I
‘ve been seeing this TV ad for a couple of weeks now. The scene starts with a deserted holiday table – all the guests are in another room singing and listening to someone playing the piano. The guests are so distracted that they don’t even notice the family dog helping itself to their meal. The scene zooms back to show the source of their entertainment – not someone playing the piano, but a battery powered snowman singing and playing. The tagline follows…
No one can resist our Holiday Piano Snowman
My first response is, "Just watch me resist it."
This ad sets the wrong tone in just about every way. First, the guests are obviously idiotic – they have ignored a marvelous meal in favor of a plastic piece of battery-powered crap. Secondly, there is an implied challenge – "No one can resists…". And finally, there is the pricing scheme. You can have this piece of junk for $12.99 if you buy three Hallmark cards. Otherwise, you’re going to be shelling out $22.95.
Sad thing is, someone is probably going to say, "How cute!" and will wind up with another useless thrinket. If it gives them enjoyment, I guess it’s OK.
Well just to let you know if you try to buy one of these snowmen on ebay you’ll now have to pay around $80.00… So do you really think its such a piece of junk for $22.95??
The price someone is willing to pay for an item doesn’t necessarily determine whether or not it’s junk. It just determines how stupid the buyer is.
Just to let you know my kids all all kids that come to my house LOVE this thing – I think it is the cutest thing and I look forward to pulling it out every Christmas Season!
Point taken – if it brings your kids enjoyment, then I guess it is worthwhile.
I still think the advertisement was foolish.
Dont you at least love the opportunity for educators to use this for a “media literacy” lesson? I too find it stupid and in poor taste. Poor dog. Wonder how many takes they did, and worse, how much they allowed the dog to eat. Where is PETA? Are they crying foul?