McDonalds and iTunes... True? [Archive]

MacRumors

Nov 7, 2003, 02:08 AM

Yesterday's New York Post rumor (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/11/20031106102327.shtml) about McDonald's Billion Song iTunes giveaway created a lot of interest in the Mac community.

While many felt that McDonald's subsequent statement (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/11/20031106135855.shtml) implied denial, their statement simply reported that there were "no agreements to announce".

MacRumors has since received confirmation that McDonald's is, in fact, planning the iTunes giveaway, but no further details of the promotion have been obtained.

sethypoo

Nov 7, 2003, 02:09 AM

Great, now I'm going to gain weight.....

McDonalds would be really, really stupid to pass up a marketing chance like this. iTunes is huge and will get bigger, especially around the Superbowl.

This should be fun to watch!

:) :rolleyes: :D

LimeLite

Nov 7, 2003, 02:17 AM

I'd rather get a song from the iTunes Music Store than a sticker for Park Place or 1 dollar at Best Buy.

alset

Nov 7, 2003, 02:21 AM

I dunno about this. I want it to be true, but I am not putting my faith into it until I see more info. Let's hope I'm wrong!

Dan

edit - nobody has mentioned the conflict of Pepsi vs Coke (McDonalds' soda supplier) - thought I would bring it up, for what it's worth.

The Ancients

Nov 7, 2003, 02:22 AM

McDonalds target market and pop music (although this by no means covers the range of music available) I think go hand and hand. Until now, McDonalds would have had no financially reasonable method of tying in with the music aspect. With the advent of iTunes and it's ilk, this is feasible as until now physical media was the only delivery method, which would be costly, and a logistical nightmare. Now the question begs; what other companies in numerous industries/markets can also leverage this paradigm change?

stefman

Nov 7, 2003, 02:36 AM

I think it's going to be great exposure for the iTunes Music Store and for Apple.

Apple need to solidify it's lead in this field and tie-ups with big names can only help.

Now, maybe they can have a promo with the Big Mac :D

johnnyjibbs

Nov 7, 2003, 03:28 AM

This sounds good for Apple.

Just hope they do similar deals here when iTMS Europe is finally released...

punter

Nov 7, 2003, 03:47 AM

this... sounds... huge!

JohnGillilan

Nov 7, 2003, 04:06 AM

Seriously, I think the Coke vs. Pepsi thing is going to be a big deal. Any thoughts??

billyboy

Nov 7, 2003, 04:12 AM

Originally posted by JohnGillilan
Seriously, I think the Coke vs. Pepsi thing is going to be a big deal. Any thoughts??

No big deal if MacDonalds promo is for Europe only.

vegan

Nov 7, 2003, 05:35 AM

I can't believe Apple would want to be associated with a company like mcdonalds.
http://www.mcspotlight.org/

latergator116

Nov 7, 2003, 06:20 AM

I can't believe Apple would want to be associated with a company like mcdonalds.
http://www.mcspotlight.org/

Yes, I hate mcdonalds too. BTW, isnt Steve Jobs a vegan?

tazznb

Nov 7, 2003, 06:32 AM

Originally posted by alset
I dunno about this. I want it to be true, but I am not putting my faith into it until I see more info. Let's hope I'm wrong!

Dan

edit - nobody has mentioned the conflict of Pepsi vs Coke (McDonalds' soda supplier) - thought I would bring it up, for what it's worth.

Maybe this is Coke's way of supplanting the Pepsi iTiunes giveaway.

Getting "one-up" on the competition, while being out of the public's eye.

:p Next thing you'll know Pepsi will have a TRILLION iTunes song giveaway, and go out of business.

It's all starting to come together, and make sense..... 1st the Big Mac sandwich, and 2nd the Big Mac supercomputer (I don't know how you all are going to take this so you may as well be seated....)

This may signal Steve Jobs' intent to merge or takeover Mikkie Deeez! :eek:

displaced

Nov 7, 2003, 06:38 AM

This may signal Steve Jobs' intent to merge or takeover Mikkie Deeez! :eek:

... and replace everything with tofu and lentil derivatives!

Slashdot sig. quote: "Vegetarians eat vegetables. Humanitarians scare me."

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 06:40 AM

I think folks forget McDonalds sell's vegi burgers and other healthy food that includes good array of salads. Here they have whole menu of vegi foods.

Coke will not have a problem with it since they are taken part in the iTunes Music Store. Cokecola Music that sell comes through AOL Music which has just converted over to using iTunes Music Store to get all their music..which also includes all AOL members.
So no they don't have problem with it when they are getting their music from same place McDonalds and Pepsi is.

I bet the music store will have another promo..probably some sortof Movie deal.
Probably one that involves Pixar Pictures.
Isn't the new Shrek 2 made by Pixar?

I'm beating as soon as iTunes Music Store debuts in other countries..a couple months after the debut will be followed by promo's for free music. I could see deals with Vodophone and few other european companies. I believe Apple will be opening a UK Apple store next yr as well as they just opened the Japanese Store.//freakin 5 story building.

Lancetx

Nov 7, 2003, 06:54 AM

Enough of the political correctness, some people just can't ever let it go. Apple is in this for the marketing exposure, pure and simple...and there are few companies they could team up with for a better high exposure promotion than McDonalds. In the end if this goes through, this will be one of the best things Apple has ever done for themselves.

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 07:04 AM

Link:
http://www.cokemusic.com/
For folks wondering.
So Coke has it's money on iTunes Music Store to stir up business for them as well.

Hell they may even come out with promo for free music later in 2004.

I wonder what the commerical's for the Super Bowel will look like? I wonder if Apple will do one and Pepsi will do a separate one or a combo commerical.

I hope they do something similar to the 1984 Apple commerical. I loved that commerical! It was like mini movie.

MacMarino

Nov 7, 2003, 07:35 AM

Im wondering how far these promotions are going to cover. If its only going to affect the USA, then I think that Apple can go and shove there promotion idea back into the ground. This needs to be available to everyone around the world. There are times that I feel that Apple dont really push hard enough to establish services like Sherlock and iPhoto print shop to other countries ie: Australia and Japan. Do i get a discount if all the services are unavailble in the area that i live in on the hardware and software?

asphalt-proof

Nov 7, 2003, 07:37 AM

This is a great thing. I'm not a fan of Pepsi but its relationship with iTunes is great and with McyD's on board, iTune will have potential user-numbers that all the other online music services COMBINED can only dream about.

By the way, the 1.5 million downloads last week shows that iTunes is the real deal and that the onus is now on the other music services to show that they are viable and can compete with Apple. HAIL Pax Apple!!

bensisko

Nov 7, 2003, 07:39 AM

It seems to me that, McDonalds is big enough to do what ever it wants and if Coke doesn't like it then there are other softdrink manufactures out there (i.e. Pepsi). If Coke were to raise an issue, it would be rather stupid of them, mostly because of all the business they would lose with McDonalds, and it would give that much more lead to Pepsi (not to mention the age old "Follow the Leader" that business tend to do).

I am actually really looking forward to these promotions, but the only thing that concerns me is that there are people like me out there who see music they want to buy, but figure they will wait for the promotions (which will hurt iTMS short term sales....that don't seem to be doing too bad anyway).

You know, perhaps it's forshadowing that McDonalds, over the last couple months, has been putting up all of these "Are you Mac enough?" signs up...

mikenap

Nov 7, 2003, 07:49 AM

It's amazing how farsighted a company Apple Computer is. The cube is yet another example of a product that was so far ahead of it's time consumers did not realize they wanted it. Look at companies like Alienware and others, they are all now making "cube" style computers with small form factors and doing very well with them, altho they seem to be using them as home entertainment devices. Like the Newton, stylized enclosures, the mouse, and so many other things, Apple can at least have safitsfaction in the fact that there idea's and implementations feed the industry with new products that make sence.

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 07:52 AM

Originally posted by MacMarino
Im wondering how far these promotions are going to cover. If its only going to affect the USA, then I think that Apple can go and shove there promotion idea back into the ground. This needs to be available to everyone around the world. There are times that I feel that Apple dont really push hard enough to establish services like Sherlock and iPhoto print shop to other countries ie: Australia and Japan. Do i get a discount if all the services are unavailble in the area that i live in on the hardware and software?

Well thing is the McDonalds promo doesn't happen until after the Pepsi promo ends in the US which I figure will be until around May. This is when Euro iTunes Music Stores are suppose to open up and maybe the Canadian store as well. Then those countries will probably be included as well. Japan and Korea probably won't get a music store until later on in 2004.

2004 looks good for Apple.

Aeolius

Nov 7, 2003, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by ITR 81
2004 looks good for Apple.

I know of at least one other cross-promotion, where a well-known food/beverage company will be giving away iPods in conjunction with their music program in the summer of 2004. I'll ask permission to see if I can say more.

IndyGopher

Nov 7, 2003, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by vegan
I can't believe Apple would want to be associated with a company like mcdonalds.
http://www.mcspotlight.org/
This is the second straight day of lunacy like this. I imagine you folks are the same ones that throw fits about Apple and Microsoft doing business. Notice that last word, <b>BUSINESS</b>?
If you want to boycott Apple because they are making promotional deals that they desperately need (and have needed for the last decade) then do it. But understand that no one cares if one more nutjob walks away. By my figuring, this promotion would mean several million people would be happy to take your place as Apple customers.

Le Big Mac

Nov 7, 2003, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by Macrumors

MacRumors has since received confirmation that McDonald's is, in fact, planning the iTunes giveaway, but no further details of the promotion have been obtained.

Sounds like a price issue to me. McD's probably wants to pay less than 99c per each redeemed song. How much less is the question.

the_mole1314

Nov 7, 2003, 08:14 AM

I think that if they give away the songs with salads along with the usualy fair, that'll have a huge impact.

1macker1

Nov 7, 2003, 08:17 AM

Ahh, just what fat Americans need, another reason to eat Mickey D's. Why cant they team up with Gold's Gym or something positive. WTF they teaming up with Pepsi and McDonalds for. It's just me, but apple being successful comes 2nd to being healthy. I bet you wont see Mr. Jobs eating a large fry while guzzling down a 20oz soda.

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 08:25 AM

Originally posted by Aeolius
I know of at least one other cross-promotion, where a well-known food/beverage company will be giving away iPods in conjunction with their music program in the summer of 2004. I'll ask permission to see if I can say more.

A food and beverage company...hmm
any color hints? red and white maybe?

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by 1macker1
Ahh, just what fat Americans need, another reason to eat Mickey D's. Why cant they team up with Gold's Gym or something positive. WTF they teaming up with Pepsi and McDonalds for. It's just me, but apple being successful comes 2nd to being healthy. I bet you wont see Mr. Jobs eating a large fry while guzzling down a 20oz soda.

Probably not but what about a vegi burger and a aquafina or whatever coke calls their water Dasini or something like that.

"Are you Mac enough?"

1macker1

Nov 7, 2003, 08:50 AM

People dont go to McDonalds for vegi burgers and bottled water. Why not Subway.
Originally posted by ITR 81
Probably not but what about a vegi burger and a aquafina or whatever coke calls their water Dasini or something like that.

"Are you Mac enough?"

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 09:14 AM

I have went for a vegi burger and sprite before.

Well Subway probably just doesn't have the presence as McDonalds have.

Now maybe if they did it through Subway, KFC and the other YUM! owned franchise.

stoid

Nov 7, 2003, 09:27 AM

I'm not sure that Apple has had a great selection here, like they could go with any company they wanted. It seems like Apple sent a letter to a bunch of business CEOs asking about a possible promotion, and so far have gotten the biggest responses from McDonalds and Pepsi, but there may be others.

It would be great if there could be a constant stream of song giveaway's just hoping from one company to the next.

bensisko

Nov 7, 2003, 09:29 AM

Has anyone else seen these? I've seen them in two different places: 1) McDonalds and 2) Noodles (the Noodles referance was to their macaroni and cheese menu item).

Everytime I see them I wonder if my Powerbook and iBook makes me Mac enough, or do I need to go get a Duel display G5? Hmmmm...

DeusOmnis

Nov 7, 2003, 09:37 AM

does anyone know how the free songs work? Like, i only really buy albums. So if i save up 10 free songs can i get an album? (or 11 free songs)

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 09:38 AM

I've seen them at McDonalds...I'd just figured they are just promoting Mac's that all:D

Inkmonkey

Nov 7, 2003, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by ITR 81
I have went for a vegi burger and sprite before.

Well Subway probably just doesn't have the presence as McDonalds have.

Now maybe if they did it through Subway, KFC and the other YUM! owned franchise.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I heard recently that Subway passed McDonalds in number of restaurants.

Perhaps McDs does larger volume though.

Foxer

Nov 7, 2003, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Inkmonkey
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I thought I heard recently that Subway passed McDonalds in number of restaurants.

Perhaps McDs does larger volume though.

There are now more Subway locations than McDonalds. However, McDonalds volume is far ahead of Subway (which, I suspect, sells about 14 sandwiches a day nationally after 3pm).

Also, Subway is not part of the Yum! family.

gwuMACaddict

Nov 7, 2003, 09:54 AM

i dont think the fact that the golden arches deals with coke has anything to do with this. coke has always been slow and behind the times when it comes to advertising and new ideas. pepsi on the other hand has always tried its hand at new products, ie. chips, snacks, different types of drinks.

i feel like is a perfect promotion for the arches. they want to attract a younger, on the go crowd. buy a sandwhich, download a song. i think its great.

not that i ever eat their s#$t. i hate fast food. i just think its a good idea.

steve-o is slowly taking over the world ;)

hermes369

Nov 7, 2003, 10:00 AM

The ad is for the Superbowl, no? Coke and Pepsi are competitors, right? Windows and Macs are competitors too. iTunes makes peace. Insert your own huge dance number...

kansast

Nov 7, 2003, 10:03 AM

Finally something from MickeyD's that would be worth it to me.. I'll be the one askin' the kids of they all want to go to McDonalds :-) Like someone else posted.. it's not like some stupid Monopoly piece... But also have to ask the question.. I mean, what if everyone of these things got redeemed.. and they freakin' had to pay for a BILLION dollars worth of iTunes ????

ITR 81

Nov 7, 2003, 10:07 AM

If they sell a billion tracks then all I can say Apple made money on business that they said that doesn't make money.

jcshas

Nov 7, 2003, 10:52 AM

If this is true, I think an ITMS promotion will fit in well with McDonald's attempt to increase their popularity with a younger hip- crowd (e.g. "I'm Lovin' it" ad campaign). Imagine the increased market share for Apple! Check out McDonald's press statement below:

Excerpt from "McDonald's Corporate Financial Press Releases 11/07/2003":

...""When we embarked upon our revitalization plan earlier this year, we announced that in 2003 we would sharpen our focus and take the actions necessary to optimize the business. We've made progress toward this goal with October marking the first full month that our unprecedented 'i'm lovin' it™' campaign reached customers around the globe. This new brand positioning is bringing a new attitude and energy to life for our customers and crew. The management changes we announced earlier this week are another example of how we are making the best use of our talent and resources. During the fourth quarter, we will take additional actions to revitalize the business. These will include making decisions related to our Partner Brands and implementing the recently announced plans for revitalizing our business in Japan. These actions, along with the completion of annual impairment testing, will result in charges in the fourth quarter 2003."

gwuMACaddict

Nov 7, 2003, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by hermes369
The ad is for the Superbowl, no? Coke and Pepsi are competitors, right? Windows and Macs are competitors too. iTunes makes peace. Insert your own huge dance number...

this is a pretty funny idea, i like it. i just dont see steve-o offering the olive branch to the beige boxes just yet though....

scotts13

Nov 7, 2003, 11:34 AM

I'm on the road constantly, and wind up eating fast food a lot. McDonalds is by far my least favorite; the food just isn't very good.

Normally, most advertising campagins
bounce off me - want my business, cut the price. Period.

But I really think I'd eat at McD's if I got an iTunes song with my Big Mac Combo.

Scary.

El Payo

Nov 7, 2003, 11:45 AM

What if Ronald has a deal cooking with Napster? Or MusicMatch? Or RealAudio? Huh? What then? I mean, like Steve said at the analysts meeting. most of these companies are starting busineses that will lose money - Apple only hopes to break even/make a small profit on iTMS. So maybe one of the 'follower' brands has decided that hopping on the giveaway bandwagon is a good idea to drum up a user base, only they're stepping it up by 10X.

balconycollapse

Nov 7, 2003, 12:08 PM

So what if they have to pay a billion dollars. McD's will get it back 2 fold. If its anything like the monopoly promotion there will be those little tags that you rip on every giant fry and drink. So Coke/McD gives you a free song for purchasing a $1.45 enormous drink and they still make money! If they "sell" a billion songs they made 20cents on each one. Plus the assumption is no one will buy a drink without something to eat or vice versa. Many will download the free 8 songs off an album at itms they will go the step further and pay 2 dollars "thinking" they got 8 free.

------

deep thoughts by jack handey

As we were driving, we saw a sign that said "Watch for Rocks." Marta said it should read "Watch for Pretty Rocks." I told her she should write in her suggestion to the highway department, but she started saying it was a joke - just to get out of writing a simple letter! And I thought I was lazy!

garycruz

Nov 7, 2003, 12:08 PM

In California, they have Wireless connectivity in McDonalds. It would be really cool if they offered a free highspeed 802.11 connection so that you can download your free songs!

HashPipeK

Nov 7, 2003, 12:12 PM

I saw the iTunes thing on CNN last night....seems thats a pretty reputable source of info.

sethypoo

Nov 7, 2003, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by alset

edit - nobody has mentioned the conflict of Pepsi vs Coke (McDonalds' soda supplier) - thought I would bring it up, for what it's worth.

It was mentioned in the last thread about this whole McDonalds thing. I wonder about it too, will this have any effect? We'll see.

MacFan26

Nov 7, 2003, 12:24 PM

Originally posted by ITR 81

I bet the music store will have another promo..probably some sortof Movie deal.
Probably one that involves Pixar Pictures.
Isn't the new Shrek 2 made by Pixar?

What? I don't think the next Shrek will be made by Pixar, isn't it Dreamworks? They did the first one, and besides, Pixar has their hands full with The Incredibles.

AirUncleP

Nov 7, 2003, 12:28 PM

Ask an average kid what the iTunes Music Store is and his answer will be , " I don't know."

Ask that same kid what the iTunes Music Store is after he has won a free song with his happy meal or his Pepsi pop top and I think you will hear an answer that will make Apple very happy.

Like McDonalds or not....it's the place where tired parents take their kids for dinner.

pwfletcher

Nov 7, 2003, 12:41 PM

I saw an ad last night during prime time that was advertising the iPod for sale at Robinson's - May. Apple is starting to sell this thing everywhere!

vegan

Nov 7, 2003, 12:44 PM

Like McDonalds or not....it's the place where tired parents take their kids for dinner.

I know what you're saying - but I find it pretty disheartening.

I thought Apple's reputation was about being fresh and innovative - not about helping to increase the profits of sickening corporations like mcdonalds.

--
F*#K MCDONALDS

sethypoo

Nov 7, 2003, 12:56 PM

sethypoo

Nov 7, 2003, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by 1macker1
People dont go to McDonalds for vegi burgers and bottled water.

I do.:rolleyes:

gwangung

Nov 7, 2003, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by vegan
I know what you're saying - but I find it pretty disheartening.

I thought Apple's reputation was about being fresh and innovative - not about helping to increase the profits of sickening corporations like mcdonalds.

--
F*#K MCDONALDS

Please don't mistake your values for other values....or even "the correct values." That's the surest way to turn people away from your values.

autrefois

Nov 7, 2003, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by IndyGopher
This is the second straight day of lunacy like this. I imagine you folks are the same ones that throw fits about Apple and Microsoft doing business. Notice that last word, <b>BUSINESS</b>?
If you want to boycott Apple because they are making promotional deals that they desperately need (and have needed for the last decade) then do it. But understand that no one cares if one more nutjob walks away. By my figuring, this promotion would mean several million people would be happy to take your place as Apple customers.

-edited first sentence to tone it down...--

Corporations in the past had to prove their public worth in order to do business, or else get their charter revoked. Business does not mean the right to do whatever you want, nor does it mean "having" to do business with other people who exploit whatever and whomever they want. Nor does it mean consumers having to support companies which do these things.

I guess maybe some people just feel that corporations should spend time actually being helpful to people--which was their original "business"--instead of trying to achieve global domination at all costs (i.e. McDonald's cutting down rainforests in South America for cheap grazing land, Apple having products produced in China where work conditions are near slave-labor levels, etc.)

I'm sure many of Apple's customers are more idealistic than PC/Microsoft users, considering how many people say they hate Bill Gates for his unethical business practices. Are we soon going to have to view Apple as being "the lesser of two evils" instead of a company we'd actually want to support?

So when Apple starts making deals with companies known worldwide for exploiting workers, for inhumane treatment of animals (regardless of whether one is vegetarian or not), and for other highly questionable business choices (see recent ThinkSecret news about some of Apple's own business decisions of late), supporting Apple very well may become meaningless to some of us.

Java

Nov 7, 2003, 02:34 PM

See. This is great. Now you can download your iTunes music right from McDonalds when they incorporate WiFi into their stores.:p

billyboy

Nov 7, 2003, 02:42 PM

You could look at any affiliation from another viewpoint.

Apple are basically in the business of offering the best product they can. The iPod is the most expensive well constructed digital player in the world, the equivalent of a gourmet meal in hamburger land - and yet it is the most successful product by miles. Whatever detractors might say, Apple apparently have the strongest branding/cool in the US at the moment through being good.

McDonalds could well take leaves out of Apple´s book if they see how success can come from doing the right thing and not necessarily taking the cheap and nasty route as far as best serving your customer. Call it cross-pollenation. MacDonalds will have analysed Apple to the nth degree and if this iTunes giveaway works it could prompt McDonalds to become a more upmarket business through this association.

Ever the optimist.

1macker1

Nov 7, 2003, 02:48 PM

Yes apple makes some good products, but you cant believe McDonalds needs this promotion. And you cant compare they way a computer company does business to a hamburger joint. I know the end point is to make money, but this is where it stops.
Originally posted by billyboy
You could look at any affiliation from another viewpoint.

Apple are basically in the business of offering the best product they can. The iPod is the most expensive well constructed digital player in the world, the equivalent of a gourmet meal in hamburger land - and yet it is the most successful product by miles. Whatever detractors might say, Apple apparently have the strongest branding/cool in the US at the moment through being good.

McDonalds could well take leaves out of Apple´s book if they see how success can come from doing the right thing and not necessarily taking the cheap and nasty route as far as best serving your customer. Call it cross-pollenation. MacDonalds will have analysed Apple to the nth degree and if this iTunes giveaway works it could prompt McDonalds to become a more upmarket business through this association.

Ever the optimist.

jettredmont

Nov 7, 2003, 03:19 PM

Originally posted by JohnGillilan
Seriously, I think the Coke vs. Pepsi thing is going to be a big deal. Any thoughts??

I really don't see any conflict of interest problems here. Soda choice is vastly different from marketting partnerships. McDonalds promoting itself by giving away iTMS songs is no different than McDonalds promoting itself by giving away Finding Nemo action figures or whatever. Marketable properties (traditionally movies or TV shows, but iTMS bucks fall in there too) tend to be seen largely as commodities, not strong business alliances. I don't think that McDonalds really cares that Brother Bear (a marketing property it is using with its Happy Meals these days) is showing in theaters that only serve Pepsi. I also don't believe McD's would have a problem with Pepsi buying rights to Brother Bear promotions either.

We don't have any other real "everywhere" market properties out there right now that I can think of, but there certainly have been numerous cases where fast foods and their suppliers' competitors used the same marketing properties.

AirUncleP

Nov 7, 2003, 03:30 PM

Originally posted by Java
See. This is great. Now you can download your iTunes music right from McDonalds when they incorporate WiFi into their stores.:p

Good Idea! I can sit in McDonalds with a stack of quarters and pay people 25 cents for the authorization number. As I see it I could download a twelve song album for three bucks.

trose

Nov 7, 2003, 03:33 PM

OOh I could see a whole online blackmarket for McDonalds and Pepsi iTMS codes springing up.

Maybe I should take the initiative and set it up now- Buy peoples codes at 50 cents, sell them at 75. Cash moneh!

Makosuke

Nov 7, 2003, 03:34 PM

I'm in a bit of a middle ground situation here. I'm one of the sort who's very aware of issues with corporate abuse and the deep-seated issues surrounding it. Heck, I live in a town that has city ordinances desined to keep chain resteraunts out unless they conform to non-chain standards.

On the other hand, you can look at Apple's promotions from another angle: McDonalds, Pepsi, Coke, and most other huge multinationals spend unimaginable sums of money on advertising. Usually, they give away cheap toys manufactured in China or worthless game pieces that benefit a handful of winners or mail-in offers on T-shirts that do nothing more than advertise your coroporate loyalty to a product that is nearly identical to that produced by a half dozen other companies.

Given the choice, I'd rather see that money spent on something at least resembling "culture" -- music, for example. Beats yet another ad with a pop singer unzipping a Pepsi can. Also remember that we're not talking about 100,000,000 Britney Spears CD singles, we seem to be talking about 100,000,000 opportunities to spend that free song on whatever you want from a vast catalog of pop, classical, and independant bands. Maybe only 10 cents of a purchase from a major label goes to the artist, but that's 10 cents more than nothing.

Add another level that Apple seems to be making a reasonable effort to not screw the musical artists or consumers with the iTMS--Apple clearly fought hard to get decent consumer-side DRM, and although the big labels (not, I'm guessing, because Apple wanted to screw the artists) get most of the profits from major-label bands, indies apparently have a much more fair deal, and this will only get better if the iTMS takes off.

So what you have is a big, bad company who is going to spend umpteen million dollars on advertising. And a so-so company (I might also note that much of Apple's manufacturing takes place in Taiwan, which isn't as horriffic as places like Malaysia) with a product that has real potential to do good things for real artists.

Call it a slippery slope, or a cop-out because I like Apple, but I'd rather see all that money thrown to what sure looks like a reasonable cause.

And the consumer gets something real, and personal, out of the deal--you pick the music, not a massive organization that dictates taste to the masses.

Besides, my mom drinks vast amounts of Pepsi anyway to get her caffiene fix, so they'll be free songs aplenty coming my way come February.

itsbetteronamac

Nov 7, 2003, 03:34 PM

Please be Ture I could use some free songs since I gave up on illegal file trading 4 monthes ago. I don't eat red meat, and eew there chix is nasty, so hear I come america's favorites FRIES!!

autrefois

Nov 7, 2003, 04:03 PM

You make some very good points. I'd still prefer they not be in business with McDonald's, but as you said at least the money is supporting a very worthwhile cause--getting people to legally buy music, which supports artists (especially indie artists, like you mentioned).

Of all the promotions I've seen or heard of, this is certainly one of the best, and I hadn't considered it that way.

That being said, I guess I'm just looking ahead and hoping Apple continues to be a (fairly) good corporate citizen and doesn't start compromising itself or its image too much by associating with notoriously bad corporations just for publicity's sake.

My mom and stepdad also consume mass quantities of Pepsi, so although I'm not too thrilled about that corporate association either, that promotion will help them discover the iTunes store. :)

Originally posted by Makosuke
On the other hand, you can look at Apple's promotions from another angle: McDonalds, Pepsi, Coke, and most other huge multinationals spend unimaginable sums of money on advertising. Usually, they give away cheap toys manufactured in China or worthless game pieces that benefit a handful of winners or mail-in offers on T-shirts that do nothing more than advertise your coroporate loyalty to a product that is nearly identical to that produced by a half dozen other companies.

Given the choice, I'd rather see that money spent on something at least resembling "culture" -- music, for example. Beats yet another ad with a pop singer unzipping a Pepsi can. Also remember that we're not talking about 100,000,000 Britney Spears CD singles, we seem to be talking about 100,000,000 opportunities to spend that free song on whatever you want from a vast catalog of pop, classical, and independant bands.

(...)

BurntCalc

Nov 7, 2003, 04:07 PM

Originally posted by autrefois
People who know history know that corporations in the past had to prove their public worth in order to do business, or else get their charter revoked. Business does not mean the right to do whatever you want, nor does it mean "having" to do business with other people who exploit whatever and whomever they want. Nor does it mean consumers having to support companies which do these things.

I guess maybe some people just feel that corporations should spend time actually being helpful to people--which was their original "business"--instead of trying to achieve global domination at all costs (i.e. McDonald's cutting down rainforests in South America for cheap grazing land, Apple having products produced in China where work conditions are near slave-labor levels, etc.)

I'm sure many of Apple's customers are more idealistic than PC/Microsoft users, considering how many people say they hate Bill Gates for his unethical business practices. Are we soon going to have to view Apple as being "the lesser of two evils" instead of a company we'd actually want to support?

So when Apple starts making deals with companies known worldwide for exploiting workers, for inhumane treatment of animals (regardless of whether one is vegetarian or not), and for other highly questionable business choices (see recent ThinkSecret news about some of Apple's own business decisions of late), supporting Apple very well may become meaningless to some of us.

Is Apple really about a crusade against the evils of the world? I'm not so sure about that. This is the typical haughty, arrogant behavior that makes so many people hate us mac users. We're practically a subculture because of it.

Apple has zero to no exposure among people. Public perception is that they're just not going anywhere. Now we all know different, but public opinion is everything. I say go for it. Sell fur coats too, if that's what does it. McDonalds, Pepsi, and the evil ring of corporate tyranny? Will it give positive perception, and am I REALLY doing something that won't let me sleep at night? Come on, folks. Wake up.

pbreit

Nov 7, 2003, 04:12 PM

There are now more Subway locations than McDonalds.

Nope.

McDonalds: 30,000 (http://mcdonalds.com/corporate/press/financial/2003/11072003/index.html)

Subway: 20,000 (http://subway.com/subwayroot/index.aspx)

And Shrek (http://www.shrek2.com/) is most definitely not Pixar.

This misinformation here is appalling.

The Pepsi and McDonalds things are absolutely brilliant. Apple is going to get two of the largest marketers in the world to pay it some $500 *million* to get some 500 million iTunes tracks in the hands of users who cannot use them anywhere else except on iTunes and iPods! This will put a huge amount of pressure on BuyMusic, MusicMatch, emusic, MTV, WallMart, Dell, Real, etc. to fold.

gwuMACaddict

Nov 7, 2003, 04:21 PM

this has been reported on cnn all day long... not that it means anything...

but it sounds true?

autrefois

Nov 7, 2003, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by BurntCalc
Is Apple really about a crusade against the evils of the world? I'm not so sure about that. This is the typical haughty, arrogant behavior that makes so many people hate us mac users. We're practically a subculture because of it. [/i]

What about my post was "haughty, arrogant behavior"? I'm sorry if it sounded that way, I really wasn't trying to come off that way.

No, I don't think Apple is on a crusade against the evils of the world. I also wouldn't like for them to add to them, either. I'm not saying they are right now, but I just hope they don't start going that way with their business.

A couple people were implying that Apple should make deals with whoever they want to if it means getting exposure, just because business is business. All I said that corporations were originally supposed to help people, which a lot of people actually don't know. I didn't know that until about 2 or 3 years ago, and it's interesting to see how much things have changed.

When I buy something, I want to know it's being produced or sold ethically. I think some Mac users like Apple because we see Apple as NOT being a big, evil corporation like Microsoft is.

If you disagree with that take on the situation, then that's fine. I agree that for most people, it's not the #1 reason they buy things.

Come on, folks. Wake up.

Can't I hit "snooze" just one more time?? :) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

--edit: I do see now that the first sentence of my first post does come off a little bad, sorry about that.--

gwuMACaddict

Nov 7, 2003, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by BurntCalc
We're practically a subculture because of it.

wait a minute... practially?...

i thought we WERE

(albeit a much more ADVANCED subculture)

;) ;)

macmikey

Nov 7, 2003, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by ITR 81
Link:
http://www.cokemusic.com/
I wonder what the commerical's for the Super Bowel will look like?

Super "Bowel"? Was that a typo? I think that might be the funniest thing I've seen in a LONG time!
:D

hermes369

Nov 7, 2003, 09:56 PM

I'm casting my own dance number for the Superbowl Ad. But, we have to get that rotund eBay dude in there somehow. He's great! OK, so we've got Pepsi, McDonald's, Coke, AOL, Microsoft, and Apple. Got to get eBay... auction collector iPods? -Maybe...- If any more companies get involved, we'll have to re-stage We Are The World. Hey, wait! That's a great idea! We Are the World! we'll get Michael Jackson and HEY! Why not Paul Wolfowitz! We can get Condoleeza Rice on piano, Louis Farrakhan on violin, and Bill Clinton on sax. I smell a HIT. THIS WILL BE HUGE!!!!