Blaine, I totally understood the last version of this idea, even though I thought it was too complex (technically and commercially) for a Quirky product.
However with this one I am confused. Why would anyone want to stick an internet brand patch on their sweater or hat, never mind having a pillow covered in brand names on their couch? Especially when, in this iteration, the pillow has nothing to do with most of those brands (i.e. with this one you can't use Facebook etc).
There is definitely something cute about the etsy style pillows that are basically stuffed toy style 3d versions of the logos. This one just doesn't have that cuteness.
You still have the fundamental trade mark issues to overcome too...
Make the patch smaller and less obtrusive. Maybe the patch could be completely blank but have LED indicator lights that illuminate (dimly) when you have a social networking notification/email/text message.
See where I'm going? Simple and almost invisible when not needed. Customization might be necessary for LED colors. Also, some folks always have something unread in their inbox or a new FB notification. In those cases, the light for that site remains eternally lit. A manual on/off toggle for each light alert? Intuition would lead me to press or squeeze the light to toggle it. Good luck.
I know this is different.. but it's kind of in the same direction.
I didn't see any social pillows, but I'm sure it wont be long before they add it to their catalog. These pillows don't have any USB, WIFI or Bluetooth either, their just for decoration purposes.
I actually think the pillow concept is a good idea; it could be really futuristic in a way, some kind of pressure-sensitive communication device.
The patches, however, are so antiquated as to be completely pointless. If you are thinking about Social Networking sites you need something as portable and digital as those - like mp3s or jpgs. The whole point of social networking is that it is a network, it is virtual, not dependent on some tangible piece of junk...
Its not for the bed. its for chillin on the phone, or listening to a book, or listening to a podcast. i have regular pillows on my bed but i have throw pillows on my couch.
BTW, THE REAL PRODUCT IS THE PATCH! to be sold by and for social networks to get them on the Quirky bandwagon and help sell all our other products through the viral nature of the patch and the comarketing that would result.
YOU PUT THE PATCH on your backpack, on your sweater, on your hat, on your underwear i don't care. But if you want you can put it on our sweet little pillow that BELONGS ON YOUR COUCH.
A fun idea, Blaine. I wish you good luck, but for me, once I'm in bed, it's a time when I can escape all the social networking. I'm a fan of keeping it that way. Of course, I'm probably in the minority. :)
We need to find a hook into the social networks. open for suggestions.
my thought is a speaker/microphone mobile/laptop communication tool with the graphics of social networks and internet brands so you get them selling for you!
create icon patches (badges) is only slightly different than putting your facebook badge on your blog but in this case its in your living room or on your backpack.
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Blaine, I totally understood the last version of this idea, even though I thought it was too complex (technically and commercially) for a Quirky product.
However with this one I am confused. Why would anyone want to stick an internet brand patch on their sweater or hat, never mind having a pillow covered in brand names on their couch? Especially when, in this iteration, the pillow has nothing to do with most of those brands (i.e. with this one you can't use Facebook etc).
There is definitely something cute about the etsy style pillows that are basically stuffed toy style 3d versions of the logos. This one just doesn't have that cuteness.
You still have the fundamental trade mark issues to overcome too...
Make the patch smaller and less obtrusive. Maybe the patch could be completely blank but have LED indicator lights that illuminate (dimly) when you have a social networking notification/email/text message.
See where I'm going? Simple and almost invisible when not needed. Customization might be necessary for LED colors. Also, some folks always have something unread in their inbox or a new FB notification. In those cases, the light for that site remains eternally lit. A manual on/off toggle for each light alert? Intuition would lead me to press or squeeze the light to toggle it. Good luck.
This would have to be wifi/Bluetooth enabled.
Man.. I hate to be the one to bring bad news on this.... I can kinda see where this is coming from, but someone else is kinda doing this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=35763616
I know this is different.. but it's kind of in the same direction.
I didn't see any social pillows, but I'm sure it wont be long before they add it to their catalog. These pillows don't have any USB, WIFI or Bluetooth either, their just for decoration purposes.
Yep agree, quirky needs simple. Not sure how you can exploit simple?
I actually think the pillow concept is a good idea; it could be really futuristic in a way, some kind of pressure-sensitive communication device.
The patches, however, are so antiquated as to be completely pointless. If you are thinking about Social Networking sites you need something as portable and digital as those - like mp3s or jpgs. The whole point of social networking is that it is a network, it is virtual, not dependent on some tangible piece of junk...
If anyone likes the idea I will do the icon branded Badges idea with these guys:
http://www.patches-on-sale.com/?src=google
and represent on www.BadgMe.com
and for the pillow look for it at www.SocialPillow.com
thanks.
No worries. I will work to find another place for this social networking patch buying brand awareness concept.
I feel like I am beating my head against a wall. Oh well.
cheers, Blaine
Its not for the bed. its for chillin on the phone, or listening to a book, or listening to a podcast. i have regular pillows on my bed but i have throw pillows on my couch.
BTW, THE REAL PRODUCT IS THE PATCH! to be sold by and for social networks to get them on the Quirky bandwagon and help sell all our other products through the viral nature of the patch and the comarketing that would result.
YOU PUT THE PATCH on your backpack, on your sweater, on your hat, on your underwear i don't care. But if you want you can put it on our sweet little pillow that BELONGS ON YOUR COUCH.
WHEW. FRUSTRATED MUCH :) CHEERS, BLAINE
A fun idea, Blaine. I wish you good luck, but for me, once I'm in bed, it's a time when I can escape all the social networking. I'm a fan of keeping it that way. Of course, I'm probably in the minority. :)
We need to find a hook into the social networks. open for suggestions.
my thought is a speaker/microphone mobile/laptop communication tool with the graphics of social networks and internet brands so you get them selling for you!
create icon patches (badges) is only slightly different than putting your facebook badge on your blog but in this case its in your living room or on your backpack.
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