24 January 2009

advertising man

The Guardian carries a story about companies cashing in - well trying to cash in, in some cases - on the Obama phenomenon. For phenomenon is surely what it is - we've got the inauguration concert on the teev in the background, and I have to say for a country that had a revolution to rid itself of an occupying monarchy, the US does 'imperial' awfully well.

Anyway Batman, to the
Batads:

There is the new flavour of Ben 'n' Jerry's ice-cream: "Yes Pecan!"

Rival newspapers contained a simply worded advertisement for Veet, the hair removal company: "Goodbye Bush."

The advertising is bolstered with Obama-sounding slogans such as "Yes You Can" and "Choose Change", in a campaign with "a consistent theme of optimism that mirrors the current social climate". Last night, Pepsi denied any links with Obama, suggesting parallels were coincidental.

But if there is no particular reason for a brand to be connected to Obama, then people will see through that, and superficial marketing strategies don't work. They can backfire." That much was clear yesterday when the makers of the popular Beanie Babies dolls, Ty Inc was forced onto the back foot after Michelle Obama expressed her dissatisfaction at its promotion of two new dolls, named "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia". Somewhat improbably, the company said yesterday the $9.99 dolls, introduced this month, are not supposed to refer to President Obama's daughters, seven-year-old Sasha and 10-year-old Malia.

More than improbable, I would dare to suggest. You know, I've often wondered whether I shouldn't have gone into advertising. You make lots of money and any vestige of intelligence certainly doesn't seem to be a prerequisite. It would have suited me down to the ground, I think.

Here in the good old 52nd State, we have Chrysler advertising its products with a "yes we can" theme and "(price) change you can believe in."

'scuse me, got to go brush up my CV.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know why, but I like the idea of Thomas and Friends toys with the names, faces and personalities of politicians.

They're two they're four they're six they're eight
The don't just shout they legislate
Red and green, Bob Brown and blue
They're the really useful crew

Abbot he's the cheeky one
Malcolm's vain but lots of fun
Peter's gutless all the time
Faulkner thunders down the line
Nicola really knows her stuff
Brendan toots and huffs and puffs
Julia wants to help and share
Kevin, well let's say, he's square

Actually, now that I write this it is a really shit idea... which means that Ten will probably pick it up use it for its next failed assault on the six o'clock timeslot.

phil said...

"straya's got poetzzzz"

Certainly has a ring to it, so to speak.

Anonymous said...

We're talking about Ten here. All show titles, no matter how long, are reduced to one word.

"Up next on Poets, will Stephanie survive Steven's challenge?"

phil said...

Well true enough, except the contestants would most likely be called Bryyhanna and Kade.

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