OK, here’s a bunch of stuff I noticed in some US mags that I thought were interesting [though you’re within your rights to disagree … if you really want to upset me, ha!]
First up is an ad encouraging a ‘balanced diet’ from Coca-Cola, Cadbury Schweppes and Pepsi.
Putting aside the fact this is obviously a blatant attempt to pre-empt any media attacks once the movie ‘FAST FOOD NATION’ comes out, I just found it funny that Cadbury Schweppes was placed in the middle of the 2 ‘cola’ giants. It looks like it’s trying to break up a fight between the two arch enemies.
Having worked with all 3 of those companies in my time, I daren’t imagine how much arguing there was as to the order the brands appeared. Wonderful.
I can’t decide if I like this idea for Monopoly.
I mean, this version is basically the same as all the ‘classic versions’, it’s just the board now reflects today’s property prices and the ‘players pieces’ are based on modern day aspirational icons.
Genius or another excuse for consumer wallet hi-jacking? I must admit I’m torn as there’s something about it I really think is clever – which is more than can be said about the ad.
Home Depot … the American DIY company … ran two consecutive pages featuring products that will be on sale at their annual exhibition.
However because they know people – even DIY lovin’ people – would find reading two pages of products boring, they interspersed it with things like ‘X-Ray Vision’ [see below] … which not only kept up people’s interest to read through both pages, but also gave the brand, a real engaging personality.
So nice to see a company remember advertising isn’t just about selling product, but selling themselves too. Tops.
Finally, there’s the good ol’ ‘SCRATCH AND SNIFF’ for Snuggle Fabric Softener.
Sure it smelt pants … but there was something quite magical about doing the scratching then the sniffing.
To be honest, I am quite surprised this idea hasn’t been used much … it’s certainly much more ‘fun’ than those ‘scent strips’ [even though I am not really sure why – though it’s bound to have something to do with when I was a kid]
