Exclusive in-game Flipper! Media Meditition #2

Hey there gamers, Flipper here. Why do I always get the urge to blog when it’s pouring rain outside? No matter, nothing can get me down today. I just pre-ordered Fallout New Vegas from GameStop and scored some bonus in-game material. I realized GameStop does this a lot. So much in fact, the phrase, “get your copy at GameStop and receive…” has become like a second slogan.

See for gamers like you and I, we look for any edge to get ahead and any tool that can get us there. For example, I pre-ordered Mass Effect 2 at GameStop and got an exclusive set of armor and an awesome weapon. Not too long ago, I tried to beat the game on insanity. I found I couldn’t beat it unless I used ALL the gear I got from pre-ordering. I needed that extra edge in order to defeat the collectors and win the game. (Rest in peace Legion).

We need that extra edge, especially in online play. By pre-ordering Metal of Honor at GameStop, you could receive an in game M-60 machine gun useable in multiplayer.



Having that extra edge could put you on top or make you a force to be reckoned with. We as gamers put a high value on our multiplayer rank, so any advantage we can get over the competition is in high demand, and GameStop is taking advantage of that.



What’s brilliant is GameStop doesn’t charge more for its games and content. Pre-ordering, and thus receiving in-game stuff costs five dollars, which then comes out of the cost of the game. GameStop provides and extra advantage for shopping with them which is why they dominate the industry.

All I can say is get your pip-boy ready, Flipper needs to game.

Frap, Mocha, McCafe? Media Meditition #1

Hey friends, Flipper here. On this wonderfully rainy day, I find myself sitting alone in my dorm room jamming out to Muse and thinking about coffee. Not only have I had two and a half cups of sugary delicious coffee already today, but I recently visited McDonalds and made a surprising discovery. McDonalds is trying to elevate its coffee status to that of Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts.

I traveled to a Mickey D's about two weeks ago with the soccer team after our first victory. Go Green! In addition to about four burgers off the dollar menu, I got a small drink. But I was not handed the traditional McDonald drink cup. I was handed a clear plastic one, like those used by Starbucks, with the artsy words, “McCafe” written on the side.

They were using these cups for the McCafe’s as well as their new fruit smoothies (which are amazing). They must be using these cups for everything to try and get the brand out.



It’s a strange concept, McDonalds selling expensive coffee alongside Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts. It makes sense though, that the McDonalds powerhouse would be the one making movies like that. I think it’s weird because Starbucks and Dunkin Doughnuts specialize in that industry, whereas McDonalds is a foodservice provider, and you wouldn’t expect high quality coffee from them. It’s like saying hey; we need to swing by Home Depot to grab my dry-cleaning.

Either way, it will be interesting to see if people run into class five minutes late sporting the McDonalds clear cup. Speaking of which, I will see you at McDonalds, because flipper needs some caffeine.

Let's Meet Flipper

Hello everyone, Flipper here. My real name is Zach Agostine, and I was born and raised in Old Lyme, CT, close to the water.

I work at an overnight summer camp, so my media experiences are somewhat limited. However, one evening, a few of the counselors snuck out and watched Training Day in the dining hall. We spent the entire two hours in awe as we watched Denzel Washington act.



What I like about new media is the constant interaction with people all around you. One can share his or her ideas and views and receive feedback from others all around the world. However, people can take advantage of this constant connectivity to bully and harass people, especially on facebook and twitter.





My major is marketing and I hope one day to use my skills and my love for video games to work in the ad department of EA or Blizzard entertainment.






Hopefully I'll get the chance to tell you more about myself, but for now, Flipper needs some sleep.