9.30.2008

five signs of fail: ads.

  1. The ad content and form is defined by the messaging of competitors, thereby validating their claims / insults.
  2. The focus is a direct reaction to opposing messages, and the campaign would not exist if those messages hadn't provoked it.
  3. The campaign intrigues without offering the audience anywhere to go for further information, even if they research independently.
  4. The images / messages contradict either the reality of the product, the reality of the brand, or other elements of the same campaign.
  5. The ad is based on an internet meme that is either lacking in mainstream appeal, or has already passed out of public consciousness.  Related: the ad directly copies an established meme, adding nothing original.
These are my five signs of fail for advertising.  Feel free to guess which specific campaigns inspired each point - I am giving away no-prizes.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

2. Microsoft, "I'm a PC"
4. Stella Artois - light beer proceeds to damage automobile following month
5. Yop vs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9698TqtY4A

... what came to mind from watching YTV or the ads before movies.

jon crowley said...

You nailed it on number two, and the others are solid examples, but not exactly what I had in mind.

Then again, I'm generally the type to give microsoft a hard time when possible.

Anonymous said...

5. Ooh, how about Koodoo mobility doing the human Tetris as interactive advertising.


Microsoft for every other option.