Microsoft loss.

After years of dominating the computer world, Microsoft have released that they have made a quarterly profit loss.

"The world's largest software maker said on Thursday its profit dropped 32 per cent to $US2.98 billion ($A4.23 billion), or 33 cents per share. Sales in the fiscal third quarter slipped 6 per cent to $US13.65 billion ($A19.37 billion) from $US14.45 billion ($A20.51 billion) last year." The Age newspaper reported yesterday. It signals the downturn of a company that has heavily relied on its reputation as a solid system that is perfect for business and home use. However, with the gradual rise of Apple has proved that people will change their opinions relating to technology in particular efficient computing systems. Apple has always been seen by many people as a company that is kept alive by occupations that rely on graphics and other creative arts. With the introduction of software targetted to the areas which Microsoft usually have a stranglehold, Apple has slowly changed people's view of them and now many businesses (not just those relating to art) are switching to the more secure, less troublesome Apple technologies.

It shows that persistence and continuous design and production of a good product will eventuate into gradual domination of the market. The full article from The Age can be seen here: http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/biztech/microsofts-first-quarterly-profit-fall-in-23-years/2009/04/24/1240079840128.html

Cigarette Advertising

There has been a large shift in the way cigarettes are portrayed and advertised over the years. While the focus was very much on encouraging people to smoke, a change in government regulations caused these to be banned, to be replaced by anti-smoking ads. The top image is an old ad for cigarettes, it portrays it as a healthy habit, being cool with no negative consequences or side effects. The second image is a screen capture taken from a recent anti-smoking ad. It shows people the effects of smoking and the health problems it can create. It is an interesting contrast, that shows how change in government policy involving advertising can have a huge effect in influencing decisions.

The Great Depression

In the 1930's, the economic situation changed, unemployment rose and global export and the amount of international trade was greatly decreased. It was all triggered by the collapse of the stock market. People had to readjust to the new situation that they found themselves in and they began to change their lifestyles in order to survive. They reduced the amount of waste, every dollar was spent very wisely and people were forced to re-use things that would once be considered throw away items. This depression proved that one event could change peoples overall emotions and feelings for a prolonged period of time. Above is a video explaining a little more about the depression, and the footage gives you an idea of the collective psyche at the time