Urban Media Archaeology 2010

Hello Class,

I’d just like to share with you some material/thoughts/curiosities that I discovered during my research that won’t make it to the final cut, yet I find them to be interesting.

SOURCES OF RESEARCH/LEARNING

• The value of the delivery menus as a research tool: During the interviews that I conducted, I was not able to capture precise data on “delivery areas”. None of my interviewees was able to confirm with exactitude the areas of delivery, delivery hours, etc. As a result, I walked the area and grabbed delivery menus from a range of restaurants to learn about delivery maps/areas, times of operation, etc.
• Online delivery services were also reviewed (computer-based and apps). Although these platforms did not provide information I could use for the “delivery phase” (they mostly provide information on phase 1 “the order”), I learned a lot from the different sources. Key highlights include:

• SeamlessWeb – App: Use your GPS location or your address to browse restaurants in your area.  The app was originally developed for Blackberry, as most SeamlessWeb orders are placed during work time (Seamless web has partnered with several corporations, to serve their employees during lunchtime. They also offer catering services). Blackberry penetration is higher among business people.
• GrubHub – App: Search your address or current location to see every restaurant that delivers to you and order online or by phone.
• CityMint – App: An iPhone app that allows city goers to get food delivery in the park: The app comes with a GPS add-on, allowing the runners carrying the meals to locate hungry customers anywhere in the 843-acre park – CityMint’s regular version offers New Yorkers options from 400 participating restaurants – Just in case there’s a problem with the GPS, CityMint asks for a phone number to find its customers among the summer crowds.
• City Search – Map: CitySearch offers a food delivery map under the “NY Metro Food Delivery” query, that filters information by location, category and cuisine. When the mouse goes over a map result, the name, address and customer star-rating appear on a blurb.

CURIOSITIES AND NEW TRENDS

• Delivery has gone green/organic
• Delivery has gone healthy: e.g. TheSlimDown.com
• There are many Meals on Wheels programs that deliver meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals (e.g. Suffolk “Meals on Wheels” program)

JOB POSTINGS

Sample Resume for Pizza Delivery: Click here.

• Most (if not all) delivery jobs are posted in restaurant windows with signs that read, “we’re hiring” or “help wanted”. There are few online job postings looking for delivery people. And, in most cases, theses postings are for “drivers” vs. “bikers”.

What would a political economist of media say about this job posting? Click here.

“Buckle up, hit the open road and start making hungry people happy as a delivery driver for Pizza Hut®. That’s right, we’ll pay you to cruise around in your mobile office – your car – listening to your own tunes and delivering great pizza – and pasta. What more could you want? Independence, good music and great food – with tips! Sound good? Besides your smile, energy and reliable set of wheels, here’s what you’ll need for this job…”