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January 25, 2005
XM Satellite Radio launches comparison page to Sirius
I just noticed this today, but XM Satellite Radio has recently put up a comparison page, essentially a rebuttal to Sirius' "Why We Rock" comparison page that's been up for quite a while.
XM's page does a side-by-side comparison between the two company's content, with an obvious bias (gasp) towards XM. The first few comparisons are maybe the only valid ones to look at, as the rest are just there to give the overwhelming (and transparent) feeling that what you want is "Not Available" from Sirius.
Poorly executed by XM in my opinion.
Sure, have a comparison page. That's fine, minus the slew of arguments from Marketing-types who feel it's ridiculous to mention the competition when you're the market leader. But at least make it something that gives a realistic comparison between the two services. At least try to make it somewhat objective, even if the outcome just happens to be the same. It's worthless to point out that Sirius doesn't have Opie and Anthony or Quincy Jones, or at the very least don't make them each line items.
Now, Sirius' page isn't exactly an objective source either with terms like "slim pickings", "nickel-and-diming", and "wannabes" being thrown around in what's supposed to be a product comparison. Then again, no one will ever actually expect an objective view from either companies. And the fact remains that Sirius is still the "underdog", so attacking the market leader is acceptable within reason, so they're free to do whatever they want.
My advice to XM is to change the page and make it something a bit more intelligent rather than the oh-so-dramatic "Not available" boxes. How about comparing Sports vs Sports? (like maybe the MLB vs NFL?) Rap vs Rap? Country vs Country? etc. Flex your muscles a bit with good writing and a visual comparison of exactly what you get.
Neither XM or Sirius should be hiding behind "cute marketing" tactics - they should be proud of what they offer and flaunt it.
January 25, 2005 03:18 PM
Comments
I predict XM's going to go into marketing overdrive once MLB starts up again... but both these pages are ridiculous. Pure marketing fluff.
I will say this: Sirius has successfully sculpted itself as the "hip" and "young" company as opposed to XM. Maybe XM should focus on its deep playlists... although I understand some people prefer Sirius' hits oriented programming. XM has to do something... it's losing the PR battle.
Maybe it's time to unleash the two-headed baby from premium?
Posted by: Doug at January 25, 2005 04:11 PM
Yeah, these sites are super lame. There are so many things wrong with them it's not worth going into specifics.
I really don't see why these guys need to fight each other. They have the whole market all to themselves. They should go after FM or just focus on educating the public on what there service is.
Posted by: Monmin at January 25, 2005 07:26 PM
Haha. NOT AVAILABLE!
I don't get why Sirius is always labeled with "Hits" oriented playlist and I really couldn't care.
I've had both, made the switch for Stern, and ended up realizing that I like Sirius better even without him.
Posted by: Charlie at January 25, 2005 08:54 PM
At least Sirius' ad is funny. Xm just comes off bitter. Don't delete this one please!
Posted by: stan at January 26, 2005 05:36 PM
Subscribers Over... 3.2 million.
That's a stupid point. It's like saying Ashlee Simpson is better than Bob Dylan because she sells more records. Lame
Posted by: stan at January 26, 2005 05:40 PM
