
Despite such atrocities as cinema advertising, pop ups, and non opt-out ads on purchased DVD’s, I actually believe in the fundamental value advertising brings to a free market society. At our best, we stoke the might engine of commerce, encouraging job creation and fueling a robust economy.
But things can go too far. And this little bit of e-commerce should serve as Exhibit A for that argument.
I fear for a world where kids actually purchase store-bought spitballs, no matter how aero-dynamically advanced these may be. Played correctly, juvenile delinquent antics are a battle of wits and surprise, not an arms race. As parents, we bear the responsibility for teaching our kids that.
By Dennis Ryan, CCO, Element 79
So true.
BTW-I like the “new face” on Brands Are Opinions…very cool.
To complete your “kids have no imagination because it’s not required of them” thought, Restoration Hardware is selling a “sno-baller (which sounds like it could be an adult toy, but it’s not) and a snowman outfit, complete with hat, fake coal for eyes and mouth and fake carrot for a nose.
A sno-baller and a bag of pre-made spitballs sound like things that Richie Rich would have had, don’t they?
Agree innovation and creativity is being marketed out of our children but what a great use of chemistry. Wish my high school chem teacher would have showed us how much fun some carefully combined elements could turn out to be. Maybe then my parents would not have had to have so many “chemistry is important” talks with me.