SLCentral Forum - Advertising in the everyday world

08-05-02, 06:45 PM

Rob

Free agent

Join Date: Jun 2001

Location: Surrounded by frickin' idiots.

Posts: 600

Advertising in the everyday world

That woman sitting over there wants more than just a drink.

Let me set up this scenario: You and your loved one are traveling around New York City, seeing the sites and generally acting like a tourist when a woman or man walks up to you and asks to take your picture. Seems innocent enough, right? Wrong. The camera they take out is not the kind of camera you are accustomed to but it�s a new Ericsson cell phone with an on board camera. I�m sure the first question 99% of the people out there will ask is �Ok, how do I use it�. �Sure thing�, they�ll say as they begin to show you what this new phone can do. Still think it�s innocent? Hardly� you were set up.

There is an article over on The Wall Street Journal today that I found amusing. Sony Ericsson is hiring �actors� for a 60 day advertising blitz for their newest cell phone, similar to internet pop-up ads but only this time in real, everyday life. Take a look at what else they have in store for the unsuspecting:

Quote:

A second stunt will involve the use of "leaners" -- 60 actresses and female models with extensive training in the phone's features who will frequent trendy lounges and bars without telling the establishments what they're up to. The women are getting scripted scenarios designed to help them engage strangers in conversation. One involves having an actress's phone ring while she's in the bar -- and having the caller's picture pop up on the screen. In another scenario, two women sit at opposite ends of the bar playing an interactive version of the Battleship game on their phones.

So far, so good. But do the actors then identify themselves as working on behalf of Sony Ericsson? Not if they can help it.

I�ll put this question to you; do you find this method of advertising sneaky or no big deal?

08-05-02, 07:32 PM

amistadcliffman amistadcliffman is offline

Forgot Plan

Join Date: Apr 2001

Location: Alien Terrarium

Posts: 356

Send a message via ICQ to amistadcliffman

Send a message via AIM to amistadcliffman

Send a message via Yahoo to amistadcliffman

In this situation: If anyone asks to take my picture I say no. If she wanted a picture of her, I would take it. But as soon as I figure out she is advertising, I would just say no thank you and leave. I'm not going to stick around while someone shows off their phone. And if I knew it was advertising, I would remind myself not to buy that brand. Advertising works 2 ways. It also tells us what not to buy.

__________________
Road Runner!!!!

08-06-02, 02:29 AM

Dave

ActiveTuning Partner

Join Date: Dec 2000

Location: University Of Maryland

Posts: 1,873

I think it is kinda sneaky...but I really wouldn't mind. I have the choice of finding out more information about the product from that person...If I want more, I would have asked....then it is considered effective advertising that targets what I want....if not...move on...

__________________
ActiveTuning - Partner & Director Of Sales & Marketing