Sunday, August 30, 2009

visual advocacy::research

Scamming and the Elderly

While scam artists have always preyed on the gullible, in recent years, much of their focus have been turned towards the elderly. It is quite a well known fact that the elderly possess the greatest percentage of disposable income with the least amount of debt. Scam artists prey upon these people with unrelenting deception. It is not a problem that will just go away.
But what is it that makes this demographic such an ideal target?

First we must analyze the different "red flags" which identify certain members of the elderly as targets for scams. First off, these older consumers are often living alone, with no one else to watch their finances for them. Being alone, they are often very appreciative and receptive of guests, especially those who pay a visit even to sell them something which will be of benefit to them or their homes. They are also very receptive to anything promising
assistance to their health conditions or home repair requirements. The older generations are also preyed upon because of how trusting they are; whereas younger, more savvy age groups know better than to disclose personal information.

Sources:

multimedia exp::antique survey



hello, antiquity!



1.) Physical boundaries

Vintage clothing, furniture, relics, glasses, records, decanter

s, etc etc. Sculpture, paintings, old medical, optometrists' equipment.

Our community is geared towards younger generations who are looking for an online community about antiques and the collecting of them.


2.) What's / who's involved

People from ages 16 to 25, anyone who is interested in antiques, vintage items, etc. Old furniture, clothing, etc. Pushing antiques as a alternative to new furniture.


3.) Equipment needs

Vintage, antique items. Camera to take quality pictures of goods/relics y

ou're selling. Pricing guides.


4.) Demographics

Enthusiasts ages 16 to 25, who care about antiques.



5.) Individual and community wants and needs

On the individual level, antique collectors are looking for a sense of quality assurance. Commonly used online outlets like Ebay or Craigslist often don't have pictures of the antiques they're selling, or have fees which drive potential buyers and sellers away from the site.

Also, they're looking for community suggestion outlets, a rating system, etc.

(Think Amazon/Ebay user stars, etc.)

  • tutorials
  • pick of the week/day/whatever
  • local finds
  • buyer's guide


6.) Symbols

Optometrist's lens.(?) Markers of the community could be icons of universally recognized antique items. (Gramophone, records, glasses, pocket watches, furniture, etc)



7.) Motivations

Antique enthusiasts are often motivated by different drives - for some it's the act of collecting objects that they're interested by (Buttons, vintage luggage, typewriters, etc) or just as some described it, "the thrill of the hunt," or "taking other people's treasures and making it your own."

Others seek out antiques because they hope to furnish their home/apartment with them. (Perhaps looking to achieve a certain look or feel.) So I guess this is a motivation for home decoration?



Thursday, August 27, 2009

multimedia exp::url and hosting

Possible hosts:


URL ideas:
sheilawong.com (domain taken by some professional image consultant.)
wongdesign
sheila-wong
swong

...More name plays to follow.


I'm finding having to think up domain names somewhat difficult, it feels almost overly self-righteous for some reason.