The early 20th century was a time of huge changes in the global marketplace. Before this time most of what manufacturers made could be sold easily. For example, soap was once made a batch at a time in kettles and sold in chunks from door to door. There was no variety in colour, fragrance, or performance. Soap was. . . just soap.
Technological advances during and after the war greatly increased manufacturing capacity and consumers soon had more and better products to choose from, meaning manufacturers had to pay attention to their customers. Soap makers, holding unsold chunks of “just soap,” began to respond to demands for better cleaning soap and more fragrant soap.
Out of this, the industry known as marketing research came into its own. Pioneers such as Arthur Charles Nielsen and George Gallup invented methods to survey the public so that the consumer’s opinion was finally being heard by the manufacturer.
Today, the gathering and analysis of public opinion for business, political, and social issues is sponsored by government agencies, academic institutions, and business groups. The growth of survey research means that, for example, instead of getting any old crosswords, you get good-quality crosswords that cater to the needs of the readership – or puzzlership. Your opinions do count. Surveys are how your opinions are collected.
So although being stopped in the shopping centre or on the street by an opinion pollster can be quite a nuisance, especially when you’re in a hurry, it’s often in the cause of perfecting the product or making it more available.
Here at Lovatts, from now until the end of the year we’re conducting a reader survey to gain an insight into you, our readers. On completion of the survey, you will go into the draw to win $500 cash plus other prizes!
Happy puzzling,
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