I have long thought it’d be fun to reproduce fast food ads, keeping everything the same except I’d swap the product photo with one of from a burger I’ve purchased. We all know the end result does not look the same, but this video shows how much lighting and retouching makes a difference. When you style up any old Quarter-pounder, it ends up looking pretty good.
While the video is entertaining, it doesn’t make me feel better or less manipulated. The difference between reality and the ad is too great, which leads to disappointment. Of course, McDonald’s is trying to sell a product and they are going to do what it takes to maximize sales, but it’s not helpful to the consumer.
It’d be great if, just like standardized nutritional information, there was standardized product marketing. Every burger had to be photographed in the same studio; every phone had to show the same set of features; every airline had to display their average hold times and delay length. It’d be maddeningly difficult, if not impossible, but realistic expectations would make consumers happier in the long run and force corporations to build better products. [via kottke]
Like Sippey, I am enjoying these ads. Target made far too many of them, so my favorite is below, this one’s a good starter, and this is one is my second favorite.
Apparently the character is coming back for a second time, first airing in 2009, but I’d never seen it. I guess it’s working for Target.
“She represents the whole notion of Black Friday being a contact sport,” says Dustee Jenkins, VP of communications at Target. “Love her or hate her, she resonates with our guests.”
If I needed reminding, I’d ask you to remind me to not go to Target on Friday.
I saw this on the street today.
It says, "More refreshing than open fire hydrants to the face." That's quite a high bar to set there, McDonald's. I'd like to pitch some of my own slogan ideas to you.
"More fun than a day in the cancer ward."
"Less chunky than raw sewage."
"Fewer calories than some of our extra value meals."
"Not (very) poisonous."
I'm sure I could come up with ideas for some of your other products, if these get you jazzed.
See also: Now you're eating
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