, I'm ready to turn on my game face, shake hands and make it rain. If you care to share, I'd be interested in hearing other peoples stories on how they grew up and how they live now. Are you living like you did as a kid or have you stretched it out like me?

Updates from the city to come. Won't be any fine dining at Del Friscos, or Cipriani for me this week. I'm goin on the cheap. That's just fine with me...it's still New York.

Live swell.

B

PS
I punched this out on my iPhone in the typepad app. Sorry for the typos.

But, what if customers say something bad about us? Intel wants to know.

I came across this post from David Griner that is a-buzz in the Social space because it outlines what Intel's Social Media Strategy/Policy is.  Suffice it to say, its pretty awesome and very ballzie.  When we talk to clients about developing a strategy, even a simple one, they often push back with comments like:

"What if people oppose us, or worse, say something nasty? How will we deal with that? What will people think? What if our customers/competitors/my aunt Peg/etc. see what people are saying? Cant they use it against us?"

While this apprehension is understandable, the answer to all these questions is...so what! Transparency and authenticity are all that matter in business and life. Davids post about Intel shows a truly forward thinking company embracing the new rules and giving their employees liberty and procedures for getting involved.  Its actually amazing, really amazing.

Here are a couple of my favorite elements (or you can read the entire post here):

On transparency:
If you are blogging about your work at Intel, use your real name, identify that you work for Intel, and be clear about your role. If you have a vested interest in something you are discussing, be the first to point it out.

On perception:
In online social networks, the lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred. Just by identifying yourself as an Intel employee, you are creating perceptions about Intel by our shareholders, customers, and the general public—and perceptions about you by your colleagues and managers. Do us all proud. Be sure that all content associated with you is consistent with your work and with Intel's values and professional standards.

On starting conversations:
Don't be afraid to bring in your own personality and say what's on your mind. Consider content that's open-ended and invites response. Encourage comments.

There are a lot of examples of businesses embrasing this. I have had direct conversations with people (even executives) with Zappos, BestBuy, Crutchfield, and many others.  These big and agressive companies are realizing what power in the hands of few mean.  They monitor things being said, and dont try to control a conversation...rather they participate, interact.  That's what it's all about right?  For instance, over Twitter, I gave Tony (Zappos CEO) feedback on his new iPhone interface for the Zappos site. He sent out a note for folks to test the new iphone.zappos.com and I, much like many of his followers, provided him instant feedback. Here it is:

Tony can take this feedback, along with the surely hoards of others from consumers, geeks, UI folks, etc. and give it to his developers.  He also, replied to me here:

If big companies can do this, why then, if you work for a small/medium business would you not follow suit?  No time? No talent? No interest?  I'm telling you, everyone, every business, if you don't participate in this new game, you can turn in your iron, shoe, and race car, not pass Go, and not collect your $200.

Live social.

B

PS
instead of copying this post, how about commenting on it. pricks. you know who you are.

Merry F---ing Christmas - sharing a story

The following photo and conversation exchange were sent to me this morning by our Creative Director Calder Chism and were between he and his son. Calder has been married for a long time so he is fully prepared to decorate the day after Thanksgiving, much like my father, and many of our assimilated fathers and grandfathers are. Its a crappy [cyber]Monday for me and this made me laugh so I just had to pass it along.

(the chism festivus house)

Will: "Daddy, why are the Christmas lights off in some parts?"
Calder: "Because God hates me."
Will: "God doesn't hate you. He loves you because you're so tall."

I just love the minds of children. Thanks for the chuckle Calder. 

Bry

Nike Back With Good TV - LeBron James "Chalk"

I always love TV spots that evoke emotion. Well, i suppose anything that stirs emotion is good and in advertising it is all too lacking.  Nike and Wieden+Kennedy produced a killer spot for King James that they collectively call "Chalk".

Cool cutaways, great use of kids, nice inspiration, good message, excellent production.

Nike ad's used to be the first ones that broke out as entertainment and you would watch for them on TV, hoping to catch the next over the top spot.  The last couple years they have been a little all over the place as other companies have stepped it up.  So I will conclude with the fact that it's nice to see a really good spot from W+K & Nike.

B

Fortune Small Business: Anxiety, Fear, Good? (I am "Sherman")

If you own a small business and don't read Fortune Small Business, you are missing out on a great publication. As i have stated before, I get more publication/article/blog/rss/email/twitter/facebook/linkedin/plaxo/everydamnsocialmediasiteontheplanet/etc., overloaded every hour, day, week, month, year. Part is a craving to be in the know, part is insanity, part is morbid curiosity. Whatever it is, i still have literal boxes of magazines (dating back to my original post) that I have not read. I dont have time. I do, however, read Fortune Small Business, for some reason, the day it shows up. I read it because I find the publication real, and speaking directly to me, and frankly more than ever before with this article on Entrepreneurs and Fear/Anxiety.

Article Link: What entrepreneurs are feeling: Fear
by Alexander Stein

In this article, I am the "Sherman" which the author refers to. I am him. Read the article and you will understand.  I realized that I have become him, within the last year. There is one particularly telling paragraph in this article:

"Business owners may be particularly susceptible to the corrosive effects of fear and anxiety because they're professionally more isolated than most, having no peers or superiors, only employees, clients and competitors. Especially in high-stress situations, having a trusted confidant can make all the difference..."

I'll add to the list above: vendors, contractors, and the government (local & federal). This isolation is absolutely the feeling I have every day I go to work so I rely on my confidants as well. Mine are a mix of mentors, friends, like minded colleagues...people who understand me on the levels that I let them. They help talk me off the ledge, metaphorically of course (Fuze occupies the second floor so a ledge-leap, is nothing more than a faster route than taking the stairs). Still, this feeling of incredible isolation does come into play from time to time, and with the current state of economy and business, I feel these feelings more than i used to.

The article continues and i arrive at these paragraphs that describe why "Sherman/I" think and behave the way I do:

"As a group, entrepreneurs are more likely than not to feel comfortable in crisis situations...that's fine, as long as being an adrenaline junkie works for you...

What's not working for Sherman is his unconscious confusion of the past and the present. Emotionally, he's convinced that his business isn't temporarily faltering in a recession environment but failing altogether because he didn't heed his father's dire warnings about financial overextension. He identifies late-paying clients with his domineering, unappreciative mother. Frustrating business transactions become recurrences of traumatic rejection. No wonder he's anxious."

In these dramatic examples the article hit home for me. I am riddled with anxiety and fear from time to time, but in the same respect, I thrive in the face of chaos. I cannot think of a single presentation/pitch that i didn't wrap up seconds before jumping in the car, on a plane, or in the case of my last presentation to a group at Artown, I was updating the slides as we were setting up. Not to say I don't research, pine over, and prepare, but when I put my thoughts down and decide what to present, its always at the last minute. I think its because i know my propensity to be distracted by shiny objects.  When you have no time, you cant accept distraction. This is how I work best, the greater the pressure, the more I focus. The more challenging the situation, the more I shine. It works for me, and its how I do MY best work. This doesn't work for everyone.

I often joke here on my blog and in person about the joy/curse of owning your own business and running your own show. There is no safety net, no gov'ment cheese, and you have many, many peoples lives in your hands. The Fuze family is over 30 peolpe, when you take into account our kids, spouses, significant others, etc. That's a lot of responsibility...and we're the small guys. This is my balance act and something that I feel causes me the greatest anxiety: one day, will my race to the finish come up short on the face of the landing and will i let down all these people around me who see me as the leader, friend, partner to which they've hitched their wagon. More[most] importantly, what example do I set for my own son if I fail? There, friends, is the source of all my stress/anxiety/fear.

I encourage any would-be or current small business owners to read this column, and to pick up FSB. The article here wont solve your problems, but it may help you understand some things about yourself as you relate the words to you. Ive got a late night here tonight...with 20oz of wonderful Americano by my side, i will plow through some bills, organize tomorrow, and keep looking forward to the future.

Have a happy Thanksgiving all. 

B

PS
I think we are launching a new website(s) next week...that's the rumor is anyway. We're actually doing ours a little different than most. You'll get to watch us do the whole thing. Riveting.

Sirius XM Merger Great (in theory) but shit really, for subscribers.

I am a subscriber and early adopter of Satellite radio. I was right there with a Sirius subscription in hand when my hero Howard Stern left terrestrial radio in the biggest media frenzy, and biggest contract ever signed by a radio personality.  I have had Sirius in 2 cars and at home on a Tivoli for years.  Recently i purchased a GM model luxury SUV (he who shall not be named) and it came with XM only.  So, of course i activated this subscription and i have to say that i enjoy the programming more.  Here is my take on each of these companies, and why neither was fulfilling my desires:

Sirius Satellite Radio

• Howard Stern - Hands down the main reason i signed up. They also have NFL, NASCAR, and other exclusives which i don't care about. 
• Faction - enjoy this station because of Ellis, Bam, Tony Hawk, etc.
• Radio programming (music channels) isn't that great.  A LOT of repetition on the music channels
• Overall i think its ok, but...
• No MLB - this sucks.  I drive a lot and LOVE listening to baseball games. XM has em, Sirius doesn't. This blows.  But, they have Howard so i keep it.
• Pause/Record - The device at the office and in one car allows me to pause/rewind, the broadcast, even record it, like a Tivo/DVR. That rocks.

XM Radio

• Forced on you by GM
• Music stations are better.  Less repetition, more variety, better distinction between genres.  All around better than Sirius
• MLB - they have the MLB contract so you can listen to literally EVERY MLB game that is live.  This kicks ass
• No Howard Stern - not an option.
• aside - the XMradio.com website is mostly flash making it useless on a mobile device. nice job dolts.

Both

• They both, just like my cable provider at home, have crap loads of useless (to me) stations that are there for the sake of filler.  They suck.  I wish, like i wish at home, that i could pick the 10 channels i want to watch and put the rest in the recycler.
• Both have streaming websites but neither has an iTunes integration - this is lame
• Both charge for EVERY radio, so, my monthly nut for my "radio privileges" is: $48. A lot these days for a passive bit of entertainment
• Both, 100%, without question, are 10,000 times better than any terrestrial radio feed on the planet.  I haven't listened to regular radio since the day i switched with the one exception, the Adam Carolla Show, which i listen to at drive time, and then quickly turn off after 10am PST. See, i enjoy Howard stern in the morning, but on satellite with an east and west feed, plus a repeat, i can listen to that daily show whenever i want.

Ok enough of the review...here's why i am pissed.  I am pissed because i have both of these dumb services, and i pay them the afore mentioned $48/month for services.  When they merged i expected this to be my hay day.  All the things i am missing from each will be fulfilled. All my fantasies of radio coming true.  Life is grand.  BULL SHIT!  Here's how they did it:

• No notification in writing or email that this was happening...it just "did".
• No explanation of how it was going down or how, as a subscriber, i was supposed to receive the new channel line up or how it was going to effect my devices
• Ok, the stations are there on both (they picked a Sirius heavy music line up which blows, and they didn't give us a chance to vote), but some are missing...hmm.
• Yes, i cannot listen to Howard Stern on XM, even though i am a Sirius subscriber and an XM subscriber...if i want the "best of Sirius" or the "best of XM" I have to PAY MORE, and not just more one time, more on EVERY DEVICE I HAVE.  This sucks you pricks!

These asshole companies wanted us to fight for them in congress and with the FCC. They want us to bandwagon and evangelize their service. But, this merger, once passed is just going to cost me MORE MONEY.  It doesn't benefit me AT ALL! If i want Howard stern on my XM device, i have to pay a new premium (note, this link isn't direct because XM jackasses built their site in flash) if I wanted MLB on my Sirius devices, i have to pay an additional premium.  This seems like racketeering and i am pissed...why?  Because i am probably going to forgo another tipple latte/month and pay! But, i am going to cancel some of my cars which is an inconvenience for me. Frankly i cant justify this much outgoing for the privilege of their feed.  It could have gone down so much simpler, and they could have built such a groundswell without raising prices at a time where people are killing EVERY SINGLE UNNECESSARY expense. Wanna hear my concocted[perfect] scenario:

Bryan's Awesome Deal | A Satellite Service (which carries the acronym: BADASS)

• I pay a family plan and get 5 devices for a reduced fee - encouraging me to spread the word.
• Different programming could be controlled by the subscriber at each device (parental controls and minimizing the station count so I can scroll through them faster).
• All the channels are there, or, i get the option on my plan to choose the stations i want and pay only for them. Currently you cant OPT OUT of a channel, but on BADASS you can kill all the gospel, country music, political slur, all pop music, and the lame ass overpaid radio personalities who have a place on Sirius and XM.
• No Oprah (and any of her associated nonsense (NOprah))
• No Martha Stewart (better than Oprah, but still see above)
• No Playboy channel (seems controversial from a red-blooded male, but this is as watered down as the brand is...maybe even worse)
• I would develop a pyramid scheme for billing...every person a subscriber refers reduces their monthly...worked for Amway, why not radio.
• I get to stream from my iPhone with a 3G or WiFi connection
• I can only be authenticated in 5 places (including my streams) - meaning i have a 5 user license
• I can be authenticated in iTunes and play through iTunes as a device
• The premium (if we must charge) content should come AD FREE - currently to listen to Howard Stern, BTLS, MLB, etc. you have to sit through commercials, just like regular radio.
• When i sell a car, or want to turn on/off a device, i can do so on an easy to navigate, standards compliant website that works on all screens.
• When new content is added, and new software is available, it streams right through to the device (like an iPhone)
• My services and traffic and the like will be GEO TARGETED, using those fancy satellites to do something more than stream, how about real time traffic on my Nav, how about Nav period? Maybe a concierge concept powered by Yelp.
• I would have a limited Internet browser on the next gen device, for sure hands down. Voice commanded.

Thats just my roll out plan developed in the heat of this post.  I am full of [shit]ideas so just ask you SiriusXM jerks. The process you are going through turned from something i was excited about, talked about, and wished for, to something i am confused about, angry about, and frankly, considering taking away subscriptions.  Is that what you wanted you scallywags?

I have to go, I need to go find my radio ID and try to make Howard come on in my SUV by the morning...any bets on how much it will cost, how many phone calls, and how much time (that I don't have) this will take?

SUCKIT Sirius XM.  If there was an alternative, I would consider it.

Signed,

Disgruntled BADASS

Now here's a novel concept, anyone remember Sears LAYAWAY?

Back in the 70's I used to look through the JC Penny, Spiegel, Sears, etc, catalogs about this time and pick out the hero toy of the season.  To afford said toy for my brother and I my not-rich parents would use something called LAYAWAY to acquire the toy for us before Santa Day.  For those of you that haven't ever heard of this, its a concept where you actually pay for something BEFORE you take it from the store. This little known concept went the way of the dodo during the decades of decadence that happened from the 90's to present. Credit cards and home equity made Christmas' quite bright all over the US in the last decade, but here we sit all broken hearted and this year retail will be a different scene.  To address this, while JT was bringin sexy back, Sears is bringin Layaway back:

Is this a sign of true change? Why do i comment on Sears email so much?  I dont know the answer of either, i just know that this is an email you would have never seen 2 years ago.

Lemme put a lil sumthin' on it...

BL

Christina Aguilera for Target | Yes Please.

I will be shopping at Target almost specifically because of this ad. Cole needs a Big Wheel and I heard Target has the original artifacts. Anyway, the spot below featuring one of the hottest mommies ever, Christina Aguilera, is awesome on so many levels:

courtesy of AdGabber

I love comic books. Reminds me a little of Sin City (where I feel in love with Jessica Alba). Which also reminds me, can't Frank Miller & Robert Rodriguez release Sin City 2 faster? Waiting till 2010 seems a tad excessive to me.

Something fun here for hump-day at the Fuze. Back to wireframes...

B