Such an Amateur - DIY Commercials

I used to think that local commercials which feature the owner or proprieter should be remade with professional actors, but I'm no longer so cock-sure of myself. (Either that or I needed to work a tantalizing word into this blog)

Aren't we more likely to purchase from those we feel comfortable with even if that comfort is due to proximity? Considering most of us have no acting ability, we may find ourselves in the position of admiring a business owner who's willing to personally present his or her wares to the world rather than have a stand-in or franchised heavy do the dirty work.

Is it a return to the "neighborhood" or have we come to the point in commerce where the franchise is more familiar than our neighbor?

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AOL Commercial -Wants You to Fear Your Internet

A giant of an internet service provider has decided that capitalizing on the current atmosphere of fear is the best method for their Push. The trend of feeding on consumer fear began in the 90's, was horrifically fueled by the events of 9/11, and shows no sign of stopping. It's the reason we drive bigger and bigger cars, take prescription drugs to prevent diseases we've barely been diagnosed with, and lock ourselves ever more securely behind closed doors and drawn curtains. The bogeyman of the Big Bad Outside world can now come to get us right in our own cocoon. He just uses our computer.

Unless we subscribe to a certain internet provider, that is.

The fear of malicious internet intruders is real and for any computer user, the prospect of being attacked by something we have no knowledge of how to protect ourselves against is daunting, to say the very least. Using hip, young spokespersons who are ready with answers before the questions are even presented, reinforces the notion that they are at least one step ahead of the perpetrator. So that the consumer/viewer isn't completely frightened away by the idea that the world of technology will turn against us, the commercial shows the "average" person within the walls of the ISP's offices as if we're able to just drop by to ask questions of friendly and knowledgeable people who will happily fire off pithy responses.

To reassure a potential customer that you've not only figured out how to keep the Big Bad Internet Wolf away, but are readily accessible to allay all of their hacker fears is a most effective ad campaign indeed.

What Say You? Commercials catch your eye?

I'm in the mood for some interaction, 'cause I know I've had some readers lurking about without leaving comments. This leads me to the conclusion that you're either shy, or find this topic... or maybe my writing style, rather dull. Since most folks I know have an opinion on their favorite or most hated commercials, I'd like to invite you to post a comment about the advert that tickles you, or... the one which nearly prompts you to write a letter of protest to the Pusher. Go ahead. Be anonymous. Just leave a comment. Let me know which direction you'd like to see this blog move in. Grin.

Please, indulge me. So that readers can easily access your comments, they'll pop up in a handy little window.

Salud, y'all.

'Tis the Season for the Guilty

Now that I've gorged, stuffed, and swallowed all manner of guilty pleasures over the past month and a half, it's time to pay the diet piper. And there are plenty of commercials airing for my viewing pleasure with the promise of a lithe and lean figure if only I repent and join their particular weight-loss religion.

I want to repent, rejoice, and be saved by them all.

I'd love to be baptized by Jenny. Her food looks so delicious, how could I ever be deprived? Besides, as an added bonus, apparently I'll have men whistling at my form as I parade down the dark and dimly lit streets. Better yet, they'll stop to dance then flip me in the air where I'll do several summersalts, tumbling as light as a butterfly. *Sigh*

But... Lean's cuisine shows me commercials where diners moan and groan with a celibate pleasure as they describe last night's gastronomic indulgence. Their friends look on in envy. The diner's display of enthusiasm is near to a public orgasm. I want one of those.

At the Church of the Watched Weight, I'll hug and dance with my girlfriends, swim in the pool, and generally be happy to diet. Besides, everyone loves to collect Points.

Perhaps an offering of a pill will eliminate the need for food at all. Zantrex, Hydroxycut, Hoodia, or Trimspa. My choices are endless and tiny and so are the spokesperson/preachers.

All of these commercials hit the bullseye as far as I'm concerned. They aim straight for my biggest vulnerability, my vanity. When's the next meeting?

Happy Post-Holidays!


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