Happy... Black Friday?

A few weeks ago, we took a moment to analyze advertisements that supposedly related to Veterans’ Day. To my disappointment, very few brands actually took the meaning of the holiday to heart, and most abused the day as a commercial opportunity for sales promotions. With Thanksgiving coming up, I have started to notice another disappointing time in the world of advertising. Instead of giving thanks, nearly every brand in the world is already blubbering about Black Friday.

From Walmart to Target and Old Navy to JC Penny, the television has recently been plagued with obnoxious jingles and large discounts around every corner. I have yet to see a single brand actually mention Thanksgiving, let alone commemorate the true meaning of the holiday. How refreshing it would be if a brand put the sales promotions aside and took the time to give thanks. The first brand I see that takes this initiative will be one I make an effort to support during this crazy time of year.

Although I have not run across any Thanksgiving ads this year that I truly appreciate, the one above at least recognizes how ridiculous advertising during holidays has become. Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Coca-Cola Arctic Home

Throughout the year, Coca-Cola has been a brand we looked to for excellence in advertising. This week, as we are discussing strategic philanthropy, Coke remains at the front of the pack. This ad caught my attention last night during the previews at the movie theater, and I believe it is a very inspiring example of how brands can make a meaningful and creative connection with a cause.

Too good to be true?

In today’s world, we have all been taught that online advertising is the current trend and the future. Whether or not traditional advertising will remain powerful can be debated, but no one denies the clout of the internet. A legitimate concern, however, is that everyone is currently looking at the pros to online advertising, and ignoring the cons. An article on the Web Design Library caught my attention this week specifically because it bothered to analyze both sides of the issue.