An Advertological Note

When I first saw the Diamond Shreddies commercial (above) back in 2008, I thought it was ingenious and hilarious and definitely memorable - three aspects of advertising I find imperative. Interestingly enough, this campaign won the 2008 Grand Clio Award for Integrated Campaign. Then I watched Rory Sutherland's TED talk about advertising (below), wherein he explained that this campaign was created by Hunter Somerville (an intern at the time) for Ogilvy and Mather Canada.

As he explains in the video, this is the perfect case of "creating intangible added value without changing the product in the slightest. [...] All it requires is photons, neutrons, and a great idea." I completely agree - what an inventive idea and so simple, too!

However I cannot bore you with my appraisal of advertising ingenuity and will continue on with the complainathon.

Recently, Cottonelle released a very similar ad campaign (below) called the Roll Poll, in which they ask everyday people to contact them (internet, text message etc...) and tell them which way they roll their toilet paper - over or under? They are renewing the brand without changing a thing about it - another great idea with less cost. Now, I can't seem to put my finger on whether or not I like this campaign - and it very well could have to do with my being faithful to the original Diamond Shreddies, but I can't seem to make up my mind. Is is funny and a good debate or is it illegitimate and silly?

Great minds think alike?

Song of the day: Alizee - Limelight

Reinvention - DIY (pt. 3)

Photos by Kevin Colombu

"When you place a value on things like health, love, sex, and other things and learn to place the material value on what you've previously discounted for being merely untangible - a thing not seen - you realize you're much much wealthier than you ever imagined." - Rory Sutherland, Life lessons from an ad man

Blazer - Vintage Ralph Lauren - a real steal at Thrifty Shoppy (also known as Thrifty Shopper for those who don't feel the need to rhyme everything) for about $14

Shoulders - two necklaces (the kind that originally came with black satin ribbons to tie around the neck - it would've made for a golden crescent moon shape atop the collar bones) from Forever 21 (I was suprised, too!) - $18 each

I'm a fan.