Dr. Maresco's Marketing Moments

I love my Kindle, I think !

Well, yesterday I read my first book on my Kindle. I must admit it was much easier than reading a typical book because it was well lit and I could adjust the size of the type and the style of the font ( I still needed my glasses). I found it very easy to adjust to turning pages more often than I usually would and actually read an entire book in one afternoon.

The illustrations were not very good but I'm sure they will improve in the future. Overall, I really don't have any complaints. I may never buy a regular book again, yea right !

Till next time.

Who wants to live in The Villages? Lots of people !

Maybe you'e seen the commercial and then again maybe not. You know, the one with golf hall of famers Nancy Lopez and good ole Arnold Palmer standing on a golf course in the middle of The Villages, one of the most recognizable retirement communities in the world. The one where every day is a great day because you are lucky enough to be living in The Villages. Well, a new book has just come out titled: Leisureville: Adventures in America's Retirement Utopias by Andrew Blechman and published by Atlantic Monthly Press.

Being interested in these sort of things, retirement communities, both as a marketer and as a consumer, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I tried to get the Kindle version but it apparently is too new; shame on you Kindle ! Anyway, if you have any interest at all in what makes these places work and what really goes on behind the scenes than this book is a must have.

More later.

The KINDLE has arrived: Now what?

Well, the big day was Monday. It's now Thursday and I haven't read one word on my Kindle other than the instructions which were available both in hard copy and on the Kindle itself.

What really freaked me out was being able to download some books and last Saturday's Wall Street Journal without ever actually having received the kindle. So what to buy next? Well, yesterday I went to the Amazon Kindle site and proceeded to but a more expensive Kindle cover, the free one that came with the unit would have been fine but then I wouldn't have had the professional one would I? I also invested in a Kindle carry bag, really a man bag designed specifically for the Kindle. For the past several years I have been looking for the perfect man bag but could never find the perfect one. Thank you Kindle because now I don't have to worry about carrying my keys, Kindle, wallet, iPhone and sun glasses in a man bag into my local watering hole, at least I don't think so ( I actually have not received the Kindle bag but it is supposed to come this week). Oh, the joys of marketing and spending money.

Who says that you spend less the older you get. the only difference between me and an 8 year old is my toys are much more expensive ! ! ! Till next week !

Books worth reading

I realize that most of the people who read this blog probably don't read very much if at all but just in case you happen to be one fo the few that do make time to tead I wanted to make you aware of three books that you might find interesting. They include:

Parenting, Inc.: How We Are Sold on $800 Strollers, Fetal Education, Baby Sign Language, sleeping Coaches, Toddler Couture, and Diaper Wipe Warmers - And What It Means For Our Children by Pamela Paul

Richistan: A Journey Through the American Wealth Boom And The New Rich by Robert Frank, and

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost It's Luster by Dana Thomas

Each of these books is a storehouse of information on the super rich demograph and is well worth your time.

Till next time,

Maresco the Marketing Maven !

Marketing to Newborn Babies. Are You Kidding?

There is a new book on the market you need to be aware of. Its title is:

Parenting, Inc. How we are sold on $800 strollers, fetal education, baby sign language, sleeping coaches, toddler couture and diaper wipe warmers - and what it means for our children. The book is by Pamela Paul.

I'm not going to write a review of the book, there are plenty of them available. However, if you have any interest at all in how marketers are creating new market segments almost daily then this book is definately worth reading. Oh, and by the way, if you are considering having children some day you should take into accoun the fact that the author mentions that it's going to cost you in excess of $1 million to raise the precious bundle of joy, at least when they are sleeping !

What is a Kindle and why would I want one?

I love technology and you probably do as well. Well, I've had them all. Mono and Stereo records, 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, quadraphonic recordings (you probably have no idea what they were), a Sony Walkman and a Disk Man, and all varities of iPods including the newest one, the slide. Oh, and of course I have an iPhone.

For the past several days I have tried to convince myself to purchase an Amazon Kindle. It sells for $399.00 ands is only available through the Amazon on-line website. What is it? It is basically an electronic e-book reader. You can download books from the Amazon site in less than 20 seconds for only $9.99. You can also download daily magazines and newspapers as well.

So why do I want one? I don't really know. I just know that I have to have one. I definately don't NEED one but I sure do WANT one. Remember the difference between needs and wants?

I'll let you know more when I get it which probably won't be for several weks. Delivery has been on hold for several months already.

Keep tuned. Remember that slogan? Probably not.