Monday, January 11, 2010

Rockem Sockem Robots, Capitalism and Drug Dealers


The goal of almost any successful business is to have loyal repeat customers. Some businesses like Starbucks or Crack Dealers have products that are conveniently habit forming. If you liked the coffee or crack you'll buy it again.

Not all products are so naturally addictive, so the seller must rely on satisfying the needs of the buyer with quality or reliability or customer service. If this is successfully done then the buyer doesn't fear buying something new from the same seller if they see it advertised. If you like the iPod you're much more likely to buy an iMac or iSlate.

While this inclination to repeat purchasing can be focused on a product like coffee or a company like Apple, a more far-reaching habit can be formed with buying in general. One sees a product advertised, buys the product, and if they're satisfied are more likely to buy the next product that is promoted to them. Satisfied customers for any product helps the next product that comes along.

As a kid I would get up early on Saturday mornings to watch the slate of cartoon programming and be bombarded with commercials for the irresistible Rock'em Socke'm Robots. The commercials made them appear to be remote controlled robots that fought each other until the loser's head popped off. I was mesmerized. The commercial was repeated to me hundreds of times and each time I became ever more convinced that I needed to have this product.


I finally received these virtual fighting gladiators as a birthday present and couldn't wait to open the box and set up the first match. It was probably 5 seconds after the package was opened that I realized that I had been had. The reality of the user experience was very far removed from how they appeared on TV. I learned a lesson that day that has stuck with me ever since. I developed a strong shell of skepticism that makes me almost impenetrable to advertising seduction.

Around the same time a friend of mine had ordered those sea monkeys from the comic book ad only to find months later that he had received a package of freeze-dried shrimp in the mail. Even the crack dealer knows not to kill his customer but those consumer experiences killed the consumer in me.

It's interesting to note that Rock'em Sock'em Robots were made by a company named Marx.

24 comments:

Misty said...

Aw darn, I thought you were going to tell me how to get Starbucks in an IV.

Jessica said...

hahahha I love the juxtaposition you establish. crack, and Starbucks. All the same game. Great tone.
-jess
http://dysfunctionalbeginnings.com/

ARTOFMALE said...

I tried Mcdonalds and they were pretty good as well but I guess it is about marketing

Theo said...

I like your style, its honest, which most people are too afraid to do.

Theo
http://myownlittleview.blogspot.com/

Ps, if you read my blog its new, so not much on it. give it a chance =)

Breeze said...

My mother once ordered a free bible and it was 3 inches by 5 inches.

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DIY Technician said...

HandyMetalWorks.com thinks you're very inciteful. Keep up the good work. Love the starbucks I.V. drip picture. I need one of those.

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A Freedom Fighter said...

Its an awesome blog. You clearly illustrate with examples on one of the diseases of the modern day consumerism. I liked the style. Best of luck.

Aamer Waqas Chaudhary said...

Good one!

Econica | Organic Women's Clothing & Lingerie said...

i really enjoyed reading this..:)

materialboy said...

It sounds to me like the problem is the stupidity of the consumer not capitalism itself. We need to take responsibility for our own actions. So if an ad tells you to pull your head of your ass and put a stick in it you'll do. You should be telling people to be a little more intelligent. It wouldn't hurt this country.

Diary of News said...

Interesting to know your views - your site is a bit different; it is more of your personal opinion rather than the so called bookish knowledge. Good attempt. keep it up!

פוליסת ביטוח מנהלים said...

As I was looking on the picture and was sure you are going to say something about coffee. But after reading I realize that your post is even better the IV coffee. I should let my kids reading it – or maybe buy them a toy like in a commercial so they will learn like you. Really good one Thanks

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You made it more interesting to us. Thanks!

Erica said...

So where does this leave me? Still wondering if capitalism can save the economy. Interesting read.

Unknown said...

Thanks for leaving your comments and my apologies for neglecting this forum. It's been quite some time since I've posted.

Lately I've been feeling the need to write again and I just re-read The Communist Manifesto so look for more to come soon.

In the meantime you can follow me on twitter where I post as @jakejakob.

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