Comments on: Don’t Watch the Super Bowl Just for the Ads http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/ personal finance that makes cents Fri, 16 May 2008 03:30:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: PressBD » Blog Archive http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-91275 PressBD » Blog Archive Sat, 30 Jun 2007 11:45:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-91275 [...] its first steps to becoming a household name. I saw a blog last week about Super Bowl Ads, “Don’t Watch the Super Bowl Just for the Ads”, in which the author says people watch too many ads, “not just during the Super Bowl, but in [...] [...] its first steps to becoming a household name. I saw a blog last week about Super Bowl Ads, “Don’t Watch the Super Bowl Just for the Ads”, in which the author says people watch too many ads, “not just during the Super Bowl, but in [...]

]]> By: Bank of Green - Advertising » Advertising - Posts from the Super Bowl Category at TV Squad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-89223 Bank of Green - Advertising » Advertising - Posts from the Super Bowl Category at TV Squad Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:16:40 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-89223 [...] Advertisers look to score with Super Bowl commercials. Read more about advertising… [...] [...] Advertisers look to score with Super Bowl commercials. Read more about advertising… [...]

]]> By: Bill Canaday http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-80119 Bill Canaday Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:54:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-80119 Advertising works. I've eaten my final Snickers. Advertising works. I’ve eaten my final Snickers.

]]> By: How to avoid advertising - Amidst a tangled web http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-79628 How to avoid advertising - Amidst a tangled web Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:56:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-79628 [...] at get rich slowly wrote, in reference to super bowl ads, “Advertising is not meant to help you make informed decisions. It’s meant to persuade you [...] [...] at get rich slowly wrote, in reference to super bowl ads, “Advertising is not meant to help you make informed decisions. It’s meant to persuade you [...]

]]> By: Get Rich Slowly » Beware the Insidious Power of Marketing http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-74582 Get Rich Slowly » Beware the Insidious Power of Marketing Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:37:31 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-74582 [...] The other day I wrote that people who watch the Super Bowl just for the commercials may be sabotaging themselves. But it’s not just television — marketers target us constantly. I could just as easily write about my own foolish choices. Every time Steve Jobs gives a keynote address, for example, I follow the live text updates. When the speech is over, I download the video. I willingly expose myself to these marketing machinations. And wouldn’t you know it? My life is filled with Apple products. (My mind is working overtime trying to find a way to rationalize an iPhone.) [...] [...] The other day I wrote that people who watch the Super Bowl just for the commercials may be sabotaging themselves. But it’s not just television — marketers target us constantly. I could just as easily write about my own foolish choices. Every time Steve Jobs gives a keynote address, for example, I follow the live text updates. When the speech is over, I download the video. I willingly expose myself to these marketing machinations. And wouldn’t you know it? My life is filled with Apple products. (My mind is working overtime trying to find a way to rationalize an iPhone.) [...]

]]> By: Get Rich Slowly » Sometimes It’s Okay to Splurge http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-69927 Get Rich Slowly » Sometimes It’s Okay to Splurge Fri, 09 Feb 2007 13:51:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-69927 [...] I feel as if I’ve been a Scrooge here lately: “don’t watch Super Bowl commercials“, “don’t buy gadgets“, “bundle up to stay warm“, etc. While it’s true that saving money requires sacrifices, I don’t mean to make it sound like drudgery. Actually, I’m elated with my progress. [...] [...] I feel as if I’ve been a Scrooge here lately: “don’t watch Super Bowl commercials“, “don’t buy gadgets“, “bundle up to stay warm“, etc. While it’s true that saving money requires sacrifices, I don’t mean to make it sound like drudgery. Actually, I’m elated with my progress. [...]

]]> By: DC Portland http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64918 DC Portland Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:17:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64918 All one has to do is listen to the conversations among people during Superbowl parties to understand the impact that hyper-consumption is having on the American people. I don't know if the media hype surrounding the game, or the giant HDTV, or surround sound was affecting the conversation, but everyone at the party I attended was talking about money. Not good conversation about how to properly apply it to better your life. Mostly talk about buying unnecessary junk, the cost of Chevrolets these days, the cost of Superbowl tickets, and the bonuses paid to players - so much pie-in-the-sky and so little substance. It is no wonder that so many of us are in debt over our heads and unable to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. JD - keep up the very good work! All one has to do is listen to the conversations among people during Superbowl parties to understand the impact that hyper-consumption is having on the American people. I don’t know if the media hype surrounding the game, or the giant HDTV, or surround sound was affecting the conversation, but everyone at the party I attended was talking about money. Not good conversation about how to properly apply it to better your life. Mostly talk about buying unnecessary junk, the cost of Chevrolets these days, the cost of Superbowl tickets, and the bonuses paid to players - so much pie-in-the-sky and so little substance. It is no wonder that so many of us are in debt over our heads and unable to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. JD - keep up the very good work!

]]> By: HC http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64873 HC Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:24:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64873 I believe media literacy requires paying MORE attention to the ads, not less. You have to take some time reviewing the message to properly unpack it. That said? Every ad but E-Trade's seemed relentlessly generic this year. Eventually, I gave up and started streaming Prison Break episodes I missed. I believe media literacy requires paying MORE attention to the ads, not less. You have to take some time reviewing the message to properly unpack it.

That said? Every ad but E-Trade’s seemed relentlessly generic this year. Eventually, I gave up and started streaming Prison Break episodes I missed.

]]> By: cribcage http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64577 cribcage Mon, 05 Feb 2007 08:12:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64577 <i>They’re wrong. Advertising works.</i> Good advertising works. The problem with your argument is that Super Bowl ads tend to violate just about every rule we know for effective advertising. Generally speaking, Super Bowl ads aren't meant to persuade you to drink Coke or drive a Cadillac; they're intended to win your approval. You're supposed to like the <i>ad</i>, not the product. It's a pageant. They’re wrong. Advertising works.

Good advertising works. The problem with your argument is that Super Bowl ads tend to violate just about every rule we know for effective advertising. Generally speaking, Super Bowl ads aren’t meant to persuade you to drink Coke or drive a Cadillac; they’re intended to win your approval. You’re supposed to like the ad, not the product. It’s a pageant.

]]> By: dizzydiva http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64434 dizzydiva Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:44:30 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-64434 I only watched the half-time show to see Prince perform. I only watched the half-time show to see Prince perform.

]]> By: Trent http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-63874 Trent Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:31:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-63874 The game itself is the part of the "Super Bowl experience" I have the least problem with. The individuals performing on the field are great free market capitalists. They found a niche where they have skills that are in demand, and they're out there demonstrating those skills and earning what the market accords to them. I have zero problem with "excessive" athletic salaries. If the market is willing to pay those prices, I say "bravo" to the athletes for capitalizing on the market. The game itself is the part of the “Super Bowl experience” I have the least problem with. The individuals performing on the field are great free market capitalists. They found a niche where they have skills that are in demand, and they’re out there demonstrating those skills and earning what the market accords to them.

I have zero problem with “excessive” athletic salaries. If the market is willing to pay those prices, I say “bravo” to the athletes for capitalizing on the market.

]]> By: Jeff http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-63606 Jeff Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:55:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-63606 JD has always been a party pooper... but he has a point this time. Superbowl ads are no different than regular ads... they try to get you to buy something you don't really need. Sure, some Superbowl commercials do have a little 'entertainment' value, but most of them are just insults to your intelligence. Watch the game, not the ads. JD has always been a party pooper… but he has a point this time. Superbowl ads are no different than regular ads… they try to get you to buy something you don’t really need.

Sure, some Superbowl commercials do have a little ‘entertainment’ value, but most of them are just insults to your intelligence. Watch the game, not the ads.

]]> By: Catherine Darrow http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-63032 Catherine Darrow Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:44:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-63032 Man, you scare too easily. Ads do try to make you buy things for spurious and emotional reasons, and they do try to make you feel insecure, or hip, or like you need more stuff. Sure, they're manipulative. But I sure find it hard to believe that they're an evil cult programming thing that can override rational thought. In general, I consider ads a service to both the business and the consumer. I read them all the time, not to be programmed to buy things I don't need, but to connect me with things I *am* looking to buy. I google for a place to buy obscure sites on the net, looking for ads for spice-selling sites. When a store advertises a sale on or gives me a coupon for something I already wanted to buy, I go! I was connected to one of my favorite games of all time via an ad on a web site, and even television ads (though I don't watch tv much) sometimes make me think, "Huh, that's useful." Don't get me wrong, I'm as irritated by mass, untargeted advertising as the next person. But just because they want to sell you things doesn't mean their interest is your *dis*interest. An sale should only occur when it's profitable to both parties, so an ad that succeeds is a win-win situation. Man, you scare too easily. Ads do try to make you buy things for spurious and emotional reasons, and they do try to make you feel insecure, or hip, or like you need more stuff. Sure, they’re manipulative. But I sure find it hard to believe that they’re an evil cult programming thing that can override rational thought.

In general, I consider ads a service to both the business and the consumer. I read them all the time, not to be programmed to buy things I don’t need, but to connect me with things I *am* looking to buy. I google for a place to buy obscure sites on the net, looking for ads for spice-selling sites. When a store advertises a sale on or gives me a coupon for something I already wanted to buy, I go! I was connected to one of my favorite games of all time via an ad on a web site, and even television ads (though I don’t watch tv much) sometimes make me think, “Huh, that’s useful.”

Don’t get me wrong, I’m as irritated by mass, untargeted advertising as the next person. But just because they want to sell you things doesn’t mean their interest is your *dis*interest. An sale should only occur when it’s profitable to both parties, so an ad that succeeds is a win-win situation.

]]> By: Allen.H http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62956 Allen.H Sat, 03 Feb 2007 17:01:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62956 Congratulations for being featured in the New York Times!! Allen.H Congratulations for being featured in the New York Times!!

Allen.H

]]> By: Pedro http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62563 Pedro Sat, 03 Feb 2007 06:54:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62563 Thanks for the warning, J.D. It's remarkable how otherwise discerning viewers willingly subject themselves to that marketing junk. Thanks for the warning, J.D. It’s remarkable how otherwise discerning viewers willingly subject themselves to that marketing junk.

]]> By: Tamara http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62354 Tamara Sat, 03 Feb 2007 01:59:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62354 I dunno, I think I'm far more mindful of what I'm watching with SuperBowl ads specifically because I'm paying attention, rather than just random commercials while watching regular TV. I also don't think I've ever bought anything because I saw it during the SuperBowl. Although, these days, it seems like commercials are getting ridiculous. Even if I remember a commercial, it's usually because it was so odd that I can't remember what it was advertising. I dunno, I think I’m far more mindful of what I’m watching with SuperBowl ads specifically because I’m paying attention, rather than just random commercials while watching regular TV. I also don’t think I’ve ever bought anything because I saw it during the SuperBowl.

Although, these days, it seems like commercials are getting ridiculous. Even if I remember a commercial, it’s usually because it was so odd that I can’t remember what it was advertising.

]]> By: Madame X http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62274 Madame X Sat, 03 Feb 2007 00:05:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62274 I 100% agree on reducing one's exposure to advertising. I am sure I would spend a lot more money if I had a TV, and I don't just mean the cable bill. I actually wrote a <a href="http://myopenwallet.blogspot.com/2006/01/rule-11-see-no-evil-hear-no-evil.html" rel="nofollow">post</a> about how sensory deprivation can help you save money in various ways, avoiding advertising among them... I 100% agree on reducing one’s exposure to advertising. I am sure I would spend a lot more money if I had a TV, and I don’t just mean the cable bill. I actually wrote a post about how sensory deprivation can help you save money in various ways, avoiding advertising among them…

]]> By: ExecutiveOpinion http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62273 ExecutiveOpinion Sat, 03 Feb 2007 00:04:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62273 The advertising have been terrible the past five years. I have rarely laughed out loud or could recall a decent ad the next day. Before the marketing drought the ads were sometimes better than the game. The only savior last year was the Career Builder monkey ads. The advertising have been terrible the past five years. I have rarely laughed out loud or could recall a decent ad the next day. Before the marketing drought the ads were sometimes better than the game. The only savior last year was the Career Builder monkey ads.

]]> By: Brian Burg http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62236 Brian Burg Fri, 02 Feb 2007 23:05:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62236 This is the first super bowl where I HAVEN'T been only wanting to watch the commercials. I'm in Lafayette, IN, halfway between Chicago and Indianapolis. Commercials? We have more important wars to worry about. ;) This is the first super bowl where I HAVEN’T been only wanting to watch the commercials. I’m in Lafayette, IN, halfway between Chicago and Indianapolis. Commercials? We have more important wars to worry about. ;)

]]> By: Jordan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62182 Jordan Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:34:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62182 While Flexcos arguments have an element of truth to them, Chris certainly is correct in labelling him a party pooper. Decry the state of society as much as you want (after all, it IS crazy that athletes and sports franchises make so much money for doing so little), but the "event-ness" of the super bowl is undeniable. In America it has become very much like Christmas, more an excuse to have a party and spend time with friends than to observe any tradition (in this case, actually watching football.) I really think the only ads on super sunday that really catch folks' eyes or make an impact are ones for businesses that the viewer hasn't even heard of. As you point out, Monster.com reaped enormous benefits from their ads, but that was probably because it was one of those slam-dunk business ideas (who doesn't want a free chance to get a better job?) something so many people didn't realize existed. No one is going to rush out and get a new MasterCard because the latest iteration of their priceless commercials is a little more clever than usual. I don't have a hostile attitude towards advertising -- I can't honestly say I have felt my day or life was disrupted by advertising (I don't live in Boston!) While Flexcos arguments have an element of truth to them, Chris certainly is correct in labelling him a party pooper. Decry the state of society as much as you want (after all, it IS crazy that athletes and sports franchises make so much money for doing so little), but the “event-ness” of the super bowl is undeniable. In America it has become very much like Christmas, more an excuse to have a party and spend time with friends than to observe any tradition (in this case, actually watching football.)

I really think the only ads on super sunday that really catch folks’ eyes or make an impact are ones for businesses that the viewer hasn’t even heard of. As you point out, Monster.com reaped enormous benefits from their ads, but that was probably because it was one of those slam-dunk business ideas (who doesn’t want a free chance to get a better job?) something so many people didn’t realize existed. No one is going to rush out and get a new MasterCard because the latest iteration of their priceless commercials is a little more clever than usual.

I don’t have a hostile attitude towards advertising — I can’t honestly say I have felt my day or life was disrupted by advertising (I don’t live in Boston!)

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62162 J.D. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:19:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62162 Ha! A party pooper. :) Flexo makes some good points regarding the economic actions of *everything* we do. And he notes that there are also sorts of promotional activities that we take for granted. Also, while writing this piece, I was well-aware of the fact that I allow advertising on this site, and how that might strike some as being disingenuous. The point I'm trying to make here is that if you're going to watch the game for just the ads, you should be mindful of what you're doing. I think that most people who do "just the ads" thing are completely oblivious to the fact that they're just letting themselves be programmed for future consumption. I don't condemn anyone for wanting to watch the ads — I find them entertaining myself — I'm just encouraging people to be smart! Ha! A party pooper. :)

Flexo makes some good points regarding the economic actions of *everything* we do. And he notes that there are also sorts of promotional activities that we take for granted. Also, while writing this piece, I was well-aware of the fact that I allow advertising on this site, and how that might strike some as being disingenuous.

The point I’m trying to make here is that if you’re going to watch the game for just the ads, you should be mindful of what you’re doing. I think that most people who do “just the ads” thing are completely oblivious to the fact that they’re just letting themselves be programmed for future consumption. I don’t condemn anyone for wanting to watch the ads — I find them entertaining myself — I’m just encouraging people to be smart!

]]> By: Chris http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62146 Chris Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:09:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62146 wow-- what a party pooper! wow– what a party pooper!

]]> By: Flexo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62127 Flexo Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:51:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/02/02/dont-watch-the-super-bowl-just-for-the-ads/#comment-62127 You could also argue that one shouldn't watch the Super Bowl for the game. It just inflates the game's apparent popularity, "justifying" dumping billions of dollars into stadiums and players' salaries. The game is an advertisement for sporting events and a spectator lifestyle. :-) Don't watch the halftime show either. I'm sure Prince has a new album to sell or he's touring or something. Either way, the show itself is advertising something. I have other plans for Sunday. :-) You could also argue that one shouldn’t watch the Super Bowl for the game. It just inflates the game’s apparent popularity, “justifying” dumping billions of dollars into stadiums and players’ salaries. The game is an advertisement for sporting events and a spectator lifestyle. :-)

Don’t watch the halftime show either. I’m sure Prince has a new album to sell or he’s touring or something. Either way, the show itself is advertising something.

I have other plans for Sunday. :-)

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