Satire is a genre of literature, and sometimes graphic and performing, in which vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, corporations, and society itself, into improvement. Although satire is usually meant to be funny, its greater purpose is often constructive social criticism, using wit as a weapon and as a tool to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society.
Wikipedia
Now I know how the Onion feels when their articles are taken seriously. There is no Peoples Republic of Lifetouch, and I have no idea how Lifetouch feels about China’s one child policy. What I do know is that Lifetouch has some of the most customer unfriendly processes I have ever seen, and I want to call attention to their shortcomings. Perhaps, Lifetouch will even be motivated into improving their systems to address the needs of today’s customers.
In a similar vain, Canon doesn’t really sell cameras to frogs, Fujifilm is not targeting parents with their $34,000 artwork copies, and Kodak printers do not produce live kittens. I hope this helps.
All About Images Blog 
Keep posting as you’d like, Dr Mark! I am happy that I was able to understand your position even before the written explanation of Satire. Are you serious that some readers thought you were serious? Ha!
Good Morning,
Sorry Mark that I questioned you about the $34,000 artwork piece…..I was thinking you made a typo.
I do know what Satire is…..but I don’t know your personality at all so I wasn’t sure if you were writing a lot of “tongue in cheek” pieces or if you were just irritated. I definitely know that printers can not produce live kittens…….but I do know they can produce live puppies. I also know that there is not a Peoples Republic of Lifetouch, even though it feels like it…..but I do wish there was a stronger competition for school photos. I never have liked Fujifilm for my 35 mm developing……nor do I like their printing of my photos……so I wouldn’t pay them $3.40, much less $34,000 for producing my children or grandchildren’s artwork.
When I saw the word “Satire” as the heading on your blog and saw the size of the word……it was a little unsettling. I am certain there are some idiots following your blog, but I think most of the people following your blog are not imbeciles (sp?).
I always respected your opinion when you were with Creative Memories, I enjoyed your articles and looked at you as a very intelligent person who KNOWS what he is talking about and who was highly respected in your field. I even wrote you an email telling you that I noticed a big difference when you were no longer at the home office……I was trying to give you a compliment, because I held you in high esteem.
My brother also writes a weekly blog with his photos and videos of his mountain climbing ventures (he climbed 5 mountains this summer)…….he has used satire in many of his pieces but I read it as being funny……maybe because I know his personality and maybe because I know there isn’t anger behind his writing. You may not have any anger either……but it has felt like it at times. I just felt compelled to write you after today’s blog because even though I am a mature 65 yr. old, I almost had my feelings hurt when I saw the gigantic colorful caption. I was one of the people who sent you an email after your last blog about the $34,000 fee for producing artwork.
I normally do not follow blogs because I don’t have time, nor do I choose to spend gobs of time in front of my computer when it isn’t necessary……but I was excited when I signed up for your blog because of the respect I had for you in my comments above. Thanks for the blog, your opinions, your satire and even your fonts. I will continue to follow your blog but I hope you might consider using a little softer side to the titles of your blogs.
Sincerely, Cheryl Yates
Too funny Dr. Mark! We all need to take a step back & enjoy the humorous side of life. Lifetouch needs to step up to the plate or they’ll find themselves playing catch-up when another company sidelines them! I totally enjoy the twist & turns that you brilliantly explore & evaluate. Keep up the great contributions!
I have enjoyed reading each of these posts, understanding them to be primarily of entertainment value. But I had to “lol” when I saw this one. Dr. Mark, are you considering a side career as a comedian? And that is a serious question.
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