Today Duncan and I headed on over to the Stuff Live Show (which was fantastic by the way - expect loads of footage next week) and I couldn't help noticing the number of scantily clad women prancing around the Excel Centre... err... promoting technology. I mean, what do women playing volleyball in bikinis have to do with technology? Are you drawing a blank too? If it's to attract people over to stands, I'm sure alcohol-laced bait would be better - at least it won't tease you and you can touch it.
I've got used to images of near-naked female models on magazines with a scattering of very much smaller pictures of gadgets (lest you forget that these mags are actually about technology and gadgets), and seeing them strutting their stuff around huge tech events, but I'm at a loss as to why this is necessary? Surely technology's not that tedious that they need women dressed in skimpy bikinis with their boobs spilling out the sides, striking sultry and suggestive poses? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure these half naked ladies are appreciated by many pervsmen, and why shouldn't they enjoy a bit of half naked eye candy?
I know if it was toned and gorgeous men with six packs and tiny shorts I'd be dribbling with the best of them. But why has this become the norm in technology - who made that the rule?
I'll boldly whip out an issue of T3 or Stuff on public transport, impervious to the stares of commuters wondering why I have the nerve to read Playboy openly on the train. I've even had my mum suspecting I'm of the lesbian variety after noticing my stacks of T3 and Stuff magazines with covers that suggest I like to ogle half naked women. Clearly these magazines give out the wrong signals to a lot of people. I just wish magazines and event organizers would spare a thought for the women. I'd much rather gadgets on the front of my gadget mag thank you.
It may be the fantasy of many a man to have the best gadgets and a hot chick by his side, but unless the woman adorning the cover could magically be brought to life (they wish), it ain't gonna happen - it's all an illusion (big boobs, flat stomachs, tight ass, flawless skin, long flowing hair - that's what all women look like right?).
What's really sad about it all is it's kind of a slap in the face to all the girlie geeks out there who love and understand tech as much as the next geek. The dominance of naked women almost suggests technology is a men's only club. You're on Shiny Shiny, so clearly you know that isn't the case.
Lucy Hedges is the editorial assistant for Shiny Shiny and thinks magazines and event organisers should either make use of scantily clad men or scrap the soft porn connotations altogether - technology is not only for men and lesbians!
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why?.... why not!
Are you serious? You should know why. I know you might not like it, but sex sells. Chicks dont "mind" seeing ads with other chicks in them. Guys wont buy phone or computer with a scantily man holding a football. Get over it the "movement" is dead.
Well put Lucy! I wonders sometimes why - besides shinyshiny, are there not more women tech bloggers, or why the otherwise progressive women in my life still fall into the not-comfortable-with-technology category.
But yah, I guess if all the gadget and tech writing is covered up by half naked photoshops I can see how they would think that technology is not for them - it's clearly not being marketed that way.
I feel like a big part of it is that advertisers and marketing folks are severely out of touch, and don't understand that there are a lot of guys (and women) out there who would be perfectly happy keeping their gadget lust focused on the gadgets.
"It may be the fantasy of many a man to have the best gadgets and a hot chick by his side, but unless the woman adorning the cover could magically be brought to life (they wish),
I'm going to have to assume you really dont understand men at all. LOL. We like hot women, gadgets, and fast cars. Putting them together is just good business if you want to sell to a predominantly male market. Ever seen James Bond?
"it ain't gonna happen - it's all an illusion (big boobs, flat stomachs, tight ass, flawless skin, long flowing hair - that's what all women look like right?)."
Again, you are missing the point We aren't dating all women. In fact the reason why these women on the mags are sexy is because they AREN'T like most women (which in America tend to be overweight). I'm with one women, and she does a great job maintaining herself, and she definitely shouldnt feel bad about that, I do the same. I also don't feel bad about finding that attractive about her. (By the way, all the women magazines have scandalously dressed women as well).
"What's really sad about it all is it's kind of a slap in the face to all the girlie geeks out there who love and understand tech as much as the next geek. The dominance of naked women almost suggests technology is a men's only club?"
Come on, its a business decision. I'm a black male, and I never ever ever see black females with these gadgets on. Its because I am in the minority. Welcome to the club. You are in the minority. The people that frequent these magazines and tradeshows are white males. So you and I my dear are not the audience of the advertising.
Here, here! Totally agree..!
Why doesn't Shiny Shiny bring out its own Gadget Magazine??
I fully understand that sex sells, but my point is that it kind of ostracises other groups from the world of technology. I don't mind seeing half naked women on the front of my tech mags, but if I'm honest, I'd much prefer they weren't. I understand men like hot women etc but these magazines aren't just for men are they Realist?
And like Christopher says, there are men out there who don't necessarily want the naked woman on the front of their tech mag - I could name a few... and they're not gay. Can you understand where I'm coming from though Realist. I'm not saying it's sexist, I'm not supporting a movement (which is what J thinks), I'm simply saying it's a little unnecessary, which is a fair point I think. And it's not like I'm calling for it to be banned!
The truth is most of the people that buy stuff or maxium dont buy it for the tech thats just iceing on the cake those mags are like playboys guys dont feel like pervs reading in public.For those that want to know why you dont put out a mag mat i point out that the people who would buy it will already know almost all the stuff you could print by the time it came out there is no good buisness model for this.
Awsmmm, :D loved it. thanks