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Focus testing

A topic in 9 comics.

The value-add of Mega-Tune

Nov 11, 2009

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

Nov 9, 2009

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

Nov 4, 2009

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”

Nov 3, 2009

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

Nov 2, 2009

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?

Nov 1, 2009

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

Oct 31, 2009

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

Oct 30, 2009

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

Oct 29, 2009

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.

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