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Even if you hadn't bought one yet, would you ever choose a specific product based on an ad? I wouldn't. Best thing an ad can do to me is remind me I need someth

Even if you hadn't bought one yet, would you ever choose a specific product based on an ad? I wouldn't. Best thing an ad can do to me is remind me I need something in a category, then I'll go around internet comparing products and grab the one that looks best, especially with a product like an electric razor. Companies should be investing in making good products so that when someone remembers they need something, their product will have the most positive reviews and most reasonable price.

RodericDay 10y ago
I hate advertising. However, I think a glib dismissal like this one underrates the power of ads a lot, and for me it's important to not underestimate my adversary. Sure, when I research virtually anything for myself, down to soy sauce or toothbrushes, I will literally go and seek out reviews and do some legwork. The real question is what happens when you are in a pinch. You're driving to your brother's house for dinner, and recall that you forgot to buy a toy for your nephew's birthday. Precisely there you'll be nabbed by a tendency to go for the "can't go wrong" choice, and the perception of the can't go wrong choice will have probably been created by advertising. So, don't sell it short. I agree with virtually everything; it's a worthless arms race and we'd be better off with companies focusing on quality. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking everyone can just use willpower to fight it. It requires more, as legislation banning cigarette advertising has shown.
- douche 10y ago
  If it's a nephew, and they are old enough to not asphyxiate themselves, then the obvious answer is always Lego. Little boys fucking love Legos.
  - anewday 10y ago
    Lego is great. But don't forget that this is also an idea that is shaped by advertising: why is Lego not for girls? Why do girls need pink blocks with figures that wear make up? Why this genderification?
    - nojvek 10y ago
      Lego is essentially a monopoly built on branding. Same as Coca-Cola. Advertising shapes slowly, one ad at a time
    - theandrewbailey 10y ago
      Girls don't need pink and makeup. It's simply what sells to them.
exelius 10y ago
Easier to just rebadge some crap from China and buy the positive reviews.

RodericDay 10y ago

I hate advertising. However, I think a glib dismissal like this one underrates the power of ads a lot, and for me it's important to not underestimate my adversary. Sure, when I research virtually anything for myself, down to soy sauce or toothbrushes, I will literally go and seek out reviews and do some legwork. The real question is what happens when you are in a pinch. You're driving to your brother's house for dinner, and recall that you forgot to buy a toy for your nephew's birthday. Precisely there you'll be nabbed by a tendency to go for the "can't go wrong" choice, and the perception of the can't go wrong choice will have probably been created by advertising. So, don't sell it short. I agree with virtually everything; it's a worthless arms race and we'd be better off with companies focusing on quality. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking everyone can just use willpower to fight it. It requires more, as legislation banning cigarette advertising has shown.

douche 10y ago
If it's a nephew, and they are old enough to not asphyxiate themselves, then the obvious answer is always Lego. Little boys fucking love Legos.
- anewday 10y ago
  Lego is great. But don't forget that this is also an idea that is shaped by advertising: why is Lego not for girls? Why do girls need pink blocks with figures that wear make up? Why this genderification?
  - nojvek 10y ago
    Lego is essentially a monopoly built on branding. Same as Coca-Cola. Advertising shapes slowly, one ad at a time
  - theandrewbailey 10y ago
    Girls don't need pink and makeup. It's simply what sells to them.

exelius 10y ago

Easier to just rebadge some crap from China and buy the positive reviews.