As I am writing the final article in our Advertising Towards Dummies series, I reflect back and have to say that this “breaking out” of Bunny got Blog’s usual topics was a very fun ride. It’s not that far fetched; it is still close to my original idea of making this blog business related. Plus, it’s not like anything has ever stopped me from side-kicking Bunny got Blog into a new alley every now and then.
After all the research I have done for this series, I have a much clearer picture of what is going on behind the scenes of an advertisement’s concept and philosophy. I have never been watching TV anyway; all the advertising hoopla just gets on your nerves after a while. Besides, I have better things to do than watch the crap that is called “entertainment” today.
But even though I have cut off most advertising, including popup blockers and spam filters on the computer and not watching television, there are still plenty of ads I see. On billboards, in newspapers and magazines, in the radio – advertising is everywhere. And it’s not too bad either. Advertising is a form of communication and a means of helping to revive the economy… To some degree at least.
I have an interest in advertising. Thumper works in the field and obviously has a genuine interest in advertising as well. For him, it’s a passion. I found this quote and it makes it a lot of sense when you identify it with advertising.
Art is individualism, and individualism is a disturbing and disintegrating force. There lies its immense value. For what it seeks is to disturb monotony of type, slavery of custom, tyranny of habit, and the reduction of man to the level of a machine.
- Oscar Wilde
To conclude the series, I found some interesting articles while researching and reading other blogs, and I would like to share them with you.
Mom Grind: Truth in Advertising
Mom Grind – this gem of a blog is very interesting as it too has expressed a very good opinion on advertising over the years, like this post.
The Jungle of Life: Old Hat, New Hat
My friend Lance, author of The Jungle of Life, wrote this article as we were working on the series. I feel it fits in perfectly. It is called Old Hat, New Hat and he explains to you his experience of looking for a new bicycle for his up and coming of two triathlons. I really the the quote Lance used here:
I think when shopping we need to ask ourselves these questions.
- Do we really need this?
- How long before something else replaces it?
- Is this going to collect dust or be used?
- Can I afford it?
- Why pay full price? It will go on sale! So go back and read 1-2-3-4
When we have kids, I am not sure if we would even own a TV other than to watch movies. The thing is, advertising is everywhere and you can’t be with your children all the time. That is why it’s important to educate them early. I would answer any questions they ask if they saw something inappropriate in a magazine or newspaper. I would never encourage mimicking of anything they may have seen in advertising.
Huigh McLeod: Cartoons drawn on the back of business cards
This illustration by Hugh McLeod is pretty straight forward.
I want to thank those of you who have followed the series and participated in the discussion. Thumper, thank you for being involved in this series. It was so much fun.
One last thing: while watching videos for the series, I thought this commercial would be a good example of great advertising. I saved it for the last post – here it is.
What ads or commercials really draw our attention, and why? Do you think being aware of advertising and having a little insight into it will change the way you look at products? Will it change the way you shop? Let us know below.
Here are all parts of this series again:
Advertising Towards Dummies - the start of it all
Celebrities, Movies, Role Models, Money - just what the title says
17 Sexy Commercials - somehow this is the most popular post of the series. I wonder why.
Teenage Illusions - about our children in an advertising world
Interview with an Advertising Professional - the second most viewed post in this series
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