Need Your Opinions

Jason Gale · #1 06-25-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi guys, just wondered if you could spare a second of your time and help me with my research for my dissertation.

Basically which of these two front covers of bass instructional books would you be more tempted to buy purely on looks alone? So regardless of what the book is about or who it was written by, just by what it looks like!

and

Thanks guys!

Chickencha · #2 06-25-2008, 07:19 PM

Based solely on the covers, I'd be more likely to buy the first one. The second one seems like it's trying really hard to be flashy, which makes me feel like it's trying to make up for its lack of good content.

In real life, of course, I'd take a better look at them before buying.

nysbob · #3 06-26-2008, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickencha

Based solely on the covers, I'd be more likely to buy the first one. The second one seems like it's trying really hard to be flashy, which makes me feel like it's trying to make up for its lack of good content.

+1. The second one doesn't strike me as flashy, but rather more kid oriented.

andysick · #4 06-26-2008, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickencha

Based solely on the covers, I'd be more likely to buy the first one. The second one seems like it's trying really hard to be flashy, which makes me feel like it's trying to make up for its lack of good content.

In real life, of course, I'd take a better look at them before buying.

+1 I got the same impression.

bassteban · #5 06-26-2008, 07:38 AM

Scionreality · #6 06-26-2008, 07:41 AM

I play rock/metal, but I'd go for the top one.

The bottom one looks too gimicky.

Based on looks alone, Behringer is kinda neat...

I'd try and de-clutter the top one a little bit, though.

EDIT: By the way, I'm only 23. And when I was 18, I was already tired of all things 'X-teme!'

mdiddium · #7 06-26-2008, 08:00 AM

Definitely the top one.

dean82 · #8 06-26-2008, 08:06 AM

I'd go for the top one. My impression is that it is more legit and I'm likely to learn more. I have no idea why I have this impression, but I'm just telling you what I'm thinking.

GreyBeard · #9 06-26-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickencha

Based solely on the covers, I'd be more likely to buy the first one. The second one seems like it's trying really hard to be flashy, which makes me feel like it's trying to make up for its lack of good content.

In real life, of course, I'd take a better look at them before buying.

+1
But, Kids would probably like the 2nd one better.

scottbass · #10 06-26-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickencha

Based solely on the covers, I'd be more likely to buy the first one. The second one seems like it's trying really hard to be flashy, which makes me feel like it's trying to make up for its lack of good content.

In real life, of course, I'd take a better look at them before buying.

+1. Me too. The first one looks more "scholarly". The second one looks like it's too heavy/death/metal or something.

varunkapahi · #11 06-26-2008, 08:20 AM

i dont know..... i cant say. maybe this is because i am 18 so i am stuck between being a kid and an old dude :P

SoerenEsbensen · #12 06-26-2008, 09:02 AM

Twnty1inRF · #13 06-26-2008, 09:13 AM

The top one...

Pilgrim · #14 06-26-2008, 09:19 AM

I'm an old fart and I like the top one better.

BUT - that (and other responses above) may tell you more about the ages and preferences of those responding than it does about which would be the best cover.

My guess: if you're marketing to people over 30 or 35, use the top one. If you're marketing to people 15-35, I suspect the bottom one would sell better.

Thunderthumbs73 · #15 06-26-2008, 09:26 AM

#1 looks like more "conversational" book without as much lessons/exercizes, and #2 looks like it would contain more actual lessons/exercizes. I'm not sure that this is comparing apples to apples in this regard.

However,

#1 is interesting as it has views from a number of players, whereas #2 is about the views of one.

Call it a draw.

onlyclave · #16 06-26-2008, 09:42 AM

I think you need to consider your audience and where the books are going to be sold.

If I was merchandising a Guitar Center I would put the second book over near the Ibanez and Schecter basses where some young guy who has interest in instruments of that style would also be intrigued by something "Xtreme". Obviously if you want to play like Avenged Sevenfold or Lamb of God you need to be extreme, right?

The first book gets sold out of the instructional book rack over in the accessories department. It wouldn't get displayed prominently on an endcap and it is something that would be chosen carefully by someone of a different demographic.

Jason Gale · #17 06-26-2008, 05:36 PM

Thanks everyone for all your replies, they've helped me out more than you can imagine!

I completely agree with what every one of you have said, this is all great data i can use as research into what style artwork to do for my practical project. The target audience for my project is from beginners to intermediate but i want it to appeal to more advanced bassists too as its not about technique or anything. I think a mix of the two styles would be appropiate, artwork that stands out but at the same time is worded in a more professional way (i.e. not the second one).

Cheers! J