Memorable Ad Campaigns

Hey, ads are just not what they used to be. There are new strategies and rhetorical devices at play these days, but lets look at some of the old and not so old ads and pick at them a bit. Here are some that I personally like and feel are effective:

"Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down." -Hasbro

It's true, they are not kidding; they do wobble, and they don't fall down! I just love it! Kids wanted Weebles, not for much of any particular reason, other than the physics designed around "not falling down." Gosh.

"The fastest way to send money -- worldwide" -Western Union.

Oh I like that. That means I'll receive some dead presidents in the fastest way possible. Gimme.

"The Breakfast of Champions."  (Blackett-Sample-Hummert, 1930s)

Oh heck yeah, this is advertising that gets me to participate with the product and feel good about it. I'm a champ because I scarfed down a bowl of cereal just before I fought traffic and worked my behind off to make rich people richer. Good for me!

"Ring around the collar" (BBDO, 1968) Wisk

I don't know, I just thought that snotty, nasal  "Ring around the collar" , vocal stab was really funny. I missed it when "shout it out" took over.

"Bacardi & Cola. They get the job done!" -Bacardi Rum

Let me research that one and get back to you.

Now, here are a few that haven't exactly been effective:

"It helps the hurt stop hurting." - Bactine Antiseptic .

The first time my Mom squirted that caustic liquid on my skinned knee I said the "F" word for the first time. It didn't help the hurting, it just moved it to more places.

"Betcha can't eat just one." -Lays Potato Chips

Oh yeah? Well Ruffles have ridges and they're not challenging me. Get off my back!

"Kill the germs. Feel the Clean." -Listerine

Thanks, and I think I just swallowed the layers of skin you burned off the inside of my mouth. Are you buddies with Bactine?

 "Lucky Charms. They're magically delicious."
"...Pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars,
  green clovers." -Lucky Charms cereal

Shut up and get into my belly! Leprechauns give me the creeps.