"Ad" Astra

I have a brother at Purdue, and he sent me this article about NASA trying to recruit youth to be avid little space nuts (like my brother).

I liked most of what the article had to say, but this part irritated me a little:

The communications experts also want NASA to use new technologies such as podcasts and YouTube to reach young people who are turning away from older information sources such as TV news and newspapers.

While I am all for any company trying to keep up with technology (especially, well, NASA...), is it possible that podcasts and YouTube videos won't stimulate EVERY BRAND? These "communications experts" don't seem to be forging any new territory here. My point isn't that NASA shouldn't attempt viral marketing-- it's that they shouldn't need "communications experts" to give them the idea.

With that aside, I still wonder what this kind of approach would do for NASA. I see NASA podcasts more as a brand strengthener than a brand reviver, because chances are the people tuning in are going to be... well, my space case brother.

...And in my opinion, that's how it ought to be anyway. I don't want every kid with iTunes and a YouTube account knocking at NASA's door for a job. I guess part of this is just my resistence to NASA's idea of hiring a celebrity-- I guess as a spokesman-- to promote interest in its programs. Still, if NASA is this hellbent on attracting kids... well, WonderGroup could work up one hell of an "Ad Astra." ;)