I'm A Slave 4 U

I'm A Slave 4 U video

Britney Spears’ music video for her song I’m A Slave For You from her third album, Britney, which was released in 2001, is not only provocative but startling coming from such a young teen idol. This song as well as the video was a turning point in Britney Spears’ career, opening herself up to a more adult audience and demographic.

http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=britney+spears+i'm+a+slave+4+U

In the video the singer is essentially dancing in a sauna with a group of scantily clad men and women. Spears’ seems to be the leader of the rest of these individuals; encouraging them all to dance along with her as she travels throughout the rooms of this seemingly abandoned warehouse, while people are lounging around. (And also somehow manages to pull off a costume change sometime in the middle of all this). The atmosphere is hot and sweaty, which is apparent from the dripping wet bodies who are suggestively laying all over each other as well as dancing. 

http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=britney+spears+i'm+a+slave+4+U

Everyone in the video appears to be mesmerized by Spears and her sexual dance moves. The camera frequently zooms in to focus on her flat stomach as well as her breasts. Spears is dancing with a group of people, as different men dance with her and touch her body; perhaps she's a slave for them. However, even though these multiple men surround her, she seems to be the one in control of the situation and is enjoying herself.

hecklerspray.com

Towards the end of the video, Spears appears sitting in a corner with five men all over her, breathing heavily and putting their mouths on her neck, chest, and face. Showing that she's the center of attention, even if she's being used for more than just her talented dance moves. Then, everyone lifts her up as if they are worshiping her, portraying her as being in a position of power over everyone, women and men alike. 

http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=britney+spears+i'm+a+slave+4+U

The video is full of its fair share of sexual references, the song's name in itself is suggestive. But Spears has never been one to avoid any kind of controversy. Even when preforming I'm A Slave 4 U at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, she appeared on stage in an even skimpier outfit with exotic animals such as a Burmese python and an white tiger. Which caused animal rights groups such as PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals) to be outraged and spoke out against the singer. As well as many other organizations whom are dedicated to promoting family values which stated that Spears was no longer a positive influence on young teen girls.

more information on "I'm A Slave 4 U"

Social Media Ad Campaigns

People love to have something to interact with. It makes them feel like they’re part of the brand and that their input and opinions matter as consumers. Just like Old Spice allowed individuals to use social networking sights such as Twitter and Facebook to communicate with the company’s advertisers and the spokesperson. And then they not only used the information they received but actually took the time to answer and get back to the individuals, showing a commitment to their consumers. When companies make an effort to go above and beyond the normal television commercial or an advertisement in a magazine, it shows that they’re not only a growing and successful company, but that then instills confidence within consumers who might then consider purchasing the product.

http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=starbucks

One company that I found had a very successful social media ad campaign, much like the ones discussed in the Forbes article, is Starbucks. They have started using social networking sights to not only get out information about new and upcoming products and specials, but it’s another way for them to get followers and their brand out there and in the minds  of viewers in a positive, forward-thinking way. Starbucks has used Twitter and Facebook to promote free pastry days, ways to score free products on certain occasions, the announcement of new and seasonal drinks, etc. And even though Starbucks is practically like a religion to its loyal consumers already, the fact that they still choose to make advances in their advertising shows just how competitive and successful they are as a brand. They even have their own app for smart phones!

For other successful social media campaigns visit
http://mashable.com/2010/09/14/social-media-campaigns/

Advertising & Imagery

In my new communications class in advertising and imagery, I hope to gain further knowledge of different softwares as well as better develop my media writing skills through blogging assignments. I am excited for this course because I have always been drawn towards advertising as well as public relations and writing, which i find very interesting. I am a Communications Major with a Journalism Minor, and I believe this class brings both of those interests together well. Now by no means do I consider myself to be tech savvy whatsoever. But through taking this course I plan on strengthening my technology skills which will better prepare me for not only future classes, but aslo for obtaining a career and being more qualified. 

COVER GIRL

As I flip through this month’s new issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, it’s not hard to notice the amount of advertisements for beauty products; everything from makeup, perfumes, soaps, shampoos, hair styling products, lotions…they can seem endless! However, after taking a closer look I counted not one, two, or even three, but FOUR different ads for COVERGIRL cosmetics. That’s more than any other company in the magazine. (And one was even a three page fold out ad featuring their newest spokes person, “cover girl” Taylor Swift.)

At first this seemed a bit odd to me, however, there must be a reason for it, and one that apparently is working too. So what is their strategy? Are they trying to overwhelm readers so that out of all of the other products advertised COVERGIRL sticks out and remains in our memories after putting the magazine down? Perhaps. But maybe it’s because they’re trying to appeal to all different types of consumers.

http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=covergirl+cosmetics

Their newest ad campaign is for their “Nature Luxe Collection” whom Taylor Swift is the face of. This obviously works as the going green movement advances and now apparently is even taking over the cosmetics industry. And COVERGIRL clearly knows what they’re doing by making Taylor Swift the spokes person. She’s young, free spirited, at the height of her career and more popular than ever…and did I mention gorgeous? She has that “natural” flawless skin that we all are supposed to want, so who better to back this new product?

http://search.creativecommons.org/?q=covergirl+cosmetics

The other three ads within the magazine are all two page advertisements featuring Drew Barrymore, a slightly older, more edgy actress who has been a “cover girl” for quite some time now. She’s the face of COVERGIRL’s bold eye shadows and funky colored eyeliners, mascaras, and now their new line of lip colors. Barrymore is an excellent choice for these products because it’s convincing. She really seems as though these are the kinds of cosmetics that she would wear in her own life, it doesn’t seem fake.

I’ve even bought them!

http://www.covergirl.com/