This, Not That

If you do not agree with me on these topics, please refrain from reading my blog…

Kidding. Please continue, because you are one of few readers. Hooray for varying opinions and subjectivity.

1) Spotify, not Pandora

WHY: You can build your own playlists and download entire albums at a time. You also have the option of purchasing an account with no advertisements on Spotify (ironic how I avoid those, seeing as that is the industry in which I’m trying to pursue a job).

2) Delta, not Southwest

WHY: Because I’m from Atlanta, and so is Delta. Plus, I’ve been flying with them since I was a fetus. Told you this would be subjective.

3) Google, not Bing

WHY: “I’m gonna Bing it,” said no one ever.

4) Apple, not Microsoft

WHY: iPhone, iPad, MacBook (Pro, Air, etc.) , iPod, Apple TV… do I need to go on?

5) Target, not Walmart

WHY: Refer to the related blog post on this subject.

6) Dick’s Sporting Goods, not Sports Authority

WHY: Maybe the store should be called “Lack of Inventory and Customer Service” Authority.

7) Disney World, not Six Flags

WHY: I hate roller coasters so much. Disney World has more variety in their rides. Also, it makes me feel like my only worry in the world is which ice cream flavor I should get, instead of which ride is going to send me flying into the air toward my inevitable death.

8) CVS, not Walgreens

WHY: Walgreens was the new kid on the block in my neighborhood growing up. I didn’t like it. The End.

9) Willy’s Mexicana Grill, not Moe’s Southwest Grill

WHY: My friends know how much I truly believe in this. It is a loyalty buried deep down in my soul stemming from the fact that a) Willy’s has better cheese dip and b) Willy’s has better everything else, too.

10) Domino’s, not Papa John’s

WHY: Garlic crust. C’mon.

11) Publix, not Kroger

WHY: “Where Shopping Is A Pleasure” (that’s what I need) vs. “Right Store. Right Price” (snore). Also, Publix subs cannot be beaten.

12) Nike, not Adidas

WHY: Girl moment: Nike shorts and Nike shoes are the best. Boy moment: Nike is endorsed by athletes like Michael Jordan, Rory McIlroy and Roger Federer.

13) TJ Maxx, not Marshall’s

WHY: I know they are basically the same store to most people, but in my opinion, TJ Maxx is far better organized and clean while also having better options.

14) Dove, not Secret

WHY: Dove makes deodorant, hair products AND soap. Boom.

15) AT&T, not Verizon

WHY: I’ve been an AT&T customer since I got my first cell phone, so yeah, this is obviously biased. Also, AT&T has the greatest cable service ever, otherwise known as U-Verse. I don’t see Verizon pulling out any stops for cable.

16) Coca-Cola, not Pepsi

WHY: If you need an explanation, shame on you.

17) Chick-fil-a, not [insert any other fast food chain]

WHY: Don’t get me wrong; I like many other fast food restaurants. However, Chick-fil-a invented the chicken sandwich and the chicken biscuit. Everyone else is a poser.

18) People Magazine, not Us Weekly

WHY: I have an inexplicable loyalty to and deep trust of People Magazine.

19) Ben & Jerry’s, not Haagen Dazs

WHY: One word: “core” – Google that word with Ben & Jerry’s. You’re welcome.

20) Amazon, not eBay

WHY: Amazon has the option of personally selling your x, y, and z just like eBay. But if you’re the buyer, you don’t have to have an occasional panic attack about a bid war with some 12 year old in Indonesia.

21) Instagram, not Facebook

WHY: I’m aware that Facebook now owns Instagram, but if you keep the two entities separate, Instagram is the clear winner. The only things people care about on Facebook, photos, are the only focus of Instagram. No more invitations to “like” a page dedicated to lamps.

22) Cinnamon Toast Crunch, not Golden Grahams

WHY: This is a clear rip-off. You’re not fooling anyone, GG.

23) Netflix, not Hulu Plus

WHY: Hulu Plus does not have its own various television series that have won Emmys.

24) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, not Jimmy Kimmel Live

WHY: Whoever says they do not want Jimmy Fallon to be their best friend, confidant, husband, partner, camp bunkmate, breakdancing rival, or personal thank you note writer is a liar. Plus, The Roots are incredible.

25) NFL, not NBA

WHY: The Atlanta Hawks have never inspired me to be interested in professional basketball. Granted, the Atlanta Falcons aren’t very motivating either. I guess this is a moot point.

That’s all I have. For now.

Me, Myself and Brands

Hello friend. Somehow you have stumbled upon (maybe through StumbleUpon) my new hobby, The Brandwasher. My name is Lindsay, a 22 year old female, height 5’9″, weight for my eyes only, blonde hair (shoutout to my hairdresser and/or hero, Cheryl), brown eyes (shoutout to my parents and/or current landlords, Hank and Allison).

LIKES: dogs, Essie nail polish, wearing heels, pizza, being cold when I sleep, The University of Georgia, football, airports, fall, Linville NC, car chargers, Google Maps phone app, Jim Halpert

DISLIKES: Drew Barrymore, clowns, bugs, scary movies, being hot when I sleep, yoga, beer, blow-drying my hair, eye contacts, traffic, rollercoasters

IN AN IDEAL WORLD, I WOULD…: marry a professional British (or Australian) tennis player, travel to New Zealand, eat anything I wanted without having to exercise, be more selfless, have my kids delivered by a stork like in the old days.

I suppose I should get back to the reason behind the title, “The Brandwasher.” After graduating college with a degree in advertising, I have become acutely aware of the surrounding ‘brandscape.’ Alright, I’ll stop. But in all seriousness, everywhere you look, there is a high probability that a brand will be staring right back at you, whether it’s in a department store or in your own bedroom. Brands are immersing themselves into our daily lives, and they’re trying to make themselves even more present through social media.

At times, this can be a good thing. But at other times, it may seem as if the advertising industry which tries to sell us these brands is brainwashing its audience. As a person who wants to work in advertising, I can assure you “To increase the amount of brainwashed nurturing mothers by 25%” is not on any creative brief. It’s not even in the minds of the professionals. They have a job to do like everyone else, and they want to do it in an innovative, engaging manner.

My blog is going to focus on the “brandwashing” idea, but not in the way you may think. I want to narrow in on certain brands in the entertainment and retail genres (I know I might have lost future views there; I’m okay with that) and discuss what they do right and what they could improve on. I want to wash away preconceived notions so that the only thing left is the brand itself.

This is obviously a completely subjective task. Everyone has a right to their own opinions, so I’m going to take some time and express a few of mine. If you can’t take the heat, then get out of the kitchen. Just kidding. Maybe just cool off in a pool or something and come back.

Cheers.