Advertisements

According to http://oxforddictionaries.com, the definition of the word "advertisements' is a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy.

Advertisements originated from the word advert, which originated from the word ad, which originated from the letter 'a', which originated from the sound of drunken Vikings burping.

Oh, you... didn't need to know that? But I was just trying to explain.... You sure? Ok, ok, I get it, no more stupid definitions! Moving on!

Advertising, as we all-or at least the more intelligent ones like those who understand my words-know, have been the main source of income of the information industry. One of the more popular ones nowadays is Google's text ads.

But today, I will be talking about the more traditional ads, meanning the ones on the TV, radio and newspapers.

Being humans, we are always wowed by great ads. Remember when the DiGi "Yellow Man" ads first came up?

They were hilarious and creative, and surpassed any recent ads at that time.

You're probably thinking, "Ok, but why is Terence Wang ranting about ads?"

Good question.

Everyday, we are constantly being barraged by ads. I'm not blaming anyone for this; it's just the way it is. In exchange for free content, we view ads by companies.

But can't they sometimes make it more interesting?

Have you ever been frustrated by an ad? Because they were so boring or cheesy you wanted to throw up, or because it just aired too many damn times? Well, I have, many, many times. From the "Alif" advert on TV(because it was aired, like, every 14 seconds) to the Suzuki ad on the radio. In the latter, a man is saying how the two new Suzuki models "really get his pulses racing", while speaking like he is as excited as a Greyhound dog after a huge lunch.

I also have a tendency to dislike ads for skin care, shampoo and most beauty-related products, mainly because they are all EXACTLY THE SAME. It typically begins with shining skin/flawless hair walking in and saying how the product has 'transformed' her. The ad then shows how the product works(showing you layers of the skin-the product then enters the skin and wipes out all unwanted items). Seriously, which girl/woman wants to know how the product enters the skin?? Pointless!

Just look at these ads.

Different product, same method. In other words, BO-RING.

I am sometimes also ticked off by some song adverts, like the new McDonald McChicken one. It's because when you make a song ad, it shows that you can't think of anything else besides asking some people to sing all the good things about the product.

BO-RING.

So what makes a good ad? And who makes good ads?

To answer the 1st question, I shall have to answer the 2nd one 1st.(pun intended)

Volkswagen have made good ads over the years, and even now. It started with the "Think Small" ad, which was that title with a tiny pic of the VW Beetle.

And recently, the Scirocco ad.

Telecommunication companies seem to do it well too. After the hilarious DiGi ads, here comes Yes 4G.



The ad just utilises one person, while the narrator talks about saying 'yes'. "Yes mom, I will be home for your birthday." The preson's expression changes as he speaks. He DOES NOT say anything about the product directly.

In other words...

me.com(Editor): BO-RING??

Get out, me.com. No, not boring, GENIUS.

So what makes a good ad?

The answer is simple. A good ad is one that does NOT try to tell you all about the product in a short time. It does NOT have some people pretend to testify how good it is. It does NOT keep on yelling and saying, "Hurry, buy one today!" It leaves you with a scenario that keeps you interested, seems to have little connection with the product(yet indirectly has a lot of connection) and lets you draw your conclusions.

Until next time.

Disclaimer: The Suburban KID team does not wish to violate the copyrights, patents and/or trademarks that have been mentioned above. It will not be held responsible for any of the actions mentioned. The above brand names, labels and/or trademarks that have been mentioned above are for the purpose of reference only. The Suburban KID team does not intent to offend or insult any party, company or person(s) mentioned in the article.