okay@tafs.mitre.org (Okay S J) (11/03/89)
Well, I have yet to have an Amiga Ad poke its head around the corner of
my TV, yet I did happen to stop into a software store out here (Wash., D.C.
area) and ran into the print campaign for the A500. What follows could be
considered a mini-review, but I'd label it more of a series of
observations.
But I digress...
I liked the cover...Touchy-feely,nostalgic kind of intro about the rise and
fall of the home computer revolution in the early '80s. I half expected to
open up to a Mac or NeXT ad inside. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised.
I think I would have barfed if it was another "computer for the rest of us
who can afford it" add from the rainbow fruit factory.
They actually mentioned multi-tasking!....Not bad. 'Bout time somebody got
around to mentioning one of the Ami's best features (IMHO).
The fameaux on each page were neat to look at, and the "creative" issue was
really pushed a lot, I probably would have ditched the 4-year old and the
game-player on the last page though.
Criticism:
I wanted to like this....really, especially since it was only like the 3rd
time I've ever seen an Amiga ad...but there are a few things I have to call
them (C-A) on.
1. Noticeably absent was the mention of any of the other Amiga models. The
500 is a good machine, and just SEEING ad copy from CBM was a surprise,
but the catalog on the back listed only the 500 and associated peripherals.
Might give the unknowing the feeling that maybe its some sort of an
ultra-powerful,maxed out 64. Lets hear it for the other models guys. a
2000 is actually quite affordable now.
2. We don't need any more game players. I'm glad to see that CBM relegated
"Richard", playing falcon, to the last page. I would have iced him
though...everybody knows that it can do games, and we DON'T need to
start propagating the "game machine" image again. The little kids would go
out the door if I had my way too. Everybody knows by now that kids,
especially really young ones do fine with computers. To them a GUI is a GUI
is a GUI. As long as they can make cool sounds and draw funny pictures,
they're happy. I don't think that any GUI computer is distinguishable as
easier or harder to use with kids of that age.
3. "Home Computer" Gracy?---I *REALLY* wish CBM had ditched this term....it
conjures up too many ghosts of C64s and PCjr's past. Almost as bad a being
told you had won a years supply of fruit from the Recovering Lepers
Orchards. ---Well, maybe not that bad, but you get the point. If anybody at
CBM is reading this and has any influence in the next wave of ads, PLEASE
get them to drop the word "home".
General: It was good...I couldn't help but liking it, honestly. Maybe its
because I'm so much an Amiga zealot to the core,
but first reactions aside I still found myself liking it..
The direction that the campaign is headed could use a mid-course correction
or two, but other than that it looks good. I'd give it an 7.5.
----Steve
------------------
Stephen Okay Smart:OKAY@TAFS.MITRE.ORG
Safe:m20836@mwvm.mitre.org
Disclaimer:"Mine....minemineminemineminemine!"