Summary: Advertising has developed a bap rap with consumers over the past decades because of its perceived intentions. The phrase “being sold to” has become derogatory; it no longer means to be persuaded to buy or act, but means being cornered and pitched at about a good or service a consumer doesn’t necessarily want or need. The public sees advertising the way they see Big Business: advertising is the arm that uses its muscle to get Big Business more profit.
It’s not always the case.
Summary: As I was driving into work today, the news was reporting on the hot sales of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Apparently, the books are selling like wildfire with around 800,000 being sold every day throughout the world. They are the talk of the town, or at least half of the town, as the fans are predominantly women. These “explicit novels,” as they are known, seem to have filled a void.
Summary: When your economy is based on consumption, it is important to hear if consumers are opening their wallets or keeping them closed. With several years passing from the financial meltdown and announcements of deep budget cuts and layoffs slowing down, economists are looking for positive numbers.
