How and which beliefs can we justified in Descartes who argues for Essay

How and which beliefs can we justified in Descartes who argues for skepticism - Essay Example He believes that images from dreamland are drawn from real experiences. For instance, if an artist draws an imaginary picture of a mermaid, he thinks of images of women and fish. The philosopher thinks that it is very easy to doubt the simplest things in life such as the existence of God. However, he tries pushing these thoughts from his mind by arguing that if he believes that there is no God, then he will be deceived. From the clip in "The Matrix", Neyo is put in a computer program by a hacker who tries to convince him to change his mind about what he believes in. The hacker shows him of his dream world and the real world to manipulate his mind into making Neyo believe in his world of fantasy (Andy and Lana, 1999). In the same way, Descartes sought to overturn people beliefs thoughts into his imaginary world. From the philosopher story, it is crucial to note that no individual can live in skepticism as no one doubts if other people in the surrounding exist. It is believed that Descartes was motivated into doubtful behavior as he was trying to overcome a certain problem, but his believes were always accompanied by arguments to inspire his

Inside the mind of a savant Essay Example for Free

Inside the mind of a savant Essay Treffert and Christensen’s article (2005), touches on the important and curious issue: the differences among humans. It is not to hide that jealous and curious species desire to possess what others possess and desire to know how it is possible. The description of savant individual, Kim Peek, leaves the readers wonder about the possibilities that have a mere possibility and right to existence. These authors begin their article with a concrete description of what does it mean to be savant. Their description is well poised and not an eggeduration. They, straightforwardly, describe the concrete features that Kim had without forgetting to mention that Kim also has serious physical disabilities. Kim’s listed abilities are though impressive. I do not know a person who would think twice to have what Kim had – but knot with the price that Kim had to pay. Enduring difficult attitude from others or enduring physical differences are quite different things. Kim endured physical differences that simply made him more different. Now, when he is a grown man (and way into his 50th), researchers took a serious interest in him due to the uniqueness of his case. The authors mentioned in the article that, even in childhood, Kim was missing Corpus Colossum, the connecting neural network that connects left and right human hemispheres. The writers write, â€Å"Yet in people whose corpus callosum has been severed in adulthood, generally in an effort to prevent epileptic seizures from spreading from one hemisphere to the other, a characteristic split-brain syndrome arises in which the estranged hemispheres begin to work almost independently of each other. † This statement, by itself, points out at the materialistic approach that without the synaptic connections between the right and left hemisphere the connection between right and left hemisphere is impossible. There were some ‘guesses’ among the appropriate researchers but no one wanted to mention a possibility that that here is a hidden purpose behind such appearances. The authors conjecture lies within a science fiction, however plausible. They wrote that the person born without corpus collossum learn to connect right and left hemisphere with the non-traditional ways. Their hypothesis consists of an idea that two separated hemispheres learn to act as one, in unison. One major point that the authors noticed was that the ‘abnormalities’ stem form the damage in the left hemisphere only. Furthermore, the suggested that males, per ce, display more frequent number of cases of savanism, stuttering, dyslexia, and autism. Their response to this theory was straightforward: one possible explanation lies within the fetus development in which they suggest that the make fetus has higher levels chemically dependent and left-brained situation. In to this hypothesis the understanding that the left hemisphere develops with a slower rate than that of right has a big part of their study. To evidence the above, the authors use the examples of so called â€Å"acquired savant syndrome† which is resulted in older children after the accidental damage to the left hemisphere. Further, the article speculates upon the implication of the significance behind the corpus collossum. One possibility includes a rationale, which suggests that, the possibility of the right brain compensation if the left-brain cannot function properly. Another possibility makes the readers think that inability to function within one hemisphere unravels the latent ability in another. The latter theory suggests that the left-brain dominance is due to the fact that we live in the techno logical society that prizes the left-brain achievements. Thus, the function of the left-brain, which is prone to science, math, and logic, leads us to what we call Human Rational, the human species that uses conscious analogies in their day-to-day operations (Read, 1997). The dysfunction of the left hemisphere all of the sudden opens new possibilities hidden and latent within the right hemisphere that holds the key to what we call today Human Conscious. It is of interest to the readers that traditional intelligence tests did not really work with the above subject: some parts showed below average while other superior range performance. In another excursion into the case, the authors noted Kim’s unusual versatility with a tremendously large lexicon of vocabulary in his possession. With Kim’s inability to explain the meaning behind the proverbs he finds amazing associations and is being quite effective in long-term memory recall. Such has been evidenced by his unusual abilities dealt with music, as per complex line up of tones and musical styles as well as the names and works of various artists. Here, and despite his dexterous prior complications, he can seat at piano and play a piece he had discussed â€Å"shifting effortlessly from one mode to another. † Even Greehan, the Mozart scholar commented positively about Kim’s abilities. In summary, the authors, refer to the fictional Rain Man produced after Kim’s life story, although the the writer Barry Morrow decided not to outline Kim’s life story. Similarities are striking, however, and cause one is thinking about not-discovered human abilities. References Darold A. Treffert and Daniel D. Christensen (2005). Onside the mind of a savant. Scientific American. Retrieved July 22, 2007 from http://www. condition. org/sa5c. htm Read, S. G. (Ed. ). (1997). Psychiatry in Learning Disability. Edinburgh: W. B. Saunders. Retrieved July 24, 2007, from Questia database: http://www. questia. com/PM. qst? a=od=100737215.

Background Of Online Banking In Vietnam Marketing Essay

Background Of Online Banking In Vietnam Marketing Essay Introduction The explosion of Internet technology has revolutionized todays economic globally. The changes and innovation of technology has altered the way banking industry can offer its services to customers. A makeable online banking has emerged as the most important online transaction platform for e-commerce, e-shopping, internet stock trading or online auction (Lee, 2009). Internet banking is utilized as a medium with faster transaction speed and lower handling fees (Kalakota and Whinston, 1997). Furthermore, there is no additional software needed when customers conducting transactions on websites (Polasik and Wisniewski, 2009). With the improved online security, customers not only can check their balances on banks websites; online banking allows conducting transactions that are more complicated such as transferring funds, paying bills or even writing checks. Their trustworthiness on online has nevertheless increased (Tan amd Teo, 2000). Banking industry has initiated a paradigm shift from traditional brick and mortal branches to online. In banks websites, customers serve themselves without the need of frontline staff. To this, banks benefited from staff reduction, lesser branch sizes, and paper-related works (Tan and Teo, 2000; Compaq, 2001). According to Burham (1996), the establishment of website consumes less than US$25,000 in which the website maintenance also costs less than US$25,000 annually a big different as compared to maintain a branch. For the customer point of view, convenience and efficiency are the great motivation for them to use online banking (Bruno, 2003). Customers do not need to go to bank, queue up, waiting or constrained by banks operating hours. It offers customers anytime, anywhere banking facilities (Lassar et al., 2005). There is a rapid growth of customers in using online banking services. The report of International Data Corporation (IDC) report shows that the online banking users has surpassed a total of one hundred million by 2004 (Maenpaa et al., 2008). The importance and advantages of online banking has prompted banking industry to rethink their strategy and for long-term survival, most of the banks go online (Tan and Teo, 2000). To stay competitive in the global market, developing countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have tentatively launched their online banking. Malaysia has actively developed e-banking since the mid of 2000 (Poon, 2008). Vietnam Government emphasis strongly on telecommunication development and has implemented internet in order to increase e-commerce usage (Chong et al., 2010). Although Malaysia and Vietnam are from the Southeast Asia region, elements like legal, cultural, social, political, and technical influence among both countries are different. The different elements ad d further the complexity in using online applications (Tarasewich et al., 2002). The degree of different cultural context in both nations will influence the typical ways on how online applications are applied in an online banking system (Zakaria and Stanton, 2003). Beyond the recognition diverse in cultural aspects on consumer behaviors, there is a need to improve the conceptual underpinning the similarities and differences across both countries by understanding the factors that predict customers intention in using online banking. To attract more customers engaging in online banking, it is crucial for banks to develop channel characteristics that are preferable by customers. This paper analyzes the customers attitude towards online banking in both Malaysia and Vietnam context and their preference factors in accepting online banking channel. An in-depth understanding of consumer perceptions and behavior are needed to be understood in order to enhance online banking functionality. For early adopter countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, the ultimate success of online banking still depended on customers willingness to use online banking. Thus, it is important to identify the antecedents of customer acceptance towards online banking. Comprehending what are essentials enticing customers to use online banking will provide management great insight in developing effective strategies to remain competitive in the industry and hold market share. In our research, we rely on the technology acceptance model (TAM), in particular perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in linking with behavioral intention to use online banking. The framework is then synthesized with other antecedents such as trust to study customers confidence in their decision to try a new technology; and government e-readiness factor in both nations of Malaysia and Vietnam. We begin the paper by exploring the background of online banking in both countries. Following by examining the theoretical used and hypothesis developed. After that, description on methodology and analysis is provided. We performed results, discussions on findings, limitations of the study, implications of study, and finally, conclusions. Background of Online Banking in Malaysia In Malaysia, the advancement in ICT has embarked a wide range E-business implementation in many companies. By launching Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) as a mean to facilitate businesses through a host of privileges that entail world class services and infrastructure as well as financial incentives, Malaysia has captured a total revenue of US$383.5 million from E-commerce in 2000 and the figure boosted up to US$9336.2 million in 2005 (MDC, 2003). Banking institutions have actively exploited the opportunities that arise from these developments. Since 2000, many banks anticipated in developing Internet banking (Poon, 2008). The electronic revolution in Malaysian banking sector has historically started by introducing Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by 1981, which provide customers the extending banking hours beyond office hours (Jawahitha et al., 2003). This computerized telecommunication device provides customers the convenient to access to financial transactions in a wider geographical locations. After that, another service channel was introduced in the early of 1990s, namely tele-banking. This service is eventually connected with Automated Voice Response (AVR) technology. However, Malaysian banks showed little interest as public showed a relatively low interest of response rate (Jawahitha et al., 2003). With the strong emphasis and encouragement by government in the usage and adoption of personal computer, banking environment has undergone a more drastic revolution by offering online banking services through their interactive company websites in 2000. Maybank is the first bank that provides online banking services in Malaysia through www.maybank2U.com portal. It was then followed by Hong Leong Bank, Southern Bank and Multi-Purpose Bank. (Suganthi et al., 2001). At present, there are 24 banks offering online banking facilities. Online banking is getting its popularity in Malaysia. It has received overwhelming responses from customers due to its convenience and has proven advantage in reducing costs. The number of online banking subscribers has increased from 3.2 million in 2006 to 7.5 million in 2009, with the population penetration rate from 11.6% (2006) to 25.9% (2009) (www.bnm.gov.my). Apparently, this positive sign has enlighten the banks to continuous seeking ways to enhance the use of electronic applications more comprehensive and effectively. Nevertheless, consumers are demanding for better transparency, integrity and communication of online banking services. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that influence the use of online banking. The strength and capability of financial institutions to harness appropriate ICT strategies is crucial to continue to position themselves for better success in this new era through customer retention and growth in the market share. Background of Online Banking in Vietnam In the mid-1980s, the Communist Party of Vietnam formally ended its centralized planned economy and began to adopt economic reform program, widely known as doi moi or Renovation, as a mean to open itself to the world. Since that, Vietnam has started to appear as one of the important economy emergence in Asia Pacific area (Phan, 2008). The first entry of Internet was in November 1997. Given this opportunity, Vietnamese companies have increased their emphasis to implement computerized system and IT facilities in their daily business operations. However, most of the commercial websites are mainly used for promotion purposes instead of real existent of online transactions. (Huang and Swierczek, 2008). Vietnams industrialization has led to rapid ICT growth. Under the Overall Plan on Developing E-Commerce, Vietnamese Government encourages more companies to implement e-commerce in their business operations (Peoples Daily, 2006). In order to stay competitive in the challenging marketplace, companies encode e-commerce implementation as a vital element in their business strategy. As of 2000, the Internet penetration rate has reached 0.3 percent (0.2 million users) of the population. In 2009, the Internet users have surged to a total of 22 million, presented a 25.7 percent of total population (Internet World Stats, 2009). Vietnam Government started to focus on service sector by realizing its feasibility and effective impact on the overall business. The Government aims to stimulate efficient e-commerce development by encouraging people to use it (Chong et al., 2010). With that, online banking is viewed as an important tool or medium to leverage the success of e-commerce implementation. Vietnamese banks have made efforts to establish inter-bank networks to support online payments. The system processing of commercial banks have been improved and banks applied more advanced software and application programs (english.vietnamnet.vn). However, there is a lack of integrated technical system between organizations and banks to provide customers a more structured and systematic payment system. Furthermore, the lack of law and regulations establishment regarded to online banking issues still remained undefined which have led to many difficulties in dispute settlement. As online banking in Vietnam is getting popul ar and offer banks better cost-effective solution, therefore this study aims to examine factors that influence the acceptance of online banking in the country. Technology Adoption Model It has been found that users attitudes and behavior towards acceptance of a new information system indicated a critical impact towards the successful technology adoption (Davis, 1989; Venkatesh and Davis, 1996; Succi and Walter, 1999). This is due to the fact that, the more users accept new information system, the more they will try and start to use it (Succi and Walter, 1999). Given these, researchers have been trying to find factors that influence individual in accepting new technology. One of the most popular and utilized model of technology adoption is the technology acceptance model (TAM) (Davis et al, 1989; Davis and Venkatesh, 1996; Al-Gahtani, 2001). As online banking is one type of technology innovation (Lin and Lee, 2005), we propose the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical foundation in this study to predict users online banking usage and preference, which in turn, determined users beliefs towards the online banking system (Joaquin et al, 2009). There are two important components in TAM, which are perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). The first determinant refers to the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance (Davis et al., 1989). In the context of online banking, it refers to the degree on how effective an online banking system assists in productivity, work, and cost-saving (Rao, 2003). Perceived ease of use is the degree to which the prospective adopters expect new technology adopted to be free effort regarding its transfer and utilization (Davis et al., 1989). In this context, the easier adopters find it to learn and use online banking system, the higher the potential he or she will adopt it (Chong et al., 2010). Although many studies showed TAM is a useful, valid and reliable model (Jeyaraj et al., 2006), many researchers have extended the model by adding different variables based on the types of information system or technology they studied. A critical review from Legris et al. (2003) revealed that there is a need to include other components in order to have better explanations and broader view in new technology adoption. In this cross-cultural study, trust and government e-readiness components are added in order to have better picture in their decision on online banking adoption. The two additional components can be varied as they posit different cultural backgrounds within these both countries. Perceived Usefulness In the model of TAM, perceived usefulness is a significant factor affecting in the acceptance of information system (Davis et al., 1989). It is also has been found to have direct effect towards online banking adoption (Eriksson et al., 2005; Pikkarainen et al., 2004). Similarly, Numerous papers have been studied about perceived usefulness on online banking. For example, Wong et al. (2003) explored that perceived usefulness has positive significant effect on behavioral intention towards online banking in Taiwan context. The study concluded that Taiwanese exploit online banking systems as they find the system is useful and comfortable to use. Pikkarainen et al. (2004) further indicated that perceived usefulness was found to be the most influential driver in online banking service. The findings explained that users choose to use online banking because of it anticipates better advantages as compared to other delivery channels. In Thailand, perceived usefulness is significant among Thai consumers intention to use and it has became a prominent encouragement for them to use online banking services (Jaruwachirathanakul and Fink, 2005). In this research context, perceived usefulness refers to consumers perceptions in using Internet as a financial transaction medium in order to enhance their banking experiences. These perceptions will influence consumers attitude toward online banking and their intention to use it. The main reason users start to use online banking services as they find the systems are useful and convenient during their transactions. Therefore, we test the following hypothesis: H1. Perceived usefulness has a positive association with consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Perceived Ease of Use Besides perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use is found as one of the important influential in adopting new technology (Davis et al., 1989). Perceived usefulness is the extend on how effective Internet and its applications in assisting consumers to accomplish tasks; on the other hand, perceived ease of use is the degree on how easy to use Internet as a medium to complete tasks (Toà ±ita et al., 2004). The beliefs of a person on the difficulty to use online systems will affect his or her intention to continue to use a technology (Davis, 1989). In the words, the complexity of certain online applications will tend to discourage or slow down technology adoption (Rogers, 1995). Various studies have offered insights on the significant effect of perceived ease of use on behavioral intention. According to Moon and Kim (2001), information systems not only should be easy to use, it should also stress on user friendly features. With that, users will feel less threatening and have more confident when using it. Eventually, this implies that perceived ease of use will affect the users perceived credibility during their interaction and exchanges on Internet. In a subsequent study, Wang et al (2003) documented that perceived ease of use had a significant effect on behavioral intention. This is highly related to users that have higher self-efficacy towards computer usage. The finding indicated that Taiwanese views interfaces and applications on banks websites are understandable and online banking is easy to apply and use. In a later study, Amin et al (2008) also revealed that there is a positive relationship between perceived ease of use and mobile banking adoption. By understanding that perceived ease of use will affect consumers attitude and intention, therefore it is important to identify the latent dimensions of this construct in online banking. Thus, we hypothesized that: H2. Perceived ease of use has a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Trust Trust is a crucial factor in many transactional relationships. Trust exists when one party is confident with anothers reliability and credibility (Morgan and Hunt, 1994; Ranaweera and Phrabu, 2003). According to Eriksson et al. (2005), trust is defined as the perceptions towards security and reliability of online banking system from the perspective of customers. The issue of online banking is more critical in comparing to offline banking (Al-Somali et al., 2008). As online banking transactions required sensitive information and access to critical files which transferred via Internet (Alsojjan and Dennis, 2006; Suh and Han, 2002). Therefore, it adds further the complexity to examine online banking trust as the interpersonal trust not only relying between banks and customers, but also between customers and information system (McKnight and Chervany, 2001-2002). To this, Grà ¶nroos (2001) concluded that the professionalism in the aspects on intelligent systems and operations is importan t in building customers trust. Collectively, customers have doubts on the overall security policies in online banking. Especially new adopters in developing nations like Malaysia and Vietnam have found to have less confident in trying online banking due to security reason (Gerrard and Cunnningham, 2003). In many banking websites, security technology like encryption, password, identifiers, or inactivity automatically logs users off the account are implemented to reduce the overall risk during transaction process and the same time increase customers trustworthiness in using the system (Hutichinson and Warren, 2003). In Malaysia, a total number of 500 respondents from different banks customers have been investigated and found that security factor showed the highest Cronbach alpha score. This indicates that security and trust towards online systems are ultimately important in order to encourage customers to start to use online applications. Therefore, the major concern for banks to implement online banking falls on the extent to how customers perceived trustworthiness of a particular system (Poon, 2008). In the study of Al-Somali et al (2008), trust has found to have significant impact in influencing customer attitudes towards online banking usage in Saudi Arabia community. Whereby, Sathyes (1999) identified security and privacy as the biggest obstacles towards the adoption of online banking in Australia. Thus, it is clear that without trust, customers will avoid making any transactions in virtual online environment. Although the consequence of trust in business-customer relationship has been established, the trust construct in virtual online banking is still in a somewhat ambivalent manner, especially in developing countries context. Thus, we proposed the following hypothesis: H3. Trust will have a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Government Support Government plays a vital role in creating institutional environment to encourage the nation to adopt online banking services. In the efforts of government by investing heavily in the aspects of availability and quality of labor, technical infrastructure, policy, work force training and maintaining have nevertheless prepared banks a better platform to foster online banking service (Gibbs et al., 2003). It has been observed and verified in the previous studies that governmental support either in projects funding or adoption schemes have leveraged technology diffusion in a shorter period of time (Tan, 2000). For example Tan and Teo (2000) mentioned in their study that Singapore Government has successfully promoted the adoption of electronic data interchange (EDI) through educational program (Burn, 1995). In Malaysia, with the launch of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which is fully supported by government in 1996 has prepared Malaysia a great advancement into the thriving of ICT world. One of the key efforts of MSC is to provide the necessary facilities and technical skills for local and foreign businesses through its flagship applications and business services. With the implementations of electronic government, multi-purpose identification card, smart schools and telemedicine, government have tentatively encouraged the citizens to conduct transaction online. Vietnam, an emergence fast growing economy country has started to invest and improve its ICT infrastructure throughout the country. Rahn Wood, a senior executive of Techcombank, said that, although online baking remains unfamiliar in Vietnam, but it has foreseen to be potentially welcomed by Vietnamese people (VietnamNet, 2009). Although most of the people in Vietnam still prefer offline banking, there have seen an overwhelming increased usage in online banking, mobile banking, home banking, phone banking and other card and e-payment services. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the Ho Chi Minh capital (VietnamNet, 2009). Government should play the role to encourage citizens in order to increase the usage rate in online banking. Thus, we hypothesized that: H4. Government support has a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking.

Drunk Comparison :: Essays Papers

Drunk Comparison After around two hours in a bar the way I carry myself is definitely different from the time I walked in. I’ve never considered myself much of a drinker, especially before I came to college. I had never appreciated the way beer had tasted, or it could have been only because I was exposed to some of the more disgusting ones. When I lived in my hometown only a few months earlier I attended tons of parties. Most of them were always hosted by the fellow alcoholic teenagers, and supplied the cheapest beer they could get hold of. I can recall filling my cup with the foamy cold beer that poured from the tap, and sipping it for hours. â€Å"I just don’t like beer!† I would reply to my male friends when asked why I wasn’t drinking much. After a few hours at the party I would realize that I was the most sober one there. The first day I came to Fredonia, I went to check the bars out. I first drank a few beers I recognized and then asked around for the names of some mixed drinks. The first one I tried was a Blue Whale; I loved it. I figured; if one mixed drink tasted good I’m sure that others would too. Drinking had finally turned into something that was fun to me. Now after partying for a few hours, I was no longer the sober one in the group. On my way to a party or a bar I am completely sober. I am aware of the surroundings around me and am capable of walking in a straight line. When I speak, my language is pretty much perfect and everyone has a clear understanding of what I am trying to say. In my mind I know what is exactly going on and concentrating on something is easy. Knowing that I am on my way to a party or bar I tend to be excited. I am usually energetic and hyper; realizing that I will finally be having fun after all the work I had done during the week. As I continue to make my way to my destination I am aware that the way I feel and think will most likely change by the end of the night.

What Makes Rock Stars Popular?

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll—these are just three of the many words always associated with a rock star. While it may be stereotypical, these phrases stand witness to the rise and fall of rock stars. Depending on the sound that a group would like to be identified with, identifiers of cool factor and talent is also highly variable. Oftentimes, what is cool is dictated by the image portrayed by the group. On some instances, what is cool for the group may not be the same with the audience. In terms of talent, a group may feel that they have the power to carry out either an all new sound, or one that is imitated or inspired from another group. The audiences, however, has determinants which sounds become famous, and if renditions should be welcomed or not. Thus, it is not safe to identify which between the rock stars or the audiences have the final say as to who and what becomes famous. However, there is still a way to measure what makes it big in the rock arena. What makes rock stars famous? attempts to zero in on the probable reasons behind the success and failure of rock stars. Throughout the paper, different rock stars and rock bands will be studied. Their backgrounds will be analyzed and, where applicable, highlights on their lives and careers will be discussed in an attempt to create a picture of the successful rock star, and the not. In the process, the paper aims to identify the key elements of becoming a famous rock star. More than becoming famous, it will also be important to point out why some rock stars become icons and stay idolized, while others proceed to the back door unnoticed. In the end, the paper hopes to conclude if the fame factors increase or decrease the chance of a rock star to become an icon. Reality Bits The world stood witness to the rise of many rock stars. With varying sounds, looks, and styles, it will be entirely difficult to compare rock bands side by side. While comparisons will be good to identify key points and similarities, it will only be beneficial when involving rock bands with striking similarities. It will be good to look at each band to identify both the good and the bad points of their careers. Black Sabbath. Kurt Cobain confessed that the hippest rock band ever would be Black Sabbath. (Hochman and Hilburn, 1992) Led by the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, the group has inspired many later rock bands whose love for playing rock music was infectious. The group played rock at a time when punk was in vogue and love for new wave was rising. Yet when they reunited to play in the 80’s, a new generation of fans began clamoring and singing Black Sabbath. Guns and Roses. The group behind the powerful emotional line Sweet Child O’ Mine, Guns and Roses was voted 13th on the Greatest Bands of All Time list. Greatest Rock Band of All Time, 2007) Reinventing themselves into emotional rock, heavy metal, punk, and back again, GnR created a solid fan base whose loyalty remained sweet all through the years. Kiss. Apart from their intriguing face paints, Kiss is well loved because they can arouse their fans to have fun in their performances. The incredible merchandising that followed the fame of this rock band is also unfathomable. (Matheson, 2005) If anything, Kiss was a good mixture of showmanship, sound, and creativity put into play for an awesome rock band. Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page is praised and adored by fans, his rhythms remembered and played repeatedly everywhere. The group which some aptly calls simply Led Zep has every right to be treated so. The powerful sound that the group creates has been dubbed incomparable. Fan Evster2012 (2008) claim that Led Zeppelin also play in such a way to please the audience, a plus factor. Soulful musicality wins Led Zeppelin a prime spot in rockers’ hearts. Metallica. Ranked first by the online community in the Greatest Bands of All Time list (Greatest Rock Band of All Time, 2007), Metallica enjoys a following from different generations of music patrons. Showmanship is one determinant on how Metallica survived the highly competitive rock band industry. They epitomized the look and the act of a real rock band. Nirvana. The sudden death of the vocalist Kurt Cobain may have put the success of Nirvana to a halt, but it did not deter loyal fans from continuing the legacy of the band. Up until now, Nirvana songs are being played, sang, and revived. Merchandise bearing album covers, Cobain’s portraits, and the band as well keeps selling until today. Bereaved fans remain reminiscent of Cobain, even including him in stories and bragging works signed by him. RH, 2008) Pantera. Pantera was on their lean years when their lead guitar man Darrell Abbott, or Dimebag, has been shot and killed. However, the legacy of Pantera raged on. Records kept selling and the songs are still being covered by new rock players. (Lyman, 2004) Merchandise also keep bringin in revenue, and collectors stay loyal to the Pantera generation that they have come to k now and love. Pearl Jam. Matheson (2005) hosted a survey which revealed that Pearl Jam is considered as the greatest American rock band of all time. There are many reasons for Pearl Jam to be chosen. The voting community pointed out that Pearl Jam had the sincere love for what they are doing, the creativity to shift between sounds while still maintaining their identity, their power to keep selling albums and keep getting new following and so on. Put simply, Pearl Jam is the number one for many. Slipknot. If there is anything striking about the slipknot, it is their unrestricted costumes. Adding up to their showmanship and the unique sound that the group creates, Slipknot is always remembered by fans and non-fans alike as the band in masks. Masks have been a striking identifier to the band that I even became an album cover. (D’Angelo, 2004) The Rolling Stones. First was the band, then a mean series of rocking years, then a magazine. Until now, Mick Jagger and the rest of the Rolling Stones never fail to delight. They are even in the concert film by Martin Scorsese. (Ansen, 2008) Fame Factor Looking at how these rock bands and rock stars caught the spotlight, several common denominators may be seen. From these factors, it will be easy to see which ones are needed by an aspirant to become known in the field. Looks. For rock bands, the look does not necessarily mean good looks. The rock band look pertains to the style that the group decides to adapt. Many rock bands plunged into using weird-looking costumes. Kiss, which used face paints, paired with heavy hairstyles and often leather getups got the right look to match their sound. Slipknot’s use of different masks added up to the mystery of the band, and the dark and scary yet fun and fearless image that they are trying to portray. Ozzy Osbourne’s trademark long hairdo and sunglasses also helped identify him and his band whenever they perform. A trademark look also gives a band the chance to shine through the highly saturated music industry. Rock bands often had the grunge look expected of them. By creating a new look different from the others; even if it is still grunge, the group is still remembered. Sometimes, it may reach a point when the looks are remembered even if the names are not. In any case, creating a unique and striking look which fits the group and the audience is beneficial for a rock band. Sound. More than the looks, the sound is also a determinant of success among rock bands. At first, it might seem easy to sing rock. To begin with, there is none of the strict tone and voice measures present in other musical genre. Especially when the band is creating their own line and brand of music, they then become boundless by musical measures—they can cross the line between noise and music and nobody will care. Yet there are things that need to be noted to ensure that the sound of a rock band is appealing to the audience. Pearl Jam’s constant reshaping of their music is a reason why they stayed on the top. Matheson, 2005) Creating a sound inspired by another band, especially one that is iconic, also has its good and bad sides. When a band decides to create a sound similar to another, it is easy for the band to be remembered and to get into the ranks. However, comparisons can never be avoided. This puts the starting band into more pressure to sound as good as the one they are imitating. On top of it, if the new band is not able to stand true to the expe ctations of the old band’s standards, it can have a negative impact on the starting band. Gadgets and Effects. Something that rock bands can never live without are gadgets and effects, as these help them create new sounds that improve their performance. Often, fans enjoy hearing new sounds that other rock bands have never showcased before. Fans who have the inclination to play musical instruments also get excited to hear and try to imitate new sound effects. Without gadgets and effects, it is difficult for bands to create distinct sounds from their instruments. Showmanship. Apart from what the band produces on stage, it is equally important to know what the band does and how they do it. This is called showmanship, and this is yet another important factor for rock bands to become popular. Kiss, Pantera, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath fans swear on how good these bands were at performing. Much of this performance entertainment can be credited to the quality of the band’s showmanship. Thus, to be a good rock band, one should also have the moves. Loyal fan base. Loyal fans help the band stay alive for eternity. This is exactly what happened to many old bands whose fame and popularity was replenished when new generations of fans started giving tributes to them. As Everson and Shay (nd) puts it, in internet marketing a fan base produces a steady stream of traffic and gives a sense of authority and prestige to the owner of the site. The same thing happens to rock bands. A fan base offers and solicits support for the band, even way after the band has stopped playing. Attitude and the love for music. The online community who voted for Pearl Jam as the best rock band ever stated that the top reason is that they concentrated on the craft rather than the fame. This shows that it is important for fans that the band loves their music and stays like that even despite of being popular. Matheson, 2005) Led Zeppelin had the same attitude. Having started the band in a sudden interest and sense of urgency to put one up, the members played and worked with the joy of playing in their mind, a revelation that members now recall and smile about. (Fricke, 2007) True Test of Fame Becoming a famous rock band is more like passing through a series of sifters. In th e beginning, there is a crowd of new rock bands trying to get their five minutes of fame. The audience listens to each and pick out the good ones. These are the ones who get through the fame test level one. At this point, the chosen ones are yet to enjoy the mainstream. They often only have a small fan base. The second selection happens when the bands try to exceed their territories. When bands get more fans and are listened to by more people outside their own zones, they go up one level in the fame meter. Those who do not make the cut will either have to wait for some other time, or rest. Then, everything follows. The really good bands get to sign contracts and produce albums. The others who have the funding may decide to produce their own albums, even if they are not too good. Some will venture into music television. Some will become producers themselves. This has been the story of Jonathan Coulton, also known as JoCo. He may not be the big thing—yet—but his music prowess is currently the talk of the town. Like any other rock stars, Coulton was a dreamer. Being a rock star is just another dream for him. Yet, he did not allow this dream to go unnoticed. Following his bliss, he resigned from his job in a software firm and concentrated on writing music. Today, his loyal fan base gives him many things to be thankful about, except the money. Coulton’s songs can be downloaded in exchange of donations. (Sites, 2008) Coulton’s story goes to show that being a rock star is not about the money. He is popular, but not rich because of it. He is popular because he loves his music, he loves his fans, and he aims to inspire. There is no assurance that Coulton, despite his positive music, will be offered million-dollar contracts, but the spot that he claimed in the otherwise crowded music industry is a mean feat to be happy about. (Sites, 2008) Yet the ultimate test of fame lies after the spotlight has died down. When the lights are out and only the memories of the band are left, the really good bands get to be remembered. This has been one among the many measures of fans to Pearl Jam’s success. (Matheson, 2005) Years after the band has stopped playing, their records are still echoing the lives of people who play their songs. This says a lot about the rock band becoming an icon. However, as James Dio of Black Sabbath puts it, inspiring new players should not be so much of an issue. Icons should stay humble and concentrate on the music. As for the new players, more than being inspired by the music, they should also be inspired with what beautiful things a rock star can do—more than the sex, drugs, and rock and roll. (Hochman and Hilburn, 1992) Conclusions It is cool, yet difficult, to be famous. This is why those who are trying to get in the fame wagon are trying everything good, new, and eclectic to get a piece of the pie. The rock band arena is not an exception. Everyday, new groups form, play, and try to get famous. Yet, only the really good ones remain. Many rock bands have tried to claim a spot and won. In analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, it became apparent that these bands have common denominators. These same points are useful for rock bands who are trying to get famous. A unique and interesting style is important as much as sound. These two allows the audience to identify the band. Gadgets and effects help a band improve their sound. Showmanship gives the band a chance to prove that they are good and serious at what they are supposed to do, which is entertaining the viewers. Attitude is also a key consideration. A good manager is also tantamount to a band’s success, because they control the activities of the band. Overall, a loyal fan base is equally important because without fans rock bands will also have no careers to begin with. Recommendations Despite the stereotype that cannot be taken away from the image of a rock star, it is never bad for a group to aspire to be a rock band. However, it requires discipline and perseverance for a rock band to become and stay famous. Because the music industry is always on the look for new talents, rock bands should always stay abreast on the developments of their craft. This does not mean that they need to purchase new gadgets all the time. However, it is necessary for bands to reinvent themselves according to their environment and the interest of their fans. Much of the credit should also go to the fans. This requires the right attitude. Bands should remember that the fans keep them alive. Thus, they should keep proper distance but still be warm to the fans at all times. At one end, it should also be noted that even if rock bands are identified with sex, drugs, and rock and roll, it is not a factor to become famous. One can get the image, without really taking on the risks.

Publicis Groupe Essay

1.What lessons did Maurice Levy learned from the failed FCB alliance? According to Maurice Levy, the most important thing he learnt from the failure of the alliance with FCB is the necessity to build an alliance not only based on a good relationship between the managers but also on a strong legal structure. In fact, the relationship Maurice created with FCB’s managers was mostly informal. Maurice and FCB’s CEO met only five times and the alliance was more a collaborative arrangement than a real agreement. The author describes it as an alliance which â€Å"intended to be more than just a handshake† but without any agreement on the structure of the deal, the alliance seems mostly to rely on the managers’ relationship. On the contrary, in the next process of acquisitions, Levy not only met the managers several times, he had also special meetings with the CFOs where they try to reach an agreement about the structure of the deal and the structure of the company after the acquisition. F or example, for Saatchi & Saatchi acquisition, Maurice worked out the details of the acquisition with the CFO Bill Codhrat and they discuss all the legal points to undertake to face the future events which could affect both companies after the acquisition. They spent two weeks working on the structure of the deal, settling every details before calling lawyers. After the failed FCB alliance, the lawyers became indispensable in the process of acquisition. The second lesson he learnt from this failed alliance is how important are the interest that people have in the acquisition. An alliance consists in two companies becoming one and the managers of the two firms have to realize this fundamental point. After the acquisition, they need to have the interest of both companies in mind to create a successful firm. In order to put aside managers’ egos in next acquisitions, Maurice Levy first spent a lot of time creating a strong relationship with the firms’ CEOs, trying to understand who they were, what they wanted and how they could combine the interest of the two companies. For example, in Saatchi and Saatchi’s process of acquisition, both CEOs agreed on the fact that they had to keep the two operations very separate in order to protect their own client. That is to say, they tried not only to build a strong relationship based on trust but also to settle a framework in order to protect the key interest of the two companies after the acquisition.