Momnesia

Sex sells... and saves?

Advertising fascinates me. It's the challenge of getting a message out to a targeted audience in a short amount of time in a memorable way. The best advertising is clever, specific, memorable, highlights the brans or the idea in a way that people can identify that later and does all of this in an original way.

Some ads are great because of their visual impact. Think the GAP ads for khakis with the swing dancers a few years back. Not only did it make the point that the pants were comfortable and breathable, but also that they were timeless and elegant. Did I buy them? No. They're out of my price range. But I got the message, I remembered the brand, and I remembered the commercial.



I'm more impressed with public service ads that do these kinds of things well, because not only do they have to succeed in all of the usual ways, but they have to do it while promoting a message that is often unpopular, uncomfortable and sometimes that makes people angry or sad. They're the kind of commercials that people turn away from, but you have to compel them to watch. Here are some that do that well.

The Montana Meth Ads:
Laundromat


Junkie Den


Bathtub


The Australian Road Transport Authority (RTA) Anti-Speeding Campaign:
No One Thinks Big of You


Speed Research


Condom Use