Archives: February 2005

Dear Martha: A Few Thoughts About Your New Brand

Posted by: David Kiley on February 24

Dear Martha: How's the food? I tried to see you. I thought you would have liked the company. But I was turned away. I had rice crispy squares for you....

Erectile Dysfunction Ads Get my Dander Up

Posted by: David Kiley on February 23

We've all seen them by now. Erectile Dysfunction ads. The dirty little secret is that the warnings telling men to get medical attention if they have a four hour erection...

Airlines Are Not Marketing Even If They Think They Are

Posted by: David Kiley on February 23

I've been struck lately by the 'feel good' ads by airlines that I've seen. UNited has been running an update of its George Gershwin music themed spots with interesting pen-drawing...

Applebees Shmapplebees

Posted by: David Kiley on February 22

Back from the three-day weekend, and yet another trip to Applebees with my three-year old son. Turns out despite our best efforts to limit his macaroni and cheese intake to...

New Saab Ads Go Nowhere

Posted by: David Kiley on February 16

Saab Cars USA could well be on its way to being the Peugeot of the 21st century, at least when it comes to the U.S. market. In other words: So...

Reebok's Popeye Play

Posted by: David Kiley on February 14

I can hear Popeye now, with that Rum and cigarette soaked voice, reciting, "I Yam What I Yam." Reebok, the sneaker maker, is launching its first global campaign since "Planet...

FTC Rules Against Disclosing Product Placement Ads.

Posted by: David Kiley on February 11

Those who would like to further blur the lines between content and advertising got help from the Bush Administration Thursday when the Federal Trade Commission ruled against a petition by...

At 41, Am I Too Old To Wear Low-Riders to Work?

Posted by: David Kiley on February 09

The Virginia State Legislature has passed a law that will fine people for exposing their underwear in public. Hear that terrorists...our state legislatures are hard at work insuring our security....

Are Fox and The NFL Kidding? Apparently Standards and Practices Are... Fluid.

Posted by: David Kiley on February 08

As advertisers (and bloggers) try to figure out where the lines of appropriateness are to be drawn, when it comes to advertising on network TV, it gets even harder when...

When It Comes To Super Bowl Ads, Students Probably Carry More Weight Than I Do

Posted by: David Kiley on February 07

I thought it was a weak year for Super Bowl ads. In my post-game story on Businessweek.com, I name the Grand Brand Super Bowl ad--Anheuser-Busch's salute to the U.S. armed...

Funny Versus Offensive. Hypocrisy and Imus Make It Tough To Draw the Line.

Posted by: David Kiley on February 03

Ford Motor Co. has withdrawn a Super Bowl ad that apparently offended victims of sexual abuse by Catholic priests. Before that, Anheuser-Bush dropped plans to run an ad that spoofed...

There's a Reason Why Perdue Doesn't Give Plant Tours

Posted by: David Kiley on February 02

Big News: Rev. Al Sharpton has joined with PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals), as well as Rap music mogul Russell Simmons, in a boycott of KFC, charging the...

An Advertising Alliance To Hold Off Regulation Against Advertising to Kids. Bravo.

Posted by: David Kiley on February 01

General Mills, Kraft and Kellogg have formed an alliance with three advertising lobby groups to stave off regulation that would limit their ability to advertise directly to kids. Bravo. In...