Buying In Audiobook By Rob Walker cover art

Buying In

The Secret Dialogue Between What We Buy and Who We Are

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Buying In

By: Rob Walker
Narrated by: Robert Fass
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Marketing executives and consumer advocates alike predict a future of brand-proof consumers, armed with technology and a sophisticated understanding of marketing techniques, who can effectively tune out ad campaigns. But as Rob Walker demonstrates, this widely accepted misconception has eclipsed the real changes in the way modern consumers relate to their brands of choice. Combine this with marketers' new ability to blur the line between advertising, entertainment, and public space, and you have dramatically altered the relationship between consumer and consumed.©2008 Rob Walker (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America Anthropology Consumer Behavior & Market Research Marketing Marketing & Sales

Critic reviews

"In Buying In, Walker aims to lift the cloud of self-delusion that obscures our buying habits." ( The New York Times)
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This book focuses on what the author calls "murketing", which is where marketing blends into real life. Examples include the way people are invited to become "product advocates" (my term not his) to promote products for corporations, and how brands have become a part of self-identification. Walker is a journalist and it shows from his writing which is clear and not overwrought or stilted.

I found the book to be interesting, although the author was a bit too enamored of the new. Everyone who writes one of these books talks about how the world is changing and has never been this way before. Walker isn't quite that gullible and he even points to the past sometimes, but I found still that he seems to believe that his insights are unique a bit too often. They're not, but that doesn't make the book less worthwhile and it doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.

Often Audible narrators are annoying and can't pronounce non-English words properly, emphasize the wrong syllables, etc. You won't have that problem here.

Good study of changes in marketing

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Buying in was, for me, an interesting and thought provoking book. Marketing is a key component of my job and Rob Walkers book gave me some valuable insight as to how the consumer views it (marketing). I found it valuable in that it sparked multiple and new avenues for me to market my business. I would caution though, the book is not a how to market to the new consumer. What it is, is new way of looking at and thinking about marketing.

Lets you in on the secret...

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That is I had to force my self to listen right up to the end. It definintely does give you good info, you should know about. It does help to know what you are buying into in this world and defintely helped my on my self improvement quest.

Its ok, good info, but I had to force my way

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think I'm a slightly more informed consumer after reading this book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I finally know the history of Hello Kitty!

Any additional comments?

Just a heads up if you ever find yourself being interviewed by the author -- if you use the F-word you are practically guaranteed to get quoted in his next book.

Hello Kitty

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Finally, a book on Marketing that goes beyond corporate clich? and frivolous research. Excellent insights, excellent narration.

Excellent!

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Fun book from the NYTime's Magazine Consumed column...delves into the world of "murketing" - the new method of connecting with consumers who are immune to traditional mass marketing. Some interesting connections on how we could "market" educational technology.

Buy Buying In

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Buying In is a well-written and very well-narrated collection of insights for anyone interested in marketing and/or human nature. The book gives a particularly good analysis of buzz marketing, a variation of word-of-mouth advertising – easily the best marketing tool around in my opinion.

As another reviewer observed, this book is not a how-to manual. Nevertheless, anyone interested in marketing would do well to read Buying In, and to synthesize their thoughts on the content into any formal or informal marketing efforts.

The book made me a better observer of testimonials shared in dialogues among family, friends, clients and trade associations. Even those conversations I engage in or overhear at a restaurant, tavern or farmers market feel more intimate when people share their thoughts on products and services…I feel I have a better ear for what they’re saying and a greater knowledge of why they may be sharing their thoughts after listening to Buying In. The book delivers a great chapter on Ethcs as well.

The book encouraged this post. My goal is to read or hear at least fifty books a year. I often share my opinions on what I’m reading with others. This book validated my interest in writing my opinions as well.

This review first appeared at KeithKlein.me

Thought Provoking Insights on Human Nature

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