Thursday, October 20, 2011

Commercially Speaking

Commercials. They're the bane of existence to folks watching television shows live as they air. Of course, that's probably fewer and fewer folks every year thanks to zapping them on DVR recorded shows. While some commercials can be entertaining, others just irk me to no end. I'm here today to share but a few observations.

An example of the irksome would be the FiberOne commercials. Fiber in foodstuffs is never a bad thing. There's no need to hide it (especially if your company has the word "fiber" in its title!). What the heck is this "fiber makes me sad" bit? Now, a lot of things in life make us sad. But fiber? Who's writing these things? Who's approving them?

The Dairy Queen ads, while I like the kittens in bubbles, seem to be a cheap takeoff on the Old Spice commercials. The Old Spice commercials were creative and different as the Old Spice dude went through a series of bizarre set transformations. DQ is trying to do the same sort of thing. Now, I like a good Brazier Burger, but get serious and be innovative ... Old Spice was! Plus, their man is so much more sexy!



The commercials for prescription drugs just frighten me. I know it's a government regulation that they have to list known possible side effects, but really ...! Oh, I have sinus congestion. Let me just ask my doctor to prescribe me this drug which might cause heart disease, strokes or thoughts of suicide! Feh. I think I'd rather keep the sinus congestion or go for the over the counter medicines instead.

I will admit that I do tend to fall for gimmicks like cute little urban hamsters selling cars ...



How about you? Are there some commercials you have to pause to watch each time you notice them? Are there others that make you wonder who's getting the big bucks for boring or annoying content?

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with any of the companies mentioned, good or bad. About the closest connection would be that my father always had Old Spice back in the '60s.

8 comments:

Delee said...

Fancy Feast The Proposal and Follow up The Wedding...so cute.
I mostly flip during commercials.
Do like The Havoc(?)guy ones, but what insurance company? See ads are wasted on me!

Good evening Jackie and Vincent! Brrr, just turned heat up a bit so it will run during the night.

Jackie S. said...

I think you might mean the Allstate commercials with Dean Winters as Mayhem. That's another clever commercial series. I like when he's the raccoon!

Petals said...

I love the Kia hamster ad!
And Roger Federer did a series of Lindt chocolates ads, they were adorable.

Delee said...

Yep that is right Jackie! OK came up with some that annoy me, over the edge! COMCAST! Stop the ads and give me some money back!

~~Silk said...

The Toyota Yaris "It's a car" commercials.

Justene said...

My biggest pet peeve is a great campaign that has no connection to the product. Delee has one example. Think about the "My name is Peggy" commercial. I bet at least half the people here will say "Capital One."

I love that Star Wars kid but I still can't remember what car it's for.

Jackie S. said...

I want to say Peggy is Discover, but I might be wrong. As far as the Star Wars kid, I'm thinking Volkswagon but couldn't tell you model.

I watch too much TV.

poodlepam said...

Hi from sunny Florida...
I love the Slowsky family from Comcast. The turtle family..."slowwww"