The Power Of A Commercial
One 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
March 28th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I like the idea of everyone traveling naked. It would really speed up security. American are very body conscience as a rule. I bet a large number of folks would refuse to travel without clothing, leaving all the seats to those that are very good looking, or just don’t care.
Imagine that, empty middle seats like the good old days!
-V
March 31st, 2008 at 10:25 am
All of the Virgin America billboards in LA (and the Bay Area) all show how much fun it is to travel on that particular low-cost carrier. I don’t particularly care if I have fun on a flight as I’m usually busy doing what I need to do. I’m more concerned whether or not I get to my destination in a timely fashion, which I’ve heard isn’t what that airline is all about.