Come on, it's gotta be Vince with Sham WOW!!!!! I present my evidence.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7Le9AmPM-as
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7Le9AmPM-as
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The Most Obnoxious TV Pitchman
- Thread starter The Voice of Reason
- Start date
I can't stand the Billy Mays spots, but I also could not stomach any commericals featuring Carrot Top too.
In addition, I think there's similar TV ads, but I also cannot tolerate Budweiser's "Real Men of Genius" radio spots (and the male singer in them).
In addition, I think there's similar TV ads, but I also cannot tolerate Budweiser's "Real Men of Genius" radio spots (and the male singer in them).
If Carrot Top shows up selling shammies, house cleaners, AND insurance, I'll just quit watching tv, no matter how much "better" digital is!
I also cannot stand the "Free Credit Report.com" ads and the inane songs played in those commercials (in both radio and TV versions)--particularly once you learn that this offer "requires enrollment in Triple Advantage," leading many to argue that the "free credit report" is actually a ripoff.
D
DoneDrinkingKoolAid
Guest
Hold up a second, Tim. Maybe the phenomenon hasn't made its way to Springfield, but the campaign is outrageously successful elsewhere in the country.
Don't knock the "Free Credit Report dot com" spots. I despise their over-exposure, but as we all know, advertising is all about making a lasting impression. The spots have definitely succeeded in accomplishing their goal.
You and I may not like the jingle, after all, at this point of my life I have never had the need for a regular, on-demand credit reporting service. I have, however, noticed the trend. From kids at the mall to co-workers in the lunchroom are singing the jingle of these commercials. Don't believe me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA6clLJjgbk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g3Pyyz1pJA
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=free+credit+report.com&aq=0&oq=free+credit+report.
Net result, f-r-e-e (that spells free! ;D) promotional exposure through mass, pop culture cult status. (See: Coca-Cola "I'd like to teach the world to sing", Wendy's "Where's the Beef", Charmin "Don't Squeeze the Charmin")
Because we don't need it, we don't care about it. Because we don't care about it, it disinterests us. But the product, or jingle in this case, remains successful.
After all, FreeCreditReport.com isn't targeting those of us that haven't needed their service in the decades leading up to this point. Look at the demographic that has adopted the jingle. Has it made a lasting impression in their mind in a way in which they can relate?
Highly successful marketing to the appropriate demographic. Rather catchy jingle for the rest of us.
Don't knock the "Free Credit Report dot com" spots. I despise their over-exposure, but as we all know, advertising is all about making a lasting impression. The spots have definitely succeeded in accomplishing their goal.
You and I may not like the jingle, after all, at this point of my life I have never had the need for a regular, on-demand credit reporting service. I have, however, noticed the trend. From kids at the mall to co-workers in the lunchroom are singing the jingle of these commercials. Don't believe me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA6clLJjgbk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g3Pyyz1pJA
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=free+credit+report.com&aq=0&oq=free+credit+report.
Net result, f-r-e-e (that spells free! ;D) promotional exposure through mass, pop culture cult status. (See: Coca-Cola "I'd like to teach the world to sing", Wendy's "Where's the Beef", Charmin "Don't Squeeze the Charmin")
Because we don't need it, we don't care about it. Because we don't care about it, it disinterests us. But the product, or jingle in this case, remains successful.
After all, FreeCreditReport.com isn't targeting those of us that haven't needed their service in the decades leading up to this point. Look at the demographic that has adopted the jingle. Has it made a lasting impression in their mind in a way in which they can relate?
- Waiting tables in a restaurant.
- Hanging out two friends, jamming.
- "Lookin' for a new car... a new convertible or an SUV"
- "Her credit is whack" <- I don't even know what this means
Highly successful marketing to the appropriate demographic. Rather catchy jingle for the rest of us.
The "f-r-e-e that spells freecreditreport.com baybee!" commercials are kind of catchy.
I guess the fact that the "free" is a complete lie does make them "obnoxious."
Equifax, the credit reporting agency that made up the lie, recently blew the whistle on some other company (Clark Howard mentioned it but I can't remember or find the details) for questionable ad practices. That might make them "the most obnoxious."
I guess the fact that the "free" is a complete lie does make them "obnoxious."
Equifax, the credit reporting agency that made up the lie, recently blew the whistle on some other company (Clark Howard mentioned it but I can't remember or find the details) for questionable ad practices. That might make them "the most obnoxious."
Re: landtuna's mention of Cal Worthington...
I have to say those were some of the most memorable spots I've ever seen. Until the dawn of youtube, I hadn't seen any since I was in Arizona for a few months in 1972 and cable TV from California brought Cal into my life. Yet, even after all these years, I can still sing the jingle. If anyone has not see a Cal Worthington ad, here's a link to some: http://www.mydogspot.com/
I understand Cal is only doing radio ads these days.
I have to say those were some of the most memorable spots I've ever seen. Until the dawn of youtube, I hadn't seen any since I was in Arizona for a few months in 1972 and cable TV from California brought Cal into my life. Yet, even after all these years, I can still sing the jingle. If anyone has not see a Cal Worthington ad, here's a link to some: http://www.mydogspot.com/
I understand Cal is only doing radio ads these days.
Come on, it's gotta be Vince with Sham WOW!!!!! I present my evidence.
Oops! I said his name was Joey. I stand corrected...You followin' me, camera guy?
Oops! I said his name was Joey. I stand corrected...You followin' me, camera guy?
Actually, I agree. I really don't care for Mr. Sham-Wow. He's the kind of guy you just want to punch in the face...repeatedly! Billy Mays has just been around so long, I don't even notice him anymore. I actually like the Free Credit spots, but I must say that I like the first one, where they are in the faux Red Lobster. It's sort of overplayed now, but I still like it. I think the ones that I currently find irritating is the entire Geico Series with the Brittish guy who sounds like a golf announcer discussing whatever the Gekko is currently pitching. Also...anybody annoyed by the cashier from Progressive??Corky Marlowe said:
Extra credit question...Geico is an acronym. Anybody know what it stands for?
BrigThomson said:
Hmmm, guess I'm the first caller .....
I believe it's (G)overnment (E)mployees' (I)nsurance (CO)mpany.
What do I win? Record album? Concert tickets? Lifetime supply of Rice-A-Roni?
--Russell
Russell W. said:
You win a "Thicke of the Night" DVD boxed set, you lucky dog!
Being of German descent, I found ShamWow stereotype "it's made in Germany - we all know Germans make good stuff" annoying. You couldn't make sweeping generalizations like that about most ethnic groups. Maybe it's time to sic the National Organization of Teutonics (NOT) on Vince.
The problem with jingles is if they are offensive, at least offensive to a person it will cause them to tune out.
I remember the jingle from "Free Credit Report," but it's so irritating to me that when it comes on I change the channel and often to forget to change back. And if I wanted a credit report, I would choose someone else. So at least for me the jingle, no matter how memorable achieve undesireable results.
It's the age old problem of translating exposure to click through to sales. For instance when I worked in hotels (this was a few years back) I found an astonishing rate of 95% of people using the hotel website would view rates BUT they would not book online. The webmaster could never understand this, that a view doesn't translate into a sale. The webmaster sold the hotel ownership a line that we could save labor costs if people booked online, and that's true. But the fact is for as long as I was there we never were able to get a conversion rate higher than 5%. I will say in time I belive it will get better and better though and it is eventually the way of the future, just not now.
I remember the jingle from "Free Credit Report," but it's so irritating to me that when it comes on I change the channel and often to forget to change back. And if I wanted a credit report, I would choose someone else. So at least for me the jingle, no matter how memorable achieve undesireable results.
It's the age old problem of translating exposure to click through to sales. For instance when I worked in hotels (this was a few years back) I found an astonishing rate of 95% of people using the hotel website would view rates BUT they would not book online. The webmaster could never understand this, that a view doesn't translate into a sale. The webmaster sold the hotel ownership a line that we could save labor costs if people booked online, and that's true. But the fact is for as long as I was there we never were able to get a conversion rate higher than 5%. I will say in time I belive it will get better and better though and it is eventually the way of the future, just not now.
From Cleveland/NE Ohio:
Del Spitzer did commercials for his Spitzer Auto Stores (I Wanna sell YOU a car NOW!) in the 60's and 70's. .Now today's Spitzer ads with attractive blonde Grand-Niece of Del, Alison Spitzer are much easier to take..
Another annoyance, though not on TV..These internet ads that hawk that "Average Mortgage payments as low as $795 a month!!" with an animated character dancing like it's the ultimate great "wow" thing..Even if I wanted or needed such a thing, I wouldnt buy from them..
Del Spitzer did commercials for his Spitzer Auto Stores (I Wanna sell YOU a car NOW!) in the 60's and 70's. .Now today's Spitzer ads with attractive blonde Grand-Niece of Del, Alison Spitzer are much easier to take..
Another annoyance, though not on TV..These internet ads that hawk that "Average Mortgage payments as low as $795 a month!!" with an animated character dancing like it's the ultimate great "wow" thing..Even if I wanted or needed such a thing, I wouldnt buy from them..
Anyone living in southern New England or now New York will know of Bob from Bob's Discount Furniture. Annoying doesn't begin to describe his commercials. You'll never forget them though so I guess they have an impact. Bob is a really nice guy too!!
As for Billy Mays, do you think he shouts like that when he's home?
As for Billy Mays, do you think he shouts like that when he's home?
You are correct. You'll just have to settle for my good wishes. Sorry. I'm in radio. I can't afford anything more.Russell W. said:
Probably...can you see him sitting at the dinner table screaming for the mashed potatoes???kms575 said:
kms575 said:
Oh yeah, I rue that day a few years back when he opened his first stores in the Boston area and pummeled every Boston TV station with his ads! Really awful stuff. Honestly, his ads should be for gun control because they make you want to shoot him!!!!!
But, you have to give credit where it's due: he's branched out from NJ to NH and done well against bigger and slicker competition. That's no small feat.
dhett said:
Not only the DVD box set, but also an 8-Trak player, and a Betamax! Congrats!
Besides Billy Mays, the Geico commercials are really starting to bothering me.
Yes Billy Mays is in a category all to himself.
Does anyone hear The Shane Company? Tom Shane? Now you have a friend in the diamond business. Just Annoying.
How about that Austrailain guy. "Your Friend Tony (something)" He is not my friend. I do not know him.
How about Wilford Grimley? His roughness gets tiring.
Locally we have "The General Auto Insurance" It is part animated. Seriously, if you see your spouse or a co-worker talking on their cell phone, are you going to yell, "WHO are you TALKING too?" Annoying.
Does anyone hear The Shane Company? Tom Shane? Now you have a friend in the diamond business. Just Annoying.
How about that Austrailain guy. "Your Friend Tony (something)" He is not my friend. I do not know him.
How about Wilford Grimley? His roughness gets tiring.
Locally we have "The General Auto Insurance" It is part animated. Seriously, if you see your spouse or a co-worker talking on their cell phone, are you going to yell, "WHO are you TALKING too?" Annoying.
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