Monday 29 March 2010
Ooer missus, I do like a bit of euphemism!
Have you seen or heard the ads for Crabbie's alcoholic ginger beer? They are no doubt inspired by Enid Blyton's Famous Five books that always seemed to feature 'lashings' of the stuff, but with an adult twist.
The scripts contain all sorts of delicious innuendo – I heard a radio ad today pretending to be about an Easter egg hunt. For example, she says: "Have a feel around downstairs" and he says: "I'll be up in a Jiffy".
Meanwhile, the TV ad (above) features a Fanny (fnnar fnarr) Craddock type using much missed words like 'spiffing'.
All this lovely wordplay makes me very happy!
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Let's play spot the typo!
Ladies and Gentleman, I have clear evidence that our education system is failing us.
As exhibit A, I present to you the caption on the current Clean & Clear TV ad.
It's about the 'inprovement' the product allegedly makes to your skin. What's more, the voiceover pronounces the word as it's spelled.
It's no surprise that teenagers get spots. And not much of a surprise that they can't spell, especially when advertisers and clients can't even get it right.
I wonder how many people approved the ad before it went live?
Next time it's on, see if you can spot the typo.
As exhibit A, I present to you the caption on the current Clean & Clear TV ad.
It's about the 'inprovement' the product allegedly makes to your skin. What's more, the voiceover pronounces the word as it's spelled.
It's no surprise that teenagers get spots. And not much of a surprise that they can't spell, especially when advertisers and clients can't even get it right.
I wonder how many people approved the ad before it went live?
Next time it's on, see if you can spot the typo.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Tuesday 16 March 2010
What's your point of view?
I was reading the instruction manual for my new car (a delicious red Mazda MX-5, since you ask). I've simplified this example, but it is patently written from the manufacturer's point of view:
"The switch is wired to the thingy. When the switch is in the top position, it does this. When the switch is in the bottom position, it does that. When the switch is flicked to the side, it does the other. When the switch is rotated (see diagram) it does the opposite."
Dear manual writers, PLEASE turn it around so it's from the driver's point of view, e.g.
"If you want cold air, turn the switch to the top. If you want warm air, turn the switch to the bottom."
Dear illustrators of diagrams, PLEASE realise that when you are sitting in the driver's seat, you can't actually see the little drawings on the switches as they are hidden by the steering wheel.
Harumph.
"The switch is wired to the thingy. When the switch is in the top position, it does this. When the switch is in the bottom position, it does that. When the switch is flicked to the side, it does the other. When the switch is rotated (see diagram) it does the opposite."
Dear manual writers, PLEASE turn it around so it's from the driver's point of view, e.g.
"If you want cold air, turn the switch to the top. If you want warm air, turn the switch to the bottom."
Dear illustrators of diagrams, PLEASE realise that when you are sitting in the driver's seat, you can't actually see the little drawings on the switches as they are hidden by the steering wheel.
Harumph.
Thursday 11 March 2010
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Now I know
why the service at Boots has been so good lately (as mentioned in an earlier blog post).
I went in today to pick up a prescription, and along with my receipt I was given a unique reference number so I could enter an online customer service survey with the chance to win cash or prizes.
The friendly and helpful assistant explained that his boss would see the feedback I provided. Fortunately, he'd been friendly and helpful, so I only wrote nice things about him. It helped that he was young, attractive and had a lovely accent!
The only issue I have is that I read the name of the website www.bootscare.com as Boot Scare dot com instead of Boots Care dot com.
Oh, and I didn't win.
Apart from that, today's prize for customer care goes to Boots.
I went in today to pick up a prescription, and along with my receipt I was given a unique reference number so I could enter an online customer service survey with the chance to win cash or prizes.
The friendly and helpful assistant explained that his boss would see the feedback I provided. Fortunately, he'd been friendly and helpful, so I only wrote nice things about him. It helped that he was young, attractive and had a lovely accent!
The only issue I have is that I read the name of the website www.bootscare.com as Boot Scare dot com instead of Boots Care dot com.
Oh, and I didn't win.
Apart from that, today's prize for customer care goes to Boots.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Take a break from Take a Break
Their latest ad shows a weepy bride being cheered up by reading about rape.
Really?
Really?
Monday 1 March 2010
Best bit of copywriting I've heard in ages!
Here it is, in the Government's new Change4life campaign, with adorable animation by Aardman.
The 'adult' ad ends with the line: 'Start to see the end of your middle'.
Brilliant!
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