This Adage article blames the recession for some of the antagonizing ads we're being subjected to on Facebook (and other sites):
According to the article:
The ubiquitous "belly fat" ads, placed by numerous direct-response marketers, including some of the web's shadiest advertisers, are finding welcome homes across the web as publishers grow more reluctant to leave any available ad budgets on the table, even those attached to unappealing ads.
Clearly the same desperation is driving U.S. TV networks to lower their standards as well. What else but recession-fueled panic can explain Snuggie (and the fact that it's been "running nonstop on TV" according to personal sources and this Times article).
Perhaps the most frightening sign that things aren't quite right in the world of consumerism is the fact that these ads are working...
Snuggie has sold over 3 million units since launching the campaign in September of 08, has prompted nationwide Snuggie parties, has been parodied on the late night talk shows, and is accumulating what some might call a cult-like following on Facebook, and within the media community.
I know things are tough at home in the States, but perhaps it's time to use "the freedom to use your hands" to make a little call for help.
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