(See: Kim Kardashian’s new app.)
I pride myself in keeping up to date on what’s trending in the business world. After all, Clearfield operates in the global marketplace, and we have to be aware of what’s going up and what’s coming down.
So, earlier this month, I found it very interesting that the Top 4 Trending Business Stories were:
- Rupert Murdoch made an $80 billion bid for Time Warner. Clearfield is very involved in the US cable market, so this story is of particular interest – especially given the huge consolidation movement currently underway within the cable market. (Time Warner rejected the initial offer.)
- The Dow hit a record high. Since Clearfield is publicly traded, naturally we take a strong interest in such matters.
- The US has escalated sanctions against Russia. While Clearfield doesn’t market in Russia, I try to stay current on anything affecting major business interests.
- Kim Kardashian stands to make $90 million from her new app. Sadly, this is the story that stopped me dead in my tracks. The reality queen’s new app “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” is projected to make $200 million this year – allegedly netting 45% for the namesake diva. From what I understand, the object of the game is to aspire to be an A-list celebrity and Ms. Kardashian’s friend. Naturally, the app is supported with a raft of advertising and players are driven to make “in-app purchases.”
I do not begrudge anyone the right to make money. But what galls me is that this game takes superficiality to new heights by glamorizing the vain and the vapid. I would love to think that we, as consumers, will start to make better choices with what we do with our disposable income. There simply has to be a better use of both our time and money.
The reality is, however, that reality TV – and its multitude of spinoffs – sell. And, as long as we keep ogling the lifestyles of the rich and famous, they’ll keep getting richer and more famous — whether they deserve it or not.
Ok, I’ll get off my soapbox now.