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320

Stop describing computers as 'solutions'

320 points posted to Advertising and Marketing by badblood 10/25/07

I've never understood why computers and software are described as 'solutions'. On dell.com there is a little box with links that says:

'Solutions for: home and office, small and medium business, etc'

'Solutions' are by definition methods for solving problems.....as well as mixtures of ingredients...

So I am reading that little box and trying to figure out a) why dell thinks I have problems to be solved; b) how does Dell know what my problems are anyway and c) what would make Dell think that a computer might be a solution to my problems which are mostly psychological and emotional anyway?

Anywho, mostly I use computers not because I have a problem but because they help me do things or learn things, because I have no choice at work, or because they are entertaining.

So stop calling them 'solutions'. Think of something else, something a little more positive, that reflects why most people use computers.....

Thanks.

cosh
10/25/07		 Maybe Dell doesn't think they can solve your problems - maybe it's just marketing and buzzspeak. It's supposed to sound like a positive thing.

dilbert20020126.gif

Personally, I'm a big fan of meaningless marketing buzzspeak. I use it myself.
phubert
10/25/07		 Good one, cosh!

Still, bb, for many the purchase of a computer and software is to PROVIDE -solutions-. You say computers 'help you do things or learn things' ... well, then the computer is -A- solution to those 'problems' ("How do I learn x?" "How do I DO y?").

The Dilbert strip, however, may provide one reason why I militate against suits (I militantly wear jeans! :-) )!! There are too many fakes pretending to be SOMETHING simply by how well they dress and 'present themselves'.

Whose camera ad ran "Image is EVERYTHING"

Well, it ISN'T. In fact, it's really -nothing- ... but it's also the story of the Emperor's New Clothes... too many simply won't stand up and say "But he's not wearing ANYTHING!" like the little boy in the fable.

oops, pontificating again... oh well...

Nevertheless, bb, both computer users and providers really -should- think of "What is ACTUALLY needed?" and "How can I ACTUALLY -best- meet the need?"

As a former programmer, I'm well familiar with working with USERS to EVALUATE their needs and EXPLAIN alternatives to them.

Users often think of a 'solution' that isn't appropriate or realistic. Sometimes, they need to be able to reevaluate their own efforts and direction.
badblood
10/25/07		 I am not entirely sure that my desire to learn is based on a problem for which a computer is part of the solution. It is just another source of information among many others and sometimes actually causes problems of its own. For instance in order to access the information on the web I now have to have a computer which complicates my life with added expenditure and anxiety. The computer is a tool, for better or worse, it is not a solution to a problem.
phubert
10/25/07		 I can't disagree with the 'complicates my life' part, bb! When we think of our dependence on technologies we have NO ability to create or maintain _without_ more technology, it could get a little frightening. Remove all the 'infrastructure' of modern societies and just where will we all be? Our populations are ONLY sustainable now _because of_ our technology... and it could very well be swept away by any of the massive disasters this planet we are on is known to be able to create.
premcv
10/25/07		 I agree with bb, computers are products, and the solutions are just that, solutions that help resolve any specific issues technical or otherwise. The Dell All-In-One series printer, as an example, is called an Imaging solution as it provides for different solutions be it faxing, printing, copying, and scanning.
kenjennings
10/25/07		 Well, considering the number of suggestions for biodegradable computers at that point it really happens then computers could become "solutions". Tired of your old computer? Drop it in the bathtub and watch it dissolve.
phubert
10/25/07		 oooooh... but can they still be BEER PROOF???? :lol:
jorge
10/26/07		 What about Computers as Computers?
badblood
10/26/07		 Yes that's IT!
cosh
11/07/07		 http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/72272
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