Comics and posts about focus testing | Bassist Wanted

The value-add of Mega-Tune

MEGA-TUNE: Monogamy.
GREG: That's... "Single Ladies"?
GREG: Yes! GOOD!

GREG: I love these one-note songs. I mean... I don't actually LIKE most songs I'm supposed to like. But this way, they're... TOLERABLE.

GREG: So... THANK YOU.

GREG: You've made my mindless devotion to pop SO easier to stomach.
GREG: Oh, tt is our PLEASURE, sir!

Decision time

MEGA-TUNE: Sociopath. Sociopath. Sociopath.
TESTER: ...and that, of course, was a Rivers Cuomo medley.

TESTER: DECISION TIME! Do you like the regular songs, or the one-note Mega-Tuned versions?
GREG: Um, the short ones are... CATCHY, but the regular ones have, you know, MELODIES.

TESTER: I need an answer, Greg! Now now NOW!
GREG: AUGH! I- uh- t-the Mega-Tuned ones!!?!

TESTER: Oh good, we hoped you'd say that...
GREG: Oh thank GOD...

Consumers don’t like decisions

TESTER: So which version of the song do you like more?
GREG: I DUNNO...

BART: Consumers don't LIKE decisions, Joel. They want us to TELL them what's right. THEY NEED US.
JOEL: You talk like they're HELPLESS. They aren't scared little CHILDREN, sir.

GREG: Um... I... I have to go potty.

BART: AREN'T they, Joel? AREN'T they?
TESTER: Sir, put that DOWN. Sir... SIR, get that OUT of your mouth! Drop it... DROP it!

Megatuning “Viva La Vida”

TESTER: Greg, we're going to play two versions of a song, and we want to know which one you like better, OK?
GREG: OK.

COLDPLAY: For some reason I can't explain, I know Saint Peter will call my name, Never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world

MEGA-TUNE: Overwrought.

GREG: Hmm. The second one was definitely... SHORTER...
BART: Write down that subject finds Mega-Tuned version is "PEPPY" and "FUN".

Sixth sense for pop

JOEL: His sense of pop music is unCANNY. When asked to list songs he liked, he recited Clear Channel's ENTIRE Adult Album Alternative playlist.

JOEL: We ask him his favorite song every five minutes, and he's somehow able to always list the current top single on iTunes at that EXACT moment.

TESTER: What about now?
GREG: "Fireflies" by Owl City... no, wait, NO... actually it's "Replay" by Iyaz.

BART: FAScinating...
GREG: Wait, NOW it's the Glee cast version of "Alone". NO... "Take a Bow"! NO!! "ALONE"!!!

What makes you like a song?

TESTER: Before we begin the product testing, let me ask: what makes you like a song?
GREG: Like, you know, if it was on Gossip Girl.

TESTER: OK, well... let's say you hear a really good song that hasn't been on Gossip Girl, and-
GREG: But... if it's really good, it WOULD be on Gossip Girl.

TESTER: OK, but this one isn't.
GREG: But... why?

TESTER: Wait, was Gossip Girl canceled?! Is there somewhere I can check Twitter here?!
GREG: OK, let's... let's move on...

Honest opinions

TESTER: So, prior to the focus test, we just want to get to know you a little before we show you the product.
GREG: Yeah, I've done these. The product's great.

TESTER: Well, I haven't shown you the product.
GREG: But I bet it's great.

TESTER: OK, but... you don't have to like it. We want your honest opinions. Positive or negative.
GREG: Well, I'm positive it's great.

TESTER: Sir, you don't even know what it IS.
GREG: Uh huh... hey, when do I get that free Frostie coupon?

Getting focus groupers

JOEL: I've never run a focus group, sir. How do we get participants?
BART: The American way, Joel. With market forces.

BART: We bribe them. Vouchers, gift certificates, free food...
JOEL: Doesn't that result in overly positive opinions?

BART: Exactly!
GREG: Hi, I heard something about a Frostie coupon?

BART: Yes sir! Just sign this release form without reading it.
GREG: No PROBLEM. Oooo, free pens!!

Statistics and quotes

JOEL: With all due respect, sir, I don't think you've thought this through.
BART: Sure I have!

BART: I've got statistics! I've got quotes!
JOEL: Unrelated statistics and quotes that you've skewed to support your point.

BART: Well, maybe you're right. Let's focus group it. Get some outside opinions.
JOEL: Yes.

BART: And skew THOSE to support our point.
JOEL: No.