January 22nd, 2018
Media
consumption has been at the forefront of my mind since the beginning of the
Digital Production, Writing, & Design program. I love television, whether news programs or T.V.
shows – it’s a relaxing way to stay informed and learn new things, even from a
period drama on the BBC. Maybe, it’s
because I was born in the ‘80s, but reading a newspaper or physical book is an
actual experience. The feel of the paper
adds to the story, a conscious connection to the real world, when the words or
images take you off into the corners of your mind. There’s also the smell of old books, which is
practically a religious experience in my family.
Media
relies on our responsiveness, as active consumers. Advertisements, on the other hand, are not
usually chosen by the consumer. They are
added in to our daily experience, at bus stops, on the radio, or product
placement in a movie, in bathroom stalls, billboards, or on the sides of
cars. Anywhere a space needs to be
filled, there’s potential ad space.
Sometimes, if we’re lucky, the advertisements are engaging and
informative. It’s important to tick
those two boxes, because repetitive ads that aren’t relevant to an individual
are exasperating.
Public
relations for Camosun College are important, but carefully chosen. When trying to think about where I’ve seen
any advertisements for the college, I can see the green logo, and perhaps an
image of some students. It makes me feel
calm. These must have been bus stop
advertisements, because I don’t really watch Chek TV, nor do I recall seeing
them on the internet or on CTV. As an
avid consumer of many forms of media, I know I would remember if I found the
ads distasteful, because I most likely would not be a current student at
Camosun if the situation were otherwise.
