De one with Branded and It's Acceptance

Sunny and windy

When I was a little boy, my mummy asked if I would buy branded goods. Without hesitation, I replied very confidently that I wouldn't. Ironically, ended up being spoiled with satisfaction of un-resistable temptation to own something which costs heavily - I didn't manage to keep to what I said in the past.

To be frank, branded goods are really a gift from Gods in the eyes of many. Particularly, our teenagers. Of course, all thanks to Peer Pressure. What ever the majority has, we must have too! Kiasu ("scared of losing" in Hokkien)? Maybe..

In relevance to this, there was an instance during my JC days when I bought this Billabong bag which costs $98, so that I carry a bag that is able to look good hanging low and bump my butt whenever I walked with the backpack, just like what my peers did. What's more wasteful? I also owned an oversized Billabong stationary case, just like my peers too. Thinking back, it was really a waste of money!

Hang on a minute.. not very convinced that it's entirely due to peer pressure which leads to this obsession with branded goods right? There's another culprit, which later became a part of my examinated-area in economics and marketing at university level.

Perhaps, needless to say, we're all aware of it's presence, sadly, we didn't really know of it's terminology. It's the Snob Effect. We like to possess something to "show off" or extravagantly, make known to others about our wealth and status.

A very good example would be buying a VERTU phone. Yes, we can't deny that fact that the exclusive design and diamonds mounted on the exterior are alluringly desirable. However, come down from the clouds and be rational about the functions of the phone. Personally, I feel you're not paying for the functions but the glamor of Vertu.. and of course, the sight of your friends' eyes popping wide upon the awesome sight of those sparkling shimmers - it's priceless.

HA! I guess one hilarious fact was that it'd have been unsafe and impractical to be wearing our "actual" money notes and big name tags to tell who we are.

Don't believe me? Printed designs.. yes. But have anyone ever saw any designers clothes made of actual dollar notes?

For the rest, I believe it's an "inexcludable" under their image of luxury. In certain cases, it's true that branded goods are brought with intentions way beyond the all-time favourite "nominees" for the cause of branded-purchase (as mentioned above). Consumers may choose branded goods over cheaper alternatives, innocently due to our belief and trust upon the quality-credibility and durability. Take Fujitsu laptop. It's a Japanese-manufactured product (from the birthplace of high and infallible technology). Thus, being one of the most desirable brand in the lap-top arena.

Of course, there are the left-overs in the population who are in between all we've discussed. They make branded-purchases for populace and functions. Honestly, I believe alot of us fall into such category. Simply because there's no clear distinction between buying branded goods for it's quality or external influences.

Let's bring Apple's mp3 player, the Ipod, into discussion. The Ipod is superior attributed by it's design due to the famous sensor turn-wheel; it's "drag and add", "scroll and play" user-friendliness; and also, it's heart-capturing funky and successful advertising.

Not forgetting it's one of the earliest pioneer in selling a product that not only allows listening to songs but also doubling its function as an external drive for storing data.

Of course, for those who are vain, you might realise another useful function that the metallic surface of the back of an Ipod, could be used as a handy mirror. Hehe.

All these qualities of this light-weight portable gadget fulfills most, if not, all the possible reasons why we bought this expensive branded device.

I believe when surveyed, very few consumers would only mention one of the many causes as their sole reason to consider Ipod as an ideal mp3 (currently, supporting even mp4 files) player!

Well, let's converge our discussion. Just simply ask yourself a question. What's the first thing that surfaces in your mind whenever you're asked about "Branded"? Personally, I'd would consider Clothings!!

That's right. Fashion is undeniably a major icon whenever we talked about branded goods. Jay Chou attending a Golden award ceremony, would less likely be wearing a G2000 suit. Just like anybody attending a grand ceremony, we'll tend to desire putting on a handsome blazer from Zara for Him and let's see... maybe a dress for Hers from DKNY? Of course, that's if we have the purchasing power.

Limme present a personal experience... My parents spent nearly $600 to equipped me with a presentable suit from Domanchi for my secondary school graduation prom-night. Why presentable? Because it's unique, it's branded!

But then again, ever since then, it was a hussle to go clothes-hunting. There after, I never liked going for anymore prom nights. Yucks!

Dressing good lifts our self-confidence. It boost our charm and beauty tremendously too. Just like Cinderella, a dazzling ball gown transformed her totally as compared to a shabby maiden's dress right?

Apart from self-confidence, we yearned for the feeling of belonging. To be more exact, to feel accepted. By thyself or others? Well, most probably, we desired to be accepted by others.

In further discussion, I'd like to bring you to discovery of being able to identify ourselves with a certain group or some sort of psyche-comfort (some might argue it is the same as social status..well, I give it to you lah) through ownership or even just by having the same ideal and desire about certain branded goods. Hehe.

Referring back to the possession of Billabong stuff in JC, though silly, it felt good to be recognised with the JC student image. Ha! If ONLY I had realised my JC uniform and our way of speaking were enough to giveaway a JC student identity. Omg.

Well, branded goods are truly expensive. Some are worth buying. Some are really just a waste of money. Some are brought on impulse. Some are bought with hard-earned and long term saving.

Today, I supposed due to economic prosperity and culture variations, parents are more willing to splurge on their children. Omg! Good thing? well, kids are really fortunate. Look at kids nowadays, they are wearing Billabongs when the Y-generation only got to wear during JC and secondary level. Naive but true, it improves our economy through purchases.

Here comes the bad side. Firstly, it's a wastage of money. Secondly, it might be detriment to the up-bring of our present younger generation. They might think it's natural and okay to spend on branded.

Personally, I feel that it's really ruining the fashion industry. Ha. as in, any Tom, Dick or Harry (not Harry Potter oki.. he wears Hogwarts robe and sweaters for goodness..) are now wearing anything they like. Well... it's difficult but imagine. Imagine what if little girls in primary schools are already wearing jewellery from Tiffanys? Or lovers in secondary schools are increasingly exchanging gifts from Guess and LV??

Should such bizarre situation occurs, what prestige are there for adults? Maybe in Utopia or every adults are millionaires ba!

Alot would deem branded goods as acceptance. However, today, it's no longer the case. Grateful to advanced technology and increasing support for innovations and creativity, increasing young adults are contented with cheaper alternatives. Not forgetting, the black markets and shopping in Malaysia or Thailand. The emergence of JetStar has made it possible to travel!

Trends have also allow people to feel accepted even wearing non-branded goods. Some very good example is the "retro" craze. Marketing efforts by merchandise have also helped a great deal. The introduction of "Being true" champaign by Levis recently have made individualism as fashionable too.

Branded or not? To me, it's like I'm sitting on a balancing beam. If you need it, then make the purchase with consideration of your financial ability.

Branded or not? Nobody really cares unless you're mixing with friends who are superficial. Well...as advertised by the Heeren: "Don't let your clothes wear you, you wear your clothes". Of course, it doesn't have to be only subjected to clothes only. Your belongings and those IT gadgets too!

Branded or not? Mohan and I discussed and agreed before. It doesn't matter whether you own a pair of Levis or G-star jeans, nobody cares unless they have knowledge to differentiate it.

Any last words from me? wahaha! Judge yourself. Don't subject yourself to critics and those articles which teaches you want to wear or what to own. Of course, considering friendly advices wouldn't hurt. :D

De one with Ending Sem2

Rainy weather

Hi guys, wondering where have I gone to? No worries, Jason's back. Sorry it took me so long because the blog was having some technical problems. Furthermore, the examination battle and preparation suspended me from my "blogging" services since April.

Well.. nothing has changed. Except life's getting bored when it's supposed to be bleaching itself with the excitement and fun colors of countless post-exam cum holiday activities! Pondering why? well, guess it's mainly due to the dreadful change in my course of studies. From next semester onwards, I'll be doing part-time. What to do? it's a major change. Yup. Major change! Supposed Jason will be working!! OMG. Big change sicne I've not much working experience since my maturity.

Anyway, first things first. Here's a brief through Semester 2's examination situation. Apparently, what deemed to be exciting turned out rather disasterious as I guess I've tipped the scale between play and studies. Last semester was different. I wasn't attached.

My first weary battle was with JUST1023. Otherwise known as law. Or more exactly, Commercial Law. The assignment was a hell lot of simple yet demanding standards. Kinda disappointed when I only received a Credit. Sigh. :S

Anyway, the actual exam was really really difficult. There were alot of questions on "vitiating factors", addressing issues involving minor contracts, restraint of trade, illegality and the famous frustration. As usual, there were the "usual suspects": offer and acceptance, and torts with breach of contract. Sadly, my poor-time management caused me to forgo a 10-marks questions. Omg. It's a pity.

Exactly 8 days later, ECONS1025 Prices and markets exam commenced. Despite it was pretty relaxing as I've done these topics during JC and the fact that the examinable topics were within grasp, never did I expect myself to doubt certain simple areas which cause me alot of time pondering and questioning myself whether the nitty-gritty facts were right. Issues such as elasticity. Omg.
Again, time is the opposing enemy. Caused me to loss a 4-marks question undone.

*I wanna cry already*

Another paper which I thought I was confident turned out resigned to the same fate as the previous one. Business Statistics, the only module which comprises of most mathematical skills, left quite a distressing moment during examination. This arrived 3 days after my P&M paper. I got confused between Type I and II error and how to find p-value. Sigh sigh sigh. Thank goodness, I was brilliant to save myself by fishing clues from the MCQ questions to clarify my doubts. Phew..what a relieve!

The last paper was ACCT1063. It was my last, most worried and demoralising module. Not disappointing..it's demoralising. It was different from the post exam relieve feeling when I handed up my last examination scripts. Sigh. Management accounting. Apparently, I did managed to comprehend and did all that were required. All except one 10-mark question on budgeting. Sigh. I swore I've never seen this type of question. It was complex and quantitatively phrased. End up, I landed in a rush situation of typing my scripts (as I've used two answering booklets) and even failed to write the subject title and date. Sigh. Don't even know if I'll be penalised.

Sigh. I'd say, I wasn't as prepared as last semester. Perhaps I was too involved in my just-starting relationship. All in all, the actual opponent was time management itself. Haiz.. if I didn't managed to get 2HDs and 2Crs, there goes my BA with distinction.

Anyway, exams ended. I've been doing nothing but en ride a job hunt online. I'm even considering of moving out from my uncle's place back home so as to live in a luxury of freedom but household-chores-demanding place at home.

As ambitious I was before exam, now it'd only turned out to be clueless. Sigh. Exam period was always like this. One would realised he has so much he wants to do prior exam. Contradictingly, after exams one would discover there's nothing much at all.

This year's delightedly different...

I remembered being passionate about fixing the Mickey and Minnie mouses' wedding puzzle. This was particularly something special. I recall a year ago when I first saw this puzzle, which was only available in 1000 pieces with stain-glass effect, I wanted it very much. Unfortunately, it was sold-out by the time I offered to make my purchase. A year later, I managed to find it in stores again. Lucky lucky!

Anyway, we lack a board big enough to act as a base for the 73cm by 102 cm grand puzzle. Managed to locate it after varying trips to Ikea, Jigsaw puzzle world at Boonlay and even Thompson plaza. Ooo... just wait until I get my hands on the board.

Well..that's all for semester 2. Goodbye... :P