Thread: A Bunch of Sheep

For the past year, or so, when those "He went to Jared" commercials would air on TV, the wife would sometimes say to me, "you never went to Jared." Geez!

So for our anniversary this year, instead of going to Kay Jewelers ("every kiss begins with Kay"), or some generic, or any other jewelery shop, I felt COMPELLED to go to Jared. But hey, they had just what I wanted to get her, and she loves it. So it was a win - win, but boy was I reeled in.

This is a stupid question but are people in the UK and Europe bombarded with ads as much as here in the US?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

So are you part of the flock? Just a sheep eh?

baaaaaaa

I can't hear commercials that run during the only time I watch tv. I think they're geared to old people who are losing their hearing because the very elderly actors quietly mumble throughout about how hearing aids or emergency equipment saved their lives

I don't get reeled in by ads, but one must acknowledge what Foucault called "Discourse" there's really not much you can do to escape that, which is even worse then just advertising. It is the common talk, the things that are on everyone's tongues, the ideas, concepts and things we all share socially, most of it is generated by the media, and advertising.

This makes any dynamic thinking seem truly against the norm, and almost scary, not allowing for true social and economic change.

I had a friend who had is masters from Columbia University in advertising psychology, he basically imparted some information to me that what advertisers do is create these psychological models or profiles of their future customers, and then run complex surveys with large test groups to determine the key factors and items that will trigger certain behaviors, they then apply these results to their ads. He basically said its so complex and that the viewer stands little chance to not be effected by the ads if even in a subconscious way.

I'm not sure I agree with him, but he did seem pretty confident in his work.

Either way ads are a huge part of American culture and what is Americana, just look at the Superbowl, when did ads become a thing to watch?? I remember the ads and halftime being a time to go to the bathroom to get food etc... When did we become so vapid as a Nation?

I think it's important to chose what you buy based on your brain, and what you need, and like, not what you've been told is necessary or makes you look cool.

I believe all of us here share an aspect of this concept in our ethos, I mean it's not every guy I run into who's out saying how cool it is to get a restored Wade and Butcher, and how he made his first shave brush, or cream, etc...

I probably would hate this forum if every Tom, Dick and Harry was doing it. I guess I like to be or think I am a unique little snowflake, even though I know I'm not lol.

Cheers
David

now that i am over 50, i have noticed i have little in common with most commercials and ads in general. i know what i like and dislike and the ads will not influence me one way or the other. besides when has anyone seen an ad for a straight razor lately other than on a wet shaving site?
a couple of examples:
1. automobile ads and the actual cars are not very impressive and most are nothing more than disposable cars. (one reason i use the 59caddy for my handle. that was when they knew how to make a car) i guess the ads are geared for the younger people with LOTS of money to throw away.
2. country music; most of the stuff does not appeal to me anymore. it is more to the liking of younger people.(mostly just rehashed rock-n-roll of the 70's and 80's) the singers used to have to pay their dues, now all they do is win some contest and they are entertainer of the year within a few months.

Over 50 and the ads may get me interested in the type of product advertised, but not the specific brand. I'll do some research first then sleep on it.

I like to think I ignore ads.

However, I have come to the horrific conclusion that our lives and emotions are ruled by herd instinct much more than we recognize.

Originally Posted by matt321

I like to think I ignore ads.

However, I have come to the horrific conclusion that our lives and emotions are ruled by herd instinct much more than we recognize.

Depends on what it is. I'm in my 60s now and don't look at much in the way of ads unless it is a subject that really interests me ... like razors and sharpening tools. OTOH, when I look back to my younger days I can see where they bamboozled me as much as the next guy.

Originally Posted by metalfab

This is a stupid question but are people in the UK and Europe bombarded with ads as much as here in the US?

Yes, and although few like to mention it, the UK is in the EEC.
I'm sure we have all the same types of ads that you do. Targeted advertising by mail is very big in the UK.
All business needs to advertise it's wares, mine included.
The ads I personally don't like are the 'lifestyle' ads.The ones designed to sell you a false promise and make you think; 'If only I had that car/watch/suit my life would be perfect'.
As many have said, as you get older and more experienced you realise that the gloss soon wears off whatever it is you purchased to make yourself happy.

I even tape tv so I can skip the worthless, trivial dross that would otherwise be inflicted on me.

I'm with Neil on this too.Thank goodness for DVR or I'd have to push the mute button during every commercial during my favorite shows.(I really do this)

I do have to admit that I watch the super bowl commercials because they are often well thought-out and funny,but then I mute them after that as they continually hit you over the head with the same ones for MONTHS.