Does Anyone "Binge" On Your Blog?

In the news:

• People Are Totally Binge-Watching Arrested Development
• Binge Viewing: TV's Lost Weekends
• Is Binge Viewing Good or Bad for Netflix?
• Eight Great Shows You Haven't Binge-Watched
• Binge Watching Is Our Future

I will leave it to smarter minds than mine whether waiting until the weekend to gorge on one whole TV series by viewers is good or bad for the future of Netflix and all of traditional media, but this much is clear:  creating something so delicious that the audience can't wait to fully savor it all in one lengthy session is greatness defined.

Are you podcasting and blogging every day?  Is it so terrific that your listeners make a point of coming to your website or through social media to savor everything you created this week?

If not, as good as your traditional ratings and audience shares, your content isn't good enough to compete in what is certainly to become tomorrow's media.

Heck, if you're not reading this material every single day, MY content isn't good enough either.

I'm working on it.  How about you?

Our Uncertain Economy

Prosper Research's monthly tracking of consumer attitudes has it's up's and down's this month:

• Those very confident or confident in chances for a strong economy wobble in May, decreasing slightly to 39 percent. With the up / down action we’ve been seeing with confidence this year, it’s evident that consumers are struggling with feelings of uncertainty regarding the economy.
• Eight out of ten consumers feels that there will be “more” or the “same” number of pink slips handed out over the next six months, increasing slightly over a year ago. So even as the official US unemployment rate continues to decline, consumers seem unable to quell their concerns.
• Consumers are feeling uncertain about employment because their guts are telling them what the numbers are telling us – the unemployment rate is down because the opportunities are slim and an increasing number of capable, working age adults are being labeled “discouraged” – and are lost from the labor force as a result.
• It appears that, at least in recent months, consumers have become a bit more comfortable in their ability to meet monthly spending demands, with a decreasing number of consumers saying that there’s too much month at the end of their paychecks “all” or “most of the time.”
• However, more than a quarter of adults 18+ reported that they are feeling “worse off” financially compared to a year ago.
• And, while consumers may feel that they are getting better at handling their month to month expenditures, it appears they may be doing so at the expense of their savings, with the US personal saving rate currently remaining at lows not seen since just before the Great Recession.
• New discoveries from our Analytics Unit provide support that happiness increases with age. Members of the Silent generation rank as the happiest in America followed by Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials.
  
  
  Consumer Snapshot May 2013 from Prosper Business Development

Who Do You Trust?

The stage is set for a terrific 2013, but nobody is going to hand us anything.  We live in a highly competitive world and just like virtually any other business, success will require us to be at our very best.  Our listeners and customers have nearly limitless choices.  So if our content (on-air or digital), service and execution are anything less than excellent, we will lose them.  At the same time, the opportunity to gain new customers from other media is greater than ever before.  We are a superior choice for any customer looking for enormous reach, local activation, and strong engagement at an attractive price.  No other medium can match us across these criteria.

With the start of a new year, each of us is awarded a fresh start.  A chance to raise our games, build on our strengths, and recommit ourselves to achieving our full potential.  Let’s steel ourselves with the determination to overcome our challenges and make the necessary changes to set a new standard of excellence in our work.  Let’s make 2013 a year of great accomplishment and pride.  

I trust David Field.

It’s a major breakthrough.  It changes the dynamic — and this is something that is going to make a lot of sense to the American public because they’re getting this for free and they’re not consuming data, so we think it’s a major step.

I trust Jeff Smulyan.

But let’s be clear about what this agreement involving certain Android and Windows phones is, and isn’t. Many smartphones already contain an FM chip (that’s the long-held belief of Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan). But you can’t just wave a Harry Potter wand and activate that chip. It needs software to make a “tuner,” and not software you can download from an app store in the cloud. In other words, this victory will have to be realized one new phone at a time – it’s not retroactive to the one you’ve got in your pocket or purse. The Emmis Interactive-developed NextRadio app is one way to control the tuner on your next phone, but there will be others. It’s probably not a coincidence that Sprint offers unlimited data – it doesn’t “meter” usage by customers. So its economic incentives line up particularly well with broadcasters who’ve been lobbying the wireless industry. Other carriers have the meter running, and they benefit when their customers listen to radio over the Internet, using a data plan. But even so, the NAB and the other enthusiastic backers of FM chips on cellphones like Smulyan and Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman call the Sprint deal a breakthrough, after years of talks (and sometimes ridicule).  

I trust Tom Taylor.

More than anything, I trust the Consumer Electronics, mobile dashboard, cable, satellite, internet, and phone industries to want to charge their customers - our listeners - more and more for what once was "free radio."

Ultimately, I trust that the average media consumer will want as much as they can get without having to pay for it.

New Year Hot/Not

 

Big Research:  "perhaps one of the stories we’ll hear most about in 2013, mom-to-be Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, bested the results for Princes William and Harry earlier in the fall. She’s certainly shaping up to be the next people’s princess [at least among us Yanks] – particularly among women 35+."

Is Ryan Seacrest over-exposed?

Hot: Giving Thanks; Going Shopping

Thanksgiving tops Big Research's list of what’s hot in November, consumers are increasingly optimistic and planning to partake in Black Friday shopping.

Cyber Monday doesn’t follow too far behind.  (click to read the 10 characteristics of layaway shoppers)

It appears that the vampires of Breaking Dawn, Part II may be taking a bite out of Bond’s new Skyfall at the box office.

Back To School Is Big

The August report from Big Research:

With school nearly in session, popular categories like Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Health & Beauty Aids, and Electronics are looking UPward over the next 90 days, according to the BIGinsight™ Diffusion Index. In addition, all other categories – save for seasonal Lawn & Garden – are poised for spending increases compared to last month, last year.

 

It appears that shoppers are maintaining a more optimistic stance this year when it comes to big ticket purchasing over the next six months (which, of course, includes the upcoming holiday season)…compared to Aug-11, purchase intentions are on the rise for computers, autos, housing, furniture, jewelry, mobile devices, major home improvements, and TVs, while digital cameras and vacation travel are relatively flat:

If you can't figure out why I think you'll be interested in these stats, we need to talk! 

June Talking Points

• Good luck, Class of 2012: Employment Outlook dims
• May’s dip in practicality appears to have been just a “blip” on consumers’ spending radar
• Pain at the Pump: No gas price “fireworks” expected to set off for the holiday
• 90 Day Outlook is looking UPward
• What’s Hot? Saving is in style in June (coupons lead the way)…

Click to read the entire June Big Research executive briefing (if you have read this blog very long you know I am addicted to this monthly trend update).

Do-It-Yourself

That's what leads Big Research's monthly "What's Hot/What's Not" data for May.

Why do I look forward to this monthly missive?  Not only is it great grist for talk-abouts, but they even write your lines for you:  "Move over, Iron Man…the team of heroes from Marvel’s The Avengers prove to be no match for “IT” nonagenarian [and one of my favorite Girls], Betty White. DIY projects also sit atop our list this month (and – interestingly – much hotter with women … #mustaddtomyhoneydolist). Avengers’ Scarlett Johansson is a hit with the younger crowd, while those 35+ pick the Kentucky Derby as their winner. What’s Not? While the popularity of the colorblocking trend has doubled from when we first asked about it one year ago, it appears that the latest floral prints or a jean jacket are more on-trend with consumers."

Talking About What They Talk About

- Big Research April Executive Briefing - well worth a click for lots of thought- and content-provoking data points.

Hot: IPad3 + March Madness

What’s Not? Big Research names Lindsay Lohan…while Debbie Harry’s [alleged] doppelganger was a hoot in The Real Housewives of Disney sketch on SNL, adults in general just aren’t ready for this comeback – and that’s no laughing matter.

Adele = Rolling In The Popularity

Are you talking from your unique camera-angle on what "they" are talking about right now?

Need help with that? It's time for another BIGinsight monthly exec briefing.

What’s Hot?

The singer-songwriter is followed by Volkswagen (who doesn’t love those Star Wars-themed Super Bowl ads?).

Academy Award Red Carpet Fashion, the Award Ceremony itself, and CNN Silver Fox news anchor/newly-minted talked show host Anderson Cooper are tightknit at the top of the list as well.

The Jason Wu capsule collection for Target and the Spring headband trend particularly appealed to young women 18 to 34.

What’s Not?

"Rising star Rooney Mara…but perhaps we’re just waiting to see what The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo nominee wears on the OSCAR® red carpet."

-- And, while I'm plugging Big Research's work, buy this book ("MEdia Generations" is very hot with me)!

Is "Spending Hibernation" Coming To An End?

If you've been reading this blog for very long, you know I always look forward to the monthly tracking studies from Phil Rist at Big Research, not only for sales and business reasons but also because they provide great insights for promotions and marketing as well.

Hot buttons for on air giveaways and content: USA pride, Superbowl and of course that annual resolution to lose weight and get in better shape. But: don't do it in colored jeans, a pleated skirt or trapper hat.

Things Are Looking UP For Retailers

Big Research: Those of us on the “nice” list may be getting an extra special surprise under the tree this year, as purchase intentions for several big ticket items – including autos, computers, mobile devices, and TVs – are on the rise this year compared to last.

What’s NOT hot? "While more popular among young women, virtual pinboard Pinterest doesn’t seem to be generating much interest among the public at large."

From Bad to Poor and Everything in Between

What one word best describes the economy? 1.6% call it "hopeful."

If you said something like bad, sucks, poor, terrible or depressing, you’d be right in line with the top 5 descriptions, according to the latest American Pulse™. 6,059 respondents participated in the 2nd October American Pulse conducted 10/25-10/26/2011.

The latest results show that very few Americans have positive things to say about the economy. Many say their standard of living has dropped, most would support tax system reform and the majority thinks the government needs to spend less to get the economy back on track.

My Favorite "Research Email" Each Month

As radio's content imperative moves from time-worn things like the long-serving horrible-scopes, today's birthdays and anniversaries, song parodies and other Boomer benchmarks to more fresh Gen X and Gen Y info, authentic and interactive perspectives on the hottest topics right now, victory often goes to the personality who understands what the right buzz topic is today and how to make something personal, engaging and unique that he/she can brand from it.

For example: "What’s Hot…is the NFL or College Football the top pick?"

• For many this month “autumn” and “football” are synonymous…specifically, 64.4% are glued to NFL games, while 54.0% enjoy college football.
• Also hot this month? The Help was blockbuster among the majority (51.6%) and 3D TV (46.0%) might just be the gift that saves Christmas 2011. Those under 35 are digging the Nintendo 3DS (and presumably its recent price drop), while females will be integrating ankle boots and the color red in their fall wardrobes. What’s not? The stock market…’nuff said there, right?

OK, now that you know that, what do you plan to DO about it?

To start getting Phil Rist's interpretations of Big Research trend reports, follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

What's Hot, Beside The Temperatures?

Cookouts are what’s hot in July (according to 76.1%)…Solar Power is making its own heat among 69.5%, while the new Transformers and Harry Potter movies are also sparking interest among consumers. Young adults favor Beyonce and Shia LaBeouf, while women in general carry Clutch Handbags and are packing their one-piece swimsuits for vacation. Confidence drops in July…do consumers fear a double-dip recession?

What’s Hot? Saving a buck or two (or even a thousand!)

If you, like me, are addicted to Phil Rist's monthly tracking of consumer attitude trends, here we go again:

Chalk it up to being par for the course…consumers aren't going to let a good old-fashioned Twitter scandal elevate their concerns for political and national security issues. This month, fewer than one in five (18.9%) say they continue to worry, down more than a point from May (20.4%) and more than two points from a year ago (21.1%).

Perhaps due to the lack of solid improvement in the economy, practicality is creeping upward in June…nearly half (48.5%) report that they’ve become more sensible and realistic in their purchasing, up from 44.8% in May, 46.3% in Jun-10, and the highest June reading in our survey’s history.

In similar fashion, focus on the necessities climbs high in June…55.2% (also a record for June) are simply sticking to what they need when shopping, up slightly from last month (54.9%) and rising more than a point from last year (53.8%).

With the official unemployment rate inching up to 9.1% this month, consumers’ outlook for the job market darkens in June…this month, 28.1% predict there will be “more” layoffs over the next six months, rising from 26.6% 30 days ago. The majority (54.6%) contend that layoff levels will remain the same (up from 53.3% in May), while under than one in five (17.4%) expect “fewer,” down nearly three points from last month.

Despite rising pessimism for the employment outlook, those currently on a payroll seem secure about keeping their jobs…in June only 3.4% are concerned about being handed a pink slip, down ever-so-slightly from last month (3.6%).

While paying down debt (31.4%) remains the top priority for consumers, fewer are planning to do so compared to one year prior (32.5%)…instead, decreasing overall spending (30.1%) and adding to savings (26.4%) are the rising stars this month, up from 28.7% and 24.7% 365 days ago, respectively. One in five (20.6%) intends to pay with cash more often, on trend with Jun-10 (20.9%).

It’s progress, people…despite the fact that more than two in five (43.0%) currently say they disagree that they are saving enough for future needs, this figure has improved three points from a year ago (46.4%). More than one in four (26.6%) agree that their piggy banks have the heft to bear expenses in the long-term, up more than two points from Jun-10 (24.2%).

With pricing at the pump easing over the past month, fewer (77.9%) are feeling a major impact to their wallets compared to last month (80.3%), but let’s face it – that’s still A LOT of people…simply taking fewer shopping trips (45.6%) appeals to the most penny pinchers as an option to defray fuel expenses. Shopping closer to home (43.4%), hunting up bargains (42.8%), and using coupons more (40.5%) follow.

Though gas companies typically exercise their freedom to raise prices around Independence Day, consumers seem cautiously optimistic about the short-term direction of the cost of fuel…while the largest group (45.7%) still contends that pump prices will rise by the close of June, this figure is a great deal lower than sentiment recorded a month ago (74.2%). More than one in three (36.1%) say the price per gallon will remain the same, while nearly one in five (18.2%) are hoping for further declines, much brighter than in May (7.0%). Drivers are anticipating an average price of $3.91/gal by June 30^th, lowering from the $4.25/gal expected at the end of May.

Saving a buck or two (or a thousand, if you are featured on a certain TLC show) is what’s hot this month, according to the 61.6% who voted for the Extreme Couponing trend. Saving gas with Hybrid Automobiles (59.6%) is in vogue, as is X-Men: First Class (56.9%). Men are also looking forward to Green Lantern, while women are watching their Community Gardens grow. What’s Not? It’s tough when you’re less popular than Arnold “The Adulterator” Schwarzenegger, but January Jones failed to achieve “It Girl” status this month.

Would You Rather Tend To A Vegetable Garden Or Watch The New Pirates Movie?

With rising prices in grocery stores, it seems that many consumers plan to tap into the potential of their own backyards by planting Vegetable Gardens, which tops Big Research's list of what’s hot for May (among 58.3%)...Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (54.3%) and Idol diva Jennifer Lopez (54.1%) aren’t far behind.

Young women also appreciate Christina Aguilera and The Voice, while men under 35 would rather opt for Thor or the NBA Playoffs.

What’s Not?

While the Colorblocking Fashion Trend is finding loyalty among ladies 18-34, most (89.3%) agree that you shouldn’t look like you got dressed in the dark.

(click for much more on attitudes about the capture of Bin Laden)

Hot? Other Than Those Japanese Reactors?

The BIGresearch® Consumer Intentions & Actions® Survey monitors over 8,000 consumers each month providing unique insights & identifying opportunities in a fragmented and transitory marketplace and Phil Rist reports that it took all of that in their March 2011 (Respondents surveyed 3/1 - 3/8/11) to find out:

Three in five (60.3%) indicate that wearing green on March 17 is what’s hot this month…other timely favorites – Mardi Gras and March Madness – prove popular as well. Consumers prefer the Kindle eReader over Nook, while Groupon is a favorite deal-of-the-day site among women. Also according to women: 50s-era full skirts are in style among those 18-34, while the 35+ crowd feels more comfortable in Pajama Jeans®. What’s not? Eighty percent of consumers say the ladies’ high-waisted pant trend just isn’t groovy enough for contemporary closets.

Rising gas prices, the weak job market, and turmoil in Libya shake consumers’ already fragile confidence in the economy…in March fewer than one in three (29.1%) say they are very confident/confident in chances for a strong economy, declining two points from last month (31.2%) and down slightly from Mar-10 (29.8%).

While the current figure is still an improvement from Mar-09 (19.5%), consumers are feeling far less optimistic compared to pre-recession Mar-07 (46.9%

More talking points:

• Browse, don’t buy: Practicality inches upward
• Consumers predict more pink slips, not paychecks
• Fewer feeding piggy banks v. Mar-10
• $3.83/gal pump price expected at end of month
• Consumer Migration: Linens/Bedding/Draperies
• 90 Day Outlook: Brightens from February, though down for key seasonal categories
  

Is Your Phone Smart Enough?

I think you know: I love this monthly update for fun and content, drive by listener values.

• Consumer Confidence rises
• Make careful purchases, be price conscious, stick to a budget
• Practicality, Focus on "Needs" up from Dec-10
• Nearly one in four optimistic about “fewer” layoffs over next six months
• $3.36/gal pump price expected at end of month
• Walmart continues to win in Apparel
• Consumer Migration: Prescription Drugs
• UPward 90 Day Outlook compared to Jan-10, Jan-09…DOWN from Jan-07
• What’s Hot? How smart is your phone?

(click for the full report) The BIGresearch Consumer Intentions & Actions™ Survey monitors over 8,000 consumers each month providing unique insights & identifying opportunities in a fragmented and transitory marketplace, January 2011 (Respondents surveyed 1/4 - 1/11/11)