charukesi January 26th, 2005
Speaking with college kids in Delhi in the course of some research, I find them repeatedly using phrases like ‘copy-paste’ (for copy - like copy someone else’s mannerisms / style) and ‘Times New Roman’ (for a plain person) and ‘virus’ (for anything from a slight kink to a serious anomaly - like usme dimaag me virus hai) - and all for describing everyday ordinary situations!
Speaking of which, how many times have I wished I could just ‘Undo’ in life. Or reach out for the F2 !
charukesi January 26th, 2005
Been in Delhi the last few days - haven’t been blogging regularly… Have been so spoilt as a Bombaiya, am still trying to come to terms with the work culture in Delhi (or total lack of it)…
Spent my first day in Delhi riding in a cab all day with Night Queen stickered on both the front and rear glass. Still musing on what the cab does for an alternate source of income…
Spotted : on a sign-board in Janakpuri in West Delhi : DO NOT BEG TO THE BEGGARS. Ok, whatever you say !
charukesi January 18th, 2005
Ongoing debate at brandchannel - Is Brand Loyalty Dead?
The two sides… Cheating Heart and True Love (!)
I think there will be a difference based on the kind of market / economy - in a developed, saturated market with few unbranded products, I would imagine more brand parity existing as opposed to less developed markets (like India?) where brands - especially the ‘old’ brands - can still claim loyalty among consumers.
And more importantly, the existence and extent of brand loyalty would also depend on the kind of product - for instance, soap? nah! (though you would be surprised by the number of people who swear by brands like Hamam and Horlicks - as I have found out again and again during research in Tamilnadu!). Many factors - how important is the product in my life, what does the brand do for my image, what is the risk in shifting brands - would go into determining brand loyalty…
What do you think?
charukesi January 18th, 2005
California, Boston kids dial India to brush up maths, science, reports the Indian Express. More outsourcing from India and this time what can only be called ‘knowledge’.
Twice a week, Ann Maria, a sixth grader at Silver Oak Elementary School, California, logs on the Internet from home.
She’s not chatting up with friends, but connecting to her personal tutor—already online, armed with a headset and a pen mouse—in a cubicle almost a timezone away in Kochi. .
Read on…
charukesi January 18th, 2005
When even Beckham failed to bend it . Pepsi postpones ad featuring David Beckham among others on the sun, sand and surf theme; the ad was due to appear on TV around the world, including Asia.
This month’s issue of Outlook Traveller came late on the stands because they scrapped the entire cover story which was on coastal holidays…
charukesi January 18th, 2005
Adrants says, Google Says FU to Blog Comment Spammers
Wish I could do the same…
charukesi January 18th, 2005
Bombay is rocking! With the Mumbai Festival and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival both on, South Bombay has a carnival feel about it…. Music, theatre, arts, sport, shopping - have been catching some great music these last few days…. A non-religious ‘festival’ is such a rarity in India - way to go Mumbai!
charukesi January 14th, 2005
Everything you have always wanted to know about paan but didn’t know whom to ask. Here is David-Michel Davis’ account of his great Indian discovery…
Link through Boingboing - complete with picture of a cool ornate paan shop in southern india
charukesi January 13th, 2005
What About Gross National Happiness? asks Time in this issue on ‘The Science of Happiness’
The last I heard this term Gross National Happiness used was during BJP’s India Shining campaign…
charukesi January 12th, 2005
I just discovered to my shock - yes, and pleasant surprise too - that both my blogs have been nominated in the indibloggies under best topical blog. (Never mind that neither has received any vote… hint, hint!!).
Mediamusings is particularly special since it is a new collaborative blog on our favourite topic - the Indian media - Harini and I have been giving it step-motherly treatment to be sure, but we will get going on that again soon.
As for A Time To Reflect, I must say I am speechless by this bit against my nomination - Though a market researcher, she probably knows more about creative writing and advertising and advertisers more than professionals .
I think I know which kind soul has said this of me. Hey, thanks.