I hate advertising. However, I think a glib dismissal like this one underrates the power of ads a lot, and for me it's important to not underestimate my adversary.
Sure, when I research virtually anything for myself, down to soy sauce or toothbrushes, I will literally go and seek out reviews and do some legwork.
The real question is what happens when you are in a pinch. You're driving to your brother's house for dinner, and recall that you forgot to buy a toy for your nephew's birthday. Precisely there you'll be nabbed by a tendency to go for the "can't go wrong" choice, and the perception of the can't go wrong choice will have probably been created by advertising.
So, don't sell it short. I agree with virtually everything; it's a worthless arms race and we'd be better off with companies focusing on quality. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking everyone can just use willpower to fight it. It requires more, as legislation banning cigarette advertising has shown.
Lego is great. But don't forget that this is also an idea that is shaped by advertising: why is Lego not for girls? Why do girls need pink blocks with figures that wear make up? Why this genderification?
Sure, when I research virtually anything for myself, down to soy sauce or toothbrushes, I will literally go and seek out reviews and do some legwork.
The real question is what happens when you are in a pinch. You're driving to your brother's house for dinner, and recall that you forgot to buy a toy for your nephew's birthday. Precisely there you'll be nabbed by a tendency to go for the "can't go wrong" choice, and the perception of the can't go wrong choice will have probably been created by advertising.
So, don't sell it short. I agree with virtually everything; it's a worthless arms race and we'd be better off with companies focusing on quality. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking everyone can just use willpower to fight it. It requires more, as legislation banning cigarette advertising has shown.