Purdue Paper Angers Readers

A few days ago, I read an article in the Huffington Post that on a cartoon that was published in the Purdue University student paper known as The Exponent. The cartoon depicted a couple having sex doggy-style, while the man sneaks away he allows his friend to join in on the act without the woman’s knowledge according to the Jezebel article. The Purdue community was enraged and rightly so, we all should know, sex without consent is rape. I didn't put an image of the cartoon with this post because I don't want that sort of thing on my blog but you can see the cartoon via the Jezebel article.

Here is the big issue I want you the reader to ponder, is marketing and today’s media partially to blame for the fact that the creators of the cartoon thought people would think this is funny? Are we as a culture that has to take some blame for these youngsters error in judgment?

I only ask because one of the biggest commandments in marketing is the idea that sex sells. I think it’s one of the first things that marketers learn.

Let me know what you all think in the comments below.

Best,

-A.B.

It's Complex Cover

I saw the above cover page of next month’s Complex Magazine issue and I thought to myself I have to write a post on it. Why, you ask? Because when I saw Nicki Minaj’s picture in another blog that I follow I figured she has to be on my blog too. Well and the other reason is there is a large disparity between the number of posts I write discussing print ads compared to television spots.

One of the biggest issues I wonder about when looking at a beautiful celebrity in a magazine is how much the image was photoshopped. This beautiful rappette doesn’t need any retouching in my opinion. So, how much retouching was done to this image in your opinion people? Please leave comments below.

By the way, the image was taken by Lauren Dukoff, and from what I can tell, she’s an extremely talented photographer that works primarily with celebrities and major magazines. Let me ask you guys something else. Should I include a link to her site or is that just giving free advertising? For now, I will link to her Web-site until you, the readers voice your opinions.

None of the other blogs I read never mention who was responsible for the creation of the cover. Since it is this blog’s job to inform its reader of who done that ad. I’m mentioning the photographer.

Below is a short behind the scenes interview with Nicki Minaj, the subject and not the photographer of the cover.

Best,
A.B.

Designs on the Back of Coke Cans

When I first started this blog about two years ago I wanted to share with people more information about the people that actually created the ad. I am finding that the traditional T.V. spots and print ads are relatively easy to find who created them. It’s the more obscure forms of advertising that I am struggling to find details on the creators.

For example, the design on the coke below, who designed it? The abstract design of the coke bottle and the soccer ball on the back of the can shown below, I think I can safely assume that the soccer ball was selected in celebration of the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa but again who created these abstract designs? Should I be satisfied with knowing that the company either did the designs in-house or contracted the work to a traditional Madison Avenue agency?

The Coke T.V. spots are relatively easy to find who created them, but not who created the artistic designs on the back of the cans. It’s those obscure ads that I wanted this blog to provide more information on. Traditional TV spots and print ads are easy to find information on but not this type of advertising. Shedding some light on obscure advertising and designs is how I wanted Inside That Ad to differentiate itself from the other advertising blogs out there on the web.

Do you guys have any suggestions as to how to find information on advertising that is displayed on non-traditional media?

Best,

-A.B.

I (Heart) Boobies is in Hot Water

This post is a response to an article I read on Adrants regarding the latest marketing attempt to raise breast cancer awareness and how it has become just another platform to sell more stuff as oppose to truly educating people. Apparently, “I ♥ boobies” bracelets are all the rave according to another article the Adrants author referenced, written for Salon.com. The author of the Salon article isn’t too pleased with the bracelet campaign not because Schools are banning rubber bracelets, as if they are brain washing our youngsters.

She’s upset because she thinks they are rather tasteless and then she goes into an antidotal story about her mother having cancer. She goes on to explain that we place the breasts themselves on a pedestal and forgetting about the person who might actually die of cancer.

Well, please let me tell you something about marketing/advertising. You only have 10 to 15 seconds, maybe less to grab a person’s attention and persuade them to make a contribution to the cause that you are promoting. And boobs certainly grab attention. What’s one of the universal truths of advertising? I’m sure you already know, but sex sells.

Finally, in my opinion, any advertising that sells the product it promotes is a success. Anyway, what do you guys think? Are the bracelets tasteless or acceptable advertising?

Best,
-A.B.

Feelin' Like a Fish

I love this ad by the Ad Council concerning children with Asthma. I love how expressive both the copy and the image, they go together so well. I saw this ad while shopping for jeans at a local mall. It was executed so well that I felt I had to take a picture with my iPhone. It wasn't the best of "snaps" but it got the job done while I was in a crowded mall.



This outdoor ad is part of a campaign sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is called No Attacks. The campaign will use many different advertising vehicles including: print, TV, outdoor, and and interactive. Interactive is an especially important medium for today's younger generation.

The ad agency that volunteered for this campaign is Campbell-Ewald I have to give the Detroit based agency props for taking this assignment.

As an Asthma sufferer myself, I think this is an absolutely great campaign to be a part of.

Best,
A.B.

Marketers on Super Sunday

Today, I want to give you guys a list of who will advertising during the game on Superbowl Sunday. So here goes:

1. Anheuser-Busch
2. Audi
3. Bridgestone
4. CareerBuilder
5. Cars.com
6. Coca-Cola, Co
7. E-Trade Financial
8. Pepsi's Frito-Lay
9. General Electric
10. GoDaddy
11. Hyundai
12. Monster
13. NFL
14. Pedigree
15. PepsiCo Beverages

I found an AdAge article that actually provided the list. All the agencies are listed in the article linked.

Best,
A.B.