The Power Of A Commercial
Friday, March 28th, 2008One of my favorite television shows, Project Runway, just wrapped up its fourth season. This season was sponsored by Bluefly, a clothing website. I have used this website in the past, however, I truly hated the commercial it played during every commercial break of every episode of the show last season. Since the advertising involved an airport, I found it relevant. And, of course, the commercial played on airport security, which is always a hot topic. Just today, I saw an article on the Internet about a women who was forced to remove a piercing from a “delicate” area with pliers in order to pass through security.
The premise of the commercial was simple - Nothing to wear, go to bluefly.com. The “nothing to wear” example? A beautiful young woman walking through airport security with nothing on, just wearing stilettos and a smile. And, of course, security requires the girl remove her shoes and put the magazine she is holding through the x-ray machine. For some reason, the commercial just irks me. I understand that many ads today play on situations that would never happen, but, come on - that situation would never happen for so many reasons. Maybe I don’t like it because I have just seen it so many times. Maybe I am tired of the premise. Other commercials ran with the naked lady in different scenarios.
An airline video making a real splash lately - the new Delta Airlines safety video has become a You Tube sensation. The starring flight attendant is a mini celebrity now. Delta has “sexed” up safety.
My dislike of that commercial is a matter of personal taste, I’m sure, but advertising, particularly commercials, usually generate strong reactions of like and dislike from viewers. Any particular commercials you have seen recently that bug you? Or that you really, really enjoy? Any of them related to travel?
-Kimberly Krol, circulation and public relations executive
