THE LATEST IN HUMAN OWNERSHIP
Hey Kids! You're Now Worth 15-20% More Than You Used To Be!

Advertising Age (April 26, p 1) reports that ads aimed at kids now cost as much as a fifth more than they did last year. And they're selling like hotcakes. Advertisers are spending more for ads on kids' TV shows because companies which sell DVDs, video games, and electronics are willing to pay more. So how are your feelings of self-worth? Have you forgotten about that girl or guy who dissed you, knowing that at least advertisers still want you (for your cash)?

???
Don't Encourage Them! It Costs More!

So you know the series of ads Nintendo recently ran where the faces of Nintendo characters were taped over historical figures? And you know how people have been making their own and posting them on discussion boards? Well, here's the story behind that one. Ad Age's (April 26) breakdown of that.
Nintendo wants you to appreciate how their games let you take on characters you could never be in real life. 
2) One of the ad executives working on 

"That's such a compliment," Mr. Hoffman says. "That's really a sign that we've gotten through."
Adds Ms. Broderick, "For the money we invested in this launch, we can't believe the reaction we've gotten. Sales have been phenomenal."

So what's the message here? Altering ads is a sign you'll spend more money on the product, because you love it.

Just remember the next time you buy a video game -- the cost of those advertisements gets passed down to you.

VIRAL
Watch For Things Which Look Fun And Just Happen To Have Cars In Them

Toyota will be spending $10 million on viral marketing over the next few months, July to September. (Ad Age, May 3) Plans include stuff on the Internet and events. So watch for things which look fun and just happen to be full of Toyotas. You will be subliminally assured of their "style, sportiness and fun-to-drive performance." You ought to believe it. I mean, these people have spent a lot of money on you, you ungrateful brat! And what have you done for them lately?

THEY SAID THIS
Brandweek 4-19
The diamond industry, the folks what brought you the ads with the shadows wearing assloads of ice, have rolled out a new campaign. This one wants to convince you you should buy diamonds for you, rather than insisting your husband give you one.

"The [campaign] is empowering to women," said Lowell Kwiat [president of Kwiat, a jewelry manufacturer], president. "It was like smiling and saying 'Right on!'" More like smiling and saying "Gimme your money!" All total out-of-dateness ("right on!?") aside, I'd rather someone smiled and said "From now on, nobody's going to tell you you should go and have babies, and oh yeah, we're finally going to pay you as much as Jason over there, instead of giving you 60 cents for every dollar he makes."