The Joy Of Data Mining
The only item of mail I received today was a Time Warner Cable flyer urging me to upgrade to digital phone service. Now, this is obviously nothing exciting or unusual, but what did catch my eye was the level of customer specialization contained within the mailing. First, the flyer had a map of the United States with a star for Lincoln, meaning that this flyer was only printed for the southeast Nebraska market. Second, the flyer made a number of cultural and age references:
- “Beavis, Birks and Beanie Babies”
- “your parents back home”
- “college friends across the country”
All told, it’s quite obvious that this flyer is targeted at people who are no older than about 35. So, it’s not just a flyer made specifically people living in Lincoln, it’s a flyer made specifically for
The Cagirl said,
May 11, 2006 @ 11:21 pm
Sad that data mining is such a big money business… if only it had been my idea. =(
p.s. I think you need a new photo–is that one from your freshman year?
The cagirl said,
May 11, 2006 @ 11:22 pm
Oh yeah, and I really like your blog! =) Great job!
Swid said,
May 12, 2006 @ 12:56 pm
I do need a new photo; yes, it is from my freshman year. I need to find a properly ridiculous one to replace it…