This is topic Hatrack, here's your chance to vote for commercials you'd like to see taken off tv. in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.
I vote for the commercials for Enzyte. These commercials feature a guy named Bob who has this idiotic grin plastered on his face.
For those who don't know, Enzyte is a non-perscription pill that one can take for "natural male enhancement". They'll even send you a free 30 day supply. My question is, "What happens if you stop taking the pills?"
These commercials seem to indicate that making it bigger is the key to a happy relationship.
OK, Hatrack, waht commercials annoy you and why? Am I the only one who dislikes the Enzyte commercials?
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
That stupid Hemi Dodge ad. I HATE THAT COMMERCIAL! All the McDonalds and Burger King ones... Get rid of them! And the Cheerios "I lowered my Colesteriol. I don't care.. I will slip you bacon to rise it up again! Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I've got to agree, Enzyte is #1 on the list of commercials I hate.
I also hate the commercials for some drug that I cannot remember. The narration is done by Patrick Stewart, and half the commercials don't even tell you what the drug does -- except make your life perfect, of course.
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
That's for Crestor or something.
The one I'd like to be taken off is that Sierra Mist commercial where the guy does a cannonball off his balcony into a pitcher of ice water, and then his dog follows suit. I mean, c'mon, the first one with that guy and his dog was cool, the second one was okay, but really, do we need 3 of them?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Wanta Fanta?
NO! NO NO NO NO NO NO.
Posted by Damien (Member # 5611) on :
I agree with Mack. Most commercials I can simply ignore, but that stupid song is REALLY annoying.
[ June 26, 2004, 04:21 PM: Message edited by: Damien ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
I agree with the sentiments expressed about the Fanta commercial. That song is so annoying. Posted by Alucard... (Member # 4924) on :
Someone please can the stupid Burger King "I'm spicy" commercial or I will go postal.
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
I am thankful that the Quiznos freaky hamsters are no longer shown in my area. We don't even have a Quiznos and I was tired of my poor 8-yr-old daughter freaking out every time that ad came on tv.
On the other hand, I still love the "Happy Cows" commercials. Posted by The Cow (Member # 6324) on :
Moo.
Posted by dabbler (Member # 6443) on :
Ahhh... I'm glad I don't own a TV.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I want those fifteen freakin' minute Nike commercials to "Just Do This."
(add one of Mack's old hand signals here)
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
ANYTHING INVOLVING CARROT TOP
I actually wrote AT&T about them a few years ago, and they informed me that Carrot Top plays quite well to their target audience of 18-15 year olds. I was 19. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh my Golly, Zeugma! I agree! I feel ill, and dive for the channel changer when those commercials come on.
[ June 26, 2004, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: Elizabeth ]
Posted by kaioshin00 (Member # 3740) on :
Thirst: "Show em mah motto!"
Posted by porcelain girl (Member # 1080) on :
don't they realize his face is weally cweepy?
Posted by Book (Member # 5500) on :
Yeah, I hate how McDonald's is trying to be all "hip" and "urban" now. McDonald's is the official food of inner city gangsters. I hate hearing the people talk along with the music, too.
Posted by Jalapenoman (Member # 6575) on :
Can you hear me now?
Hey dude, you're getting a dell! (They actually took these off when their spokesman got busted for possession and Letterman said "Hey Dude, you're going to jail!)
As far as the enzyte commercials, my wife and I went to their website once for fun. If you give them your credit card number and agree to buy three months supply, then you get your first month free. Also, according to their website, it is basically nothing more than over the counter viagra.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I liked the spongmonkies (Quiznos creatures). You can see their "Moon Song" online at rathergood.com (warning: profanity exists at the site, though not in the song).
The Fanta ad was the devil's work, no doubt about it.
-Bok
[ June 26, 2004, 06:42 PM: Message edited by: Bokonon ]
Posted by Alucard... (Member # 4924) on :
I also hate all the car insurance commercials, expecially Geico. What Geico does not tell you is that they buy radar guns for police departments so they can give you speeding tickets, which force up your premiums.
Geico can bite my erm...toe.
Anyway, I'm switching to DiTech. I hate that guy too.
[ June 26, 2004, 06:50 PM: Message edited by: Alucard... ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I vote for removing all commercials that use highly unrealistic portrayals of how the competing product works and then shows how much better their product is. Like the Hertz commercials handing out stress balls and reading material.
But those commercials about how hard it is for women to shave their legs can stay.
Dagonee
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I really miss those Quizno's creatures. They laughed me.
I hate all of those Burger King commercials that take place at the office -- including the "I'm spicy!" one.
I have to admit to enjoying those "Show em mah motto!" Sprite commercials.
I also dislike commercials for kid's cereal, candy, etc. that seem to be trying to increase the generational gap. Apple Jacks is guilty of this.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"But those commercials about how hard it is for women to shave their legs can stay."
This is what I love about you, Dag. You will get serious and stern and conservative, and then you'll be totally fun and funny. It is good to know these pieces, at least, of your personality.
I bet you are a formidable lawyer.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Thankee, Elizabeth. I hope to be a good one some day.
And I hope judges like puns.
Dagonee
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
I LOVE the innuendo and not-so-subtle images in the Bob commercials.
Anyway, my least favorite are Gatorade commercials. They last an hour to show their product drip off of sweaty people. It's annoying, and is not in the least appetizing. Or thirstitizing. Or whatever.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
quote: Wanta Fanta?
I do.
--------
All Carl's Jr. commercials should die. I actually wrote them about the mechanical bull and Playboy commercials they did.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"And I hope judges like puns."
If not, Dag, then just buy them the gift they gave to the judge in Alucard's thread.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Very sexist to assume it's a male judge...
Unless those things work differently than I think they do.
Dagonee
Posted by The Silverblue Sun (Member # 1630) on :
I cannot stand the commercial where ?xgirlfriend? orders an unseen person to push her ?xboyfriend?s truck off of a cliff.
If that is dumbass enough...
...the truck, crashes smashes and rolls to its wheels totally unharmed.
evil
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Very metrosexual of you to notice, Dagstah.
Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :
Notice that other than the "Hemi" ads none of us has mentioned every car dealership ad ever created? Or did I miss something? I'm on vacation, and I've noticed my attention span is shortened.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I HATE the car commercials when they put the car on top of a mesa in the desert.
Posted by Yozhik (Member # 89) on :
I hate most Geico commercials, but the most annoying lately is the one where they have the "gecko do the robot."
I also hate the one where the two idiots on the ladder attempt to remove a live hornet nest from a tree and put it in a trash can. Spray the thing first, you morons.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
This is probably just IN people, but the awful awful Ken Nunn commercials, especially the one with the woman and her husband in the hospital. Is it just me, or is that commercial now over three years old? Ugh. I hate it.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Arby's commercials with the glove. Ugh. Who's bad idea was that? It's so sad because I love Arby's stuff, but now I have to deal with that glove being pasted on every cup and bag.
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
I just wanted to say that I miss the Quiznos commercials.
But I feel better since I found this. Posted by Occasional (Member # 5860) on :
Any and all commercials are disgusting. I vote them ALL off the air. And I agree that the mad hamsters must die! Obviously it was appealing to some kind of audience as a few registered here how they liked them. That fact makes me sick to my stomach almost as much as the commercial. It made Quiznos look dirty and germ infested. I lost my appetite every time they came on.
Yea, I will vote the Quiznos ad.
Posted by Mr.Gumby (Member # 6303) on :
I'm not sure if they are shown anywhere else, but I can speak for anyone in Utah who is sick and tired of Dell Shanze and his "SUPER DELL" "TOTTALLY AWESOME COMPUTERS" "BUY THE SUPER MINI OR I'LL... POKE YOU IN THE EYE *insert cheesy dorky smile*"
It's strange because he went from tottally annoying commercials to bearable commercials and now has gone back to his old ways.
[ June 27, 2004, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: Mr.Gumby ]
Posted by BlueJacsFan (Member # 6590) on :
DocCoyote:
quote:Notice that other than the "Hemi" ads none of us has mentioned every car dealership ad ever created? Or did I miss something? I'm on vacation, and I've noticed my attention span is shortened.
I can't quite agree with this. There's a local Chevrolet dealership here in Columbus that has commercials featuring a trunk monkey as an optional feature. They're pretty funny.
Beer commercials are usually pretty good, but Miller's president of beer, and Budweiser's "they're ineligible" commercials can go. I don't care for all the election ads anyway, and these are just as bad and annoying.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Beer commercials in general with yucky, ugly lunky guys going WE'RE MEN! We must drink BEER and oggle girls and act stupid! Especially that damn Coor's ad with the guys going, I don't even know her name. Arg! Then there are the WINGMAN and WINGDOG ads! How can that be more annoying?! In fact, why not throw televisions out the window all together? Especially these lame sitcoms like DREW CAREY!
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
If this was two years ago, I'd say the Arby's commercials where the guy is holding a fishing pole and twitching as his appetite calls him in a deep, sexy voice. GAH. I hated those commercials.
Now, you can take and burn every Red Bull commercial ever. They all irritate me and are now getting bonus play on the radio station I listen to. I'll GIVE YOU WINGS!!! (shakes fist menacingly)
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Ugh, Drew Carey sitcom. ::barfy smilie::
Posted by FoolishTook (Member # 5358) on :
I love the Quiznos spongemonkies! Just because they were funny looking doesn't mean they were unsanitary. And I imagine Quiznos has good hiring practices. I doubt they hire spongemonkies right off the street.
Now what about the commercial where the little girl says "My mouth says wow, but my eyes say how?" Dreadful.
And Ovaltine? My goodness, I thought that would be a staple amongst the "I hate that bloody commercial" crowd.
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
I am with Occasional; commercials in general need to be outlawed. If I had to pick I would say the alcohol commercials though.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Did you guys even see the Carl's Jr. commercials I'm talking about? They are WAY worse than any beer commercial I've seen.
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
All of these should be set on fire and shot into the sun:
Spunky grandmas
Precocious babies/children
'Party hard' men/ur-frat guys that take some bizarre pride in devouring a whole cow before/during/after sports games. Particularly that one generic fat dude that is in every one of these commercials.
Kids that talk sacharinely cute in general and particularly the Welch's franchise.
Almost any commercial for any branch of the military.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Children who cram food in their faces, smearing it all over and grinning with said food stuck between their teeth. Children that are waaaay old enough to know better.
As a matter of fact, any commercial where a child acts younger than she (or he) is. I'm thinking of a commercial where a girl that's probably at least four pours her cereal over her head (after dunking her Barbie in it). That may happen once for a four-year-old, but they portray it as normal. My two-year-old knew better than that.
Posted by Occasional (Member # 5860) on :
I love the Quiznos spongemonkies!
Why? Why? WHY? I just don't get it! It makes me mad even thinking that people actually like those sick, disgusting, things!
Just because they were funny looking doesn't mean they were unsanitary. And I imagine Quiznos has good hiring practices.
And drinking beer doesn't mean your going to become a man with women hanging all over your arms. Yet, image is everything with commercials. They are trying to show at least what they want you to think of them. If they want to look dirty and disgusting, or at least if those in charge will allow this kind of garbage to represent them, than I won't go to their restraunt.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
The more special effects in a car commercial, the worse the car. Dans Rule of Advertisement Watching #47
The Cuter the CGI spokesman, the more expensive the product. Dans rule of advertisement watching #108.
Talking Animals try to make us forget that the foods they are selling come from the corpses of non-talking animals. Dans rule of advertisement watching #23.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I do like the commercial for oil specially designed for older cars. The "wash me" in the dirt on the windshield and the hula girl on the dash are priceless.
Dagonee
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
While I would never buy the car the one about the Kia minivan, where the guy is making that clay model and they go "how did we get all these cool features, we worked our freakin' tails off" and he nods off splat into the clay model makes me chuckle.
I actually started chuckling at the beginning of the commercial yesterday and Steve didn't know why til the end cause he hadn't seen it before.
AJ
Posted by FoolishTook (Member # 5358) on :
quote:And drinking beer doesn't mean your going to become a man with women hanging all over your arms. Yet, image is everything with commercials. They are trying to show at least what they want you to think of them. If they want to look dirty and disgusting, or at least if those in charge will allow this kind of garbage to represent them, than I won't go to their restraunt.
I think the point of the spongemonkies, Occasional, was to be anti-typical-fairy-tale image, the sparkling clean restaurant, the plastic, flawless food.
There are two points to a commercial. Point one is to convince us all that we can't live without the product/food/prescription/car. Point two is to let us know that the product/food/prescription/car exists. The spongemonkies Quiznos ad skipped Point One and effectively and wonderfully mastered Point Two.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Usually, if a product (or business) is well enough known in the community, they can skip straight to "make it memorable". That's why most beer and soda commercials have little or nothing to do with beer or soda.
Posted by Danzig (Member # 4704) on :
To borrow something from Lewis Black, does anyone not already have a preference between Coke and Pepsi? I mean really, what is the point?
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I'm tired of that weird Great Adventures ad and the talking Ford ad.
Posted by BlueJacsFan (Member # 6590) on :
quote:Did you guys even see the Carl's Jr. commercials I'm talking about? They are WAY worse than any beer commercial I've seen.
No Carl's Jr. in Ohio, but I'm thinking that's a good thing?
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
YES!
Posted by Little_Doctor (Member # 6635) on :
Carrot top is #1 on my hitlist.
Posted by Speed (Member # 5162) on :
Here's one that I absolutely loathe.
Has anyone ever seen the Sony DVD camcorder commercial? The one where some kid records their big brother singing a cheesy song to his girlfriend, and then they play it back for the family? It's technology that's been fairly easily accessable for the last couple decades, but the big brother is totally shocked because, oh my dear Lord, they're playing it on the DVD player. I thought we were going to be watching a DVD. But here's me singing to my girlfriend. On a DVD. SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP!!! Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Courtesy a reminder from Papa Moose, how about the "gellin'" commercials from Dr. Scholls (I think)?
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
Carl's Jr. = Hardee's
Hardee's died in SE Wisconsin. I suppose it's good that I can no longer get my hands on a Monster Burger, but they were so sinfully delicious!
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
If any of my (future) kids ever use an expensive gadget to spy on and ridicule a sibling, that gadget becomes mine.
Dagonee
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I cannot stand those "Crazyworld" anti-tobacco commercials. In fact, I can't stand any of the commercials that have been done by thetruth.com. I see them and it makes me want to smoke out of spite.
This makes me wonder if thetruth.com is run by the tobacco industry, possibly as part of their settlement. How can I find out if this is true? I've tried, and failed, on my own.
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
We like the MOOOOON! Cause it is close to uuuussssssssss... we like the MOOOON!!!
I happen to like those hampsters... but then again I like Salad Fingers.
The one I want taken off is that stupid AutoZone one... with that stupid song: "If you want it, then just ask us, and we'll look for it, and we'll get it!" So dumb... Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
New. Spam. Commercials.
They (and the product) should simply erase themselves from common knowledge
Feyd Baron, DoC
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Smoke out of spite! But the Shards o glass ad was great!
What exactly is spam? It looks so repulsive.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
For the Canadians:
I really dislike the Tim Horton's Toffee Doughnuts commercial that played during the Olympics.
gah!
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
I HATE that Saturn commercial where the couple is admiring the new car (regular sized, 4-door sedan) they just bought, and the stork flies up and deposits a baby at their feet.
And so...they go trade in the car for an SUV! Because of course you need a big gas-guzzling mostrosity to accommodate two adults and one infant! Nooo, a regular sized sedan just isn't anywhere NEAR big enough to handle the addition of a 20-inch-long larval human!
Darnit, we need a smiley with actual mouth froth.
Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :
"The more special effects in a car commercial, the worse the car."
Maybe. But I still loved the Jumping Jack Flash Corvette commercial which was pulled off the air and off the Net due to complaints.
I liked the old SUV commercial about some guys taking a shortcut to a special fishing hideaway...through an active military gunnery&bombing range. Otherwise, I absolutely hate commercials about jerks driving their SUV's through the wilderness.
My recent television viewing has been pretty much confined to the political conventions and the Olympics, so...
CarlJr's and BurgerKing's commercials are bad: but they've never been good, so they are only mildly more irritating. However, all of the current MacDonald's commercials are chunder-inducing, cuz they used to run stuff that was actually pleasant.
Liked AllState's "Olympic accident" commercials, as well as the Aflack stuff. Annoyed by all of the Visa Olympic commericals after the first viewing, but was irritated by that "swimmers taking laps" cellphone commercial well before the end of the first run through. Thought the plasma-screen HDTV "haute couture Olympics" were repeatedly watchable. Like the absurdist surrealism of the current Target commercials.
Enjoy hearing the "I'm your Venus" commercial, but I don't pay attention to the visuals. Instant irritation at CocaCola's "woman passing out Coke's to the public" while whisper-singing putridly saccharine lyrics to an instantly forgettable tune. Like the Hendrix "accordian or guitar" commercial. Can't remember which brand it was promoting. Also couldn't help but think that we'd have some equally incredible music if Hendrix instrument-bending genius had been applied to the accordian instead.
Personally I would ban all televised drug commercials: alcohol, prescription, and over-the-counter. There's something very sick about a society which allows drugpushers to promote "everything will be great if ya take enough drugs" through the public airwaves and cable (via public rightaways and local monopolies). If they wanna advertise, let 'em buy ad space in magazines and newspapers. At least some of the harm will be mitigated through sponsorship of stronger, more independent print media.
[ September 21, 2004, 05:58 PM: Message edited by: aspectre ]
Posted by Yozhik (Member # 89) on :
quote:Because of course you need a big gas-guzzling mostrosity to accommodate two adults and one infant! Nooo, a regular sized sedan just isn't anywhere NEAR big enough to handle the addition of a 20-inch-long larval human!
That is rather stupid. My family managed to fit three small children into a Chevette, for crying out loud.
[ September 21, 2004, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: Yozhik ]
Posted by Architraz Warden (Member # 4285) on :
Heh, if you can find out what part of a pig or turkey (I think they have turkey Spam) Spam comes from, be sure to tell me. Actually, I'm sure it isn't that bad, just meat that's been processed more thorougly than, say, a hot dog.
Also, I'm not certain I'd call a Saturn VUE a big gas-guzzling monstrosity. Until recently, they only came with a V4, and had gas mileages to beat many mid-sized cars. Besides, it isn't the 20 inch larval human I'd worry about fitting into the back seat (on a three door sedan), it's the carseats that seem to be getting safer, larger, and much more unwieldy.
And the Arby's oven mitt was ok for awhile, but its grace period is over.
Feyd Baron, DoC
EDIT: pesky grammar
[ September 21, 2004, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: Architraz Warden ]
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
I hate ALL commercials. But any aimed at kids, at al, have to go.INless they are done by, say, an organic produce board.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I dislike the McDonalds ads for their new Crispy Chicken Strips or whatever ("Eat these and you, too, can be a paranoid schizophrenic!"), but they do have a funny WI-only (I'm guessing) one for the Donald Driver/Marco Rivera meals. I giggle every time Marco taps on the window and Driver runs away. I also like the Miller commercials with the football refs. Bet you can't tell what I watch all weekend...
I'm really annoyed with the AFLAC commercials. And that State Farm one with the "Accidents aren't your best time" slogan. Ooh, and that Capitol One ad with the spewing envelope! I hate that! And any promo for ABC's "Lost" should go away. What do they mean only giving Merry one line? Grr...
[ September 21, 2004, 04:08 PM: Message edited by: Carrie ]
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
quote: Heh, if you can find out what part of a pig or turkey (I think they have turkey Spam) Spam comes from, be sure to tell me. Actually, I'm sure it isn't that bad, just meat that's been processed more thorougly than, say, a hot dog.
Actually, my brother-in-law used to work at the Spam factory, and the meat is just pork shoulder meat. There are too many bones in the way there to get any good cuts of meat, so they just cook it and then flake the meat off the bones and compress it into blocks. Way too salty and overprocessed for my taste, but not nearly as gross as hot dogs.
Posted by Little_Doctor (Member # 6635) on :
I hate any commercial that has a catchy song on it. It always ends up that my little brother will sing it non-stop for about 3 days and I will eventually rip his head off.
edit: Did I mention that he was the devil, so he can grow his head back when I rip it off.
[ September 21, 2004, 04:34 PM: Message edited by: Little_Doctor ]
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
I'd like the commercial for the Suzuki XL7 to be removed, simply because they end up saying "sex sells" way too much.
"Hey, is this Suzuki's sex sells 7?"
It totally bugs me each time I see it.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
quote:This makes me wonder if thetruth.com is run by the tobacco industry, possibly as part of their settlement. How can I find out if this is true? I've tried, and failed, on my own.
They did a study (whoever is in charge of the federal gov's campaign against tabacco) of how effective various anti-smoking commericals were. The Truth commercials were very effective, more so than any previous ad campaign (according to the survey). Among the other comericials they surveyed were ones put forward by Philip Morris (a company that makes cigarettes for those who don't know) as a public service. They found that not only were these ads ineffective, they were significantly increasing the odds of children smoking! I can't tell you the deep and abiding hatred I have for that company. Especially since I know people who have told me point blank that they smoke Philip Morris cigarettes because of all the public service they do, and they think it's moral upstanding to smoke, specifically for that reason.
No, that ain't gonna do it.
!
Hobbes Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
Has anyone seen that commercial for some male enhancement product where the guy is working in the deli and he takes the big red stick of meat out and puts in the meat slicer all while talking about how this product will make you bigger? I find it so amusing though I hate all those male enhancement commercials. Especially the Bob ones.
The Orbit gum commercials are starting to really annoy me to.
Posted by MEC (Member # 2968) on :
Commercials I hate (greatest to least)
1)enzyte(or any other commercial selling sex related products) 2)corti-slim(thanks for reminding me MoonRabbit) 3)call att 4)mcdonalds(especially those chicken ones) 5)Quizno's 6)Aflac 7)Dr. Scholls 8)coke 9)Mr. opportunity car 10)Red bull 11)cars with a Hemi
[ September 22, 2004, 08:43 AM: Message edited by: MEC ]
Posted by FoolishTook (Member # 5358) on :
quote:They did a study (whoever is in charge of the federal gov's campaign against tabacco) of how effective various anti-smoking commericals were. The Truth commercials were very effective, more so than any previous ad campaign (according to the survey).
I'm all for anti-smoking ads, but I'm not comfortable with ads that dehumanize or demonize whole groups of people. Truth.com and White Lies were especially skilled at making tobacco manufacterers look like nameless, faceless evil entities who's sole intent was to poison the world and get rich doing it. I simply can't believe they inspired people to stop smoking as much as they inspired people to hate all tobacco workers/manufacterers.
quote:Among the other comericials they surveyed were ones put forward by Philip Morris (a company that makes cigarettes for those who don't know) as a public service. They found that not only were these ads ineffective, they were significantly increasing the odds of children smoking! I can't tell you the deep and abiding hatred I have for that company. Especially since I know people who have told me point blank that they smoke Philip Morris cigarettes because of all the public service they do, and they think it's moral upstanding to smoke, specifically for that reason.
I could be wrong, but I think those smokers were feeding you a load of crap. They're smoking and continuing to smoke because they don't have the willpower to stop. The "Phillip Morris does good work" excuse is simply an excuse.
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
quote:The "Phillip Morris does good work" excuse is simply an excuse.
Yes, but the less excuses they have, the more likely they'll be to quit. Or, at least, the more likely they'll be to realize that they should quit.
[ September 21, 2004, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: Da_Goat ]
Posted by MoonRabbit (Member # 3652) on :
Why has no one mentioned Corti-slim?
"If you only need to lose a few pounds, then Corti-slim is NOT for you!"
It's an incredibly annoying marriage of pseudoscience and pseudosincerity.
But then we have Tivo, so we don't watch commercials.
Posted by drumsntolkein (Member # 6095) on :
Saturn: Where were we? oh yeah, the catch...
oh, and I wouldn't mind shooting Mister freaking Wendy's....he annoys me, as does the gecko, carrot top, and the stupid 1-800-bar-none sock puppet.
oh yeah! and the "1-800-Safe-Auto play it safe Safe Auto!" jingle...it makes me cry. Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
quote:I'm all for anti-smoking ads, but I'm not comfortable with ads that dehumanize or demonize whole groups of people. Truth.com and White Lies were especially skilled at making tobacco manufacterers look like nameless, faceless evil entities who's sole intent was to poison the world and get rich doing it. I simply can't believe they inspired people to stop smoking as much as they inspired people to hate all tobacco workers/manufacterers.
I'm not saying I actually like those campaigns, just that they're effective.
Hobbes Posted by Vadon (Member # 4561) on :
ugh, I still get queazy remembering the heart and brain commercials from truth.
I used to love the geico commercials, still do. But I'm glad the sponge monkeys are gone.
I used to love capital one commercials, but lately they've been getting annoying.
The number one commercial that I want off is girls gone wild on public TV... ugh who cares if they censor it out... it's just wrong!
Posted by Jess N (Member # 6744) on :
There is this commercial for Viagra (I think) that uses "We Are the Champions" for it's theme song that I really, really hate. Maybe it's the whole implication of conquest that bugs me.
I also hate any medication commercial where I have to end up explaining embarrassing, private medical conditions to my kids. There are things children should not hear from a commercial.
Guess I'm an old fashioned girl. Posted by FoolishTook (Member # 5358) on :
quote:Yes, but the less excuses they have, the more likely they'll be to quit. Or, at least, the more likely they'll be to realize that they should quit.
True.
However, the anti-tobacco company ads give smokers yet another excuse to keep smoking. It's the old "I'm a victim of those malicious tobacco companies luring me into smoking, then getting me addicted so I can't stop" bit.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I'd like to vote for the newest Geico commercials. The ones spoofing other commercials, or reality TV. I thought the 'Tiny House' one was real, from the makers of Big Brother. The spoof of those damn Old Navy commercials is a hoot too.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
The Tampax commercial where the girl passes one to her friend and the teacher calls her up and says, "Well, I hope you have enough to share with the class" creeps me out. It just seems perverted somehow, and it really, really, gives me an "uh-oh feeling". *shudders*
Posted by Jess N (Member # 6744) on :
Ewwww....just....ewwwwww
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
quote:However, the anti-tobacco company ads give smokers yet another excuse to keep smoking. It's the old "I'm a victim of those malicious tobacco companies luring me into smoking, then getting me addicted so I can't stop" bit.
Well, I don't think the majority of the anti-tobacco company ads are directed towards smokers. Rather, they're directed towards people who haven't yet taken a puff, to stop them before they start.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
You know, one of my favorite things about listening to old radio shows like Inner Sanctum, when I was a kid (no, I'm not a doddering old codger--my library just had a good collection of this kind of stuff when I was growing up) is the commercials. It's interesting to see (or hear) how commercials have changed over time. Well, commericals and products both, really. One of the primary sponsors of those shows was Olga Coal. Apparently, their coal was "good" (as opposed to all of that evil coal that was on the market back then).
Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :
I agree, Noemon. That's always been one of the appeals of TVLand to me. It's just refreshing to see the original "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz" Pepto-Bismol commercial for some reason.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
I like the Old Navy commercial where the girl goes an a speal about history. It just cracks me up for some unknown reason.
"History? I LOVE history!! Something happens, then later, something ELSE happens! So sequential!!! Thank you, First Guy, for writing history down!!! Let's study!"
and I loathe the Enzyte "Bob" commercials. The smily faces just creep me out to the extreme.
[ September 22, 2004, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: sarcasticmuppet ]
Posted by signal (Member # 6828) on :
quote: I cannot stand those "Crazyworld" anti-tobacco commercials. In fact, I can't stand any of the commercials that have been done by thetruth.com. I see them and it makes me want to smoke out of spite.
What MPH said^.
Also definitely get rid of the Saturn ones too. Heck, get rid of all of them. There should be like a commercial inspection board that prevents bad commercials from being played. Seriously, if their goal was to get me to stop watching tv, they've succeeded.
Posted by Lime (Member # 1707) on :
If you think McDonald's TV commercials are horrible, grab a radio and listen to a few of those. *shudder* Seriously, the dude who came up with "I'm Lovin' It" needs to be shot right alongside the guy (or gal) that decided there needed to be 15,394,938,329 variants that play two at a time.
Also, I would like to say that the "Miller for President" campaign needs desperately to go away.
But at least there are the Nutrigrain "I Feel Greeeeaat" and the CableCan.com "Cable is better than puppies" commercials. Those both make my day a little brighter.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Aww, but I like Bud's rebuttal commercial to the Miller for President of beers stuff.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Has anyone mentioned the Sonic commercials, with the two dumb guys?
They aren't as bad now as they used to be -- but when they used to have them going through the drive-throughs of other fast-food restaurants and harrassing the poor clerks there -- I hated those commercials.
Farmgirl
Posted by IanO (Member # 186) on :
I hate those Sonic guys.
And the "Earthlink" (or whatever ISP) running for president campaign.
Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :
quote:I HATE that Saturn commercial where the couple is admiring the new car (regular sized, 4-door sedan) they just bought, and the stork flies up and deposits a baby at their feet.
Because, you know, the stork brings babies and therefore they had no warning whatsoever that they were going to need a bigger vehicle.
I missed the discussion about the Enzyte "Bob" commercials when I read this thread earlier. I have come to loathe them. I enjoy watching the SciFi channel and I'm pleased to watch Stargate shows with my 11-year-old daughter. I hate seeing these commercials come on when she's watching.
The latest "Cayla freaks out so change the channel" commercial we've seen is the DQ commercial for the brownie blizzards where the guy gets his tongue caught in the mixer.
Posted by MEC (Member # 2968) on :
Those would be NetZero Commercials, IanO.
Oh, and one commercial That really freaks me out is one of those anti-drug ones. The one where they show a little toddler going out to a pool and throwing a floaty and then getting ready to jump in while the commercial while it says to make up an excuse that you had to get high or something. Just seeing little kids come close to death really Really freaks me out.
[ September 23, 2004, 12:48 AM: Message edited by: MEC ]
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I hate the McDonald's commercials. But there are actually a few commercials I do like.
I like the Dell commercial with the two girls in a dorm. I like commercials that tell stories and the whole situation (except for the Dell part) is so true.
I also love the random sci fi channel commercials that just have weird things happen in a couple of seconds, I always wish they were previews for new shows.
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
quote: Oh, and one commercial That really freaks me out is one of those anti-drug ones. The one where they show a little toddler going out to a pool and throwing a floaty and then getting ready to jump in while the commercial while it says to make up an excuse that you had to get high or something. Just seeing little kids come close to death really Really freaks me out.
I think that's exactly why I like them. They really hit the message home.
Oh, and I love that Dell commercial! "I love pink! Guess your favorite color's black!"
A radio commercial that I would like to die is that series that Donald Trump put together. He takes two completely different subjects, for example Pit Bulls and Progressive Auto Insurance. He starts the ad by saying something like "Pit Bulls are dangerous" then he shifts completely over to his shpeal about Progressive Auto insurance, and THEN he starts a brand new shpeal about the dangers of pit bulls.
Posted by Vadon (Member # 4561) on :
Doubt many else get these ones, but the Mountain West commercials need to go.
This is how cheezy they are, plus the acting is less than satisfactory. (I whipped one up since no specific one comes to mind)
Girl walks by in a park and sees another studing. "Hey!" She says. "I thought you would be home right now!" "No, I'm going to Mountain West! It's easy, and in a few years I can dump my part time job and get a real career." "Wow! That sounds great, where do I sign up?" "Follow me, lets go!"
*clenches head in anguish* I hate those commercials.
Posted by MEC (Member # 2968) on :
quote: I think that's exactly why I like them. They really hit the message home.
But I don't need that message, I've already sworn to myself not to take drugs, and I don't like watching commercials that make me feel like vomiting everytime I think of them in the slightest matter.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
These phone ads aggravate me. "I didn't know that." SHUT UP! The "Look, you are a lazy bum sitting at home watching daytime television, it's clear that you have no job, so join this career institute." I don't know why I bother watching stupid television -_-.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
"This wasn't a get rich scheme, but quess what? I did!"
*slow stranglation*
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I shamefully enjoy the dell commercial with the two girls in the dorm as well.
Why is it shameful to enjoy that commercial? I don't know, but it feels like something I shouldn't be proud of.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I just saw the Tiny House commercial. Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
Tiny House?
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I have to admit that I love the Orbit commercials.
Posted by Vadon (Member # 4561) on :
I'm not sure what these commercials are called, but it's for some car, I think a toyota...
I think the series is called meeting her father.
I think it goes something like this in one of them...
*Three people sit in a car, the camera goes from face to face for a while, making an akward silence*
Young Man: Sir, truly, had I known you occupation, I would have never made that lawyer joke.
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
I understand parents not wanting certain drugs advertised on TV. When I was younger I asked my dad what general herpes was. He had the fun task of explaining that it was not general herpes.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
general herpes
I hate that damn window commercial. I swear, if I have to hear "tilt me baby" anymore, I'm just going to throw this damn box out the window then regret it when FF12 comes out.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
The Remax Real Estate ads bug me, especially the one where the real estate agent flies over the woman's outdoor wedding in a hot air balloon just to tell her that he sold her house.
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
![[Wall Bash]](graemlins/wallbash.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
![[Laugh]](graemlins/laugh.gif)
Smoke out of spite!![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)