Dennis+Brookner+RP+Post+6

Do "cool" products tend to offer higher quality, or simply a brand name? To what extent are these prices reasonable?

2. "Inside Access: Behind the Rise of the Nike Elite Basketball Crew Sock"

3. Nike, Inc,

4. http://nikeinc.com/news/inside-access-behind-the-nike-elite-basketball-crew-socks-explosive-success

5. Nike.com, on 5/29/14

6. S: Nike Elite socks and their popularity O: The recent rise in popularity of the socks. A: Those interested in their rise in popularity, not necessarily consumers. P: To explain why Nike Elites are a high-quality product in a way that reflects positively on them and the Nike Company in general. S: Nike inc, likely the marketing or publicity department. Tone: Formal, engaging, attempting to be enticing. They are still selling the product, even here.

7. Nike took it upon itself to construct an article chronicling the rise in popularity of the now wildly successful Nike Elite Socks. They point to the origins of the socks as apparel for the US men's basketball team. They also point to the innovations in quality and performance made by Nike in the development of the socks.

8. The main point of this article, as viewed by Nike, might read, "Nike Elite socks are rightfully known as the premier athletic socks on the market today because of their innovative design and exceptional perforamance.

9. I am only persuaded to a small extent by the author's point. I do believe that the socks are high quality, but I think that their rise in popularity is just as closely linked to them being the coolest socks on the market.

10. The recognizable pattern on the back of the socks is a "badge of honor." The rise in Elite socks tells "a deeper story about Nike's strong commitment to the athlete through performance innovation" "Through meticulous research and the use of innovative materials, fabrications and designs, the Nike Elite Basketball Crew sock features a sleek fit and strategically cushioned zones that provide comfort, support and cushioning protection specific to the game of basketball. " “Merging athletes’ insight with the best in product innovation, functionality and style is where the magic happens,” Frazer says. "Then it’s up to the athlete to go out and show what they can do."

“These socks were incredible,’” said Brooklyn guard and gold medalist Deron Williams. “I could immediately feel the improvement. They felt so comfortable and supportive that I wore them all the time, on and off the court.”

2. "Athletic Socks that Give a Foot Bragging Rights"

3. Courtney Rubin, The New York Times

4. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/fashion/athletic-socks-that-give-a-foot-bragging-rights.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0

5. nytimes.com on 6/1/14

6. S: The almost hysteria-like popularity of Nike Elite socks. O: The rise in a market of specialized, third-party socks. A: Interested readers, perhaps the parents of middle- and high- school boys who are intrigued by the craze. Probably not as much the boys themselves--few of them read the Times. P: to explain to readers why the craze exists and what it consists of. S: The New York Times Tone: matter-of-fact, journalist-like, amused

7. Socks used to be the forgotten member of an athletic wardrobe. The rise of Nike Elite socks has changed that, with socks selling extremely well at remarkable high prices. There is also a more select market for limited-edition or specialized socks, which can run for even more money. To many owners, Nike Elites are the most prized possession in their wardrobe.

8. The source is journalism, so it isn't necessarily trying to make a point. It anything, the main message is a mild mockery of the craze.

9. There is not much to be persuaded by, as the information is largely factual. I definitely agree with the overall message of the article that the sock market has become remarkably large, remarkably fast.

10. "Athletic Socks that Give a Foot Bragging Rights" "If you’re wearing really nice LeBrons with some white socks, the socks take away from how cool the shoe looks,”

"Athletic socks, once the most forgettable item of clothing, have become hugely coveted and a huge, nearly $3 billion business, said Matt Powell, the chief retail analyst with the market research firm SportsOneSource."

"Nike has no relationship with these companies, and so far cannot stop them from buying its socks retail and then embellishing, usually in patterns that deliberately complement an up-and-coming or just-released sneaker."