Ads that stick

They say your brain cells stop developing after 50. Translation: short-term memory not good. Long-term? OK.

Let’s test the hypothesis.

Long ago, during the movies, they would test “subliminal seduction” by flashing a few frames, which with 30 frames/second, viewers couldn’t detect consciously.

All to sell some Coke and (pop) corns.

Then commercials went global “I’d like to teach the world to sing…in perfect harmony” featuring all sorts of folks from Cambodia to Cuba. That’s Coca-Cola version of the “Sound of Music” where drinkers (of sugar waters) behave – like the von Trapp’s children (in perfect harmony).

“Do you want to have a drink with it” “Don’t you want some fries?”

How about “where is the beef” by Wendy’s.

On burger-related topic, we watched Paris Hilton washing her car, getting hungry and whopping a double-deck Carl’s Jr (before they came up with one-bun wrap for contrarians).

Last on my immediate mind is the one for battery bunny….keeps going and going. I know it’s not Duracell.

See, can’t remember every commercial. Too many per minute. Subliminally or not.

All they want is for them to stick….to translate attention into intention to buy.

I have rarely frequented Carl Jr, or drink a pedagogic Coke: the experiment of subliminal self-hypnotic failed, at least for me.

All I want at times is to stop by Popeyes (there you go, Popeye and his pipe).

Oh well, can’t beat m, might as well join m.

P.S. The other day, absentmindedly I drove past the Au Parleur (Order Here)…straight to the window to order. I got a dirty look, incomprehensible one. I realised then that I should have proceeded with “stations of the Cross” i.e. order with a machine, then pay to a machine, before I can get to talk to or receive my fast foods from a person.

Oh well. Live and learn. Maybe Coca Cola can teach me so I can proceed through the line “in perfect harmony”.

Commercials that stick.