Stuff to make a marketer blush.
2/18/2002
"Four score and seven gimmicks ago..." reads the first line in this clever book's review of one noteworthy bit of advertising: a catalog for a fountain pen that supposedly contained the "genetic essence" of Abraham Lincoln. And that's not all. Foods, medicines, cars, sunglasses, "1-Step Cover-Up" spray for male baldness—all sorts of consumer products, even those by otherwise reputable companies, have not been above a highly creative come-on from time to time as part of their ad campaign. This collection of previously published reviews as contained in Consumer Reports magazine skewers some prime offenders. Superior unscented incense, anyone? Professional marketers and ad folks should find the ensemble entertaining as well as eye opening and sincerely groan-worthy.