The general consensus is that, as far as consumerism goes, our generation are savvy and well informed. We consider ourselves knowledgeable enough to not be swayed by flashy campaigns and gimmicky products - but are we? And if we are persuaded by a campaign, say, a television commercial ("TVC"), does this mean we have been duped just because we have fulfilled the objective that the advertiser was aiming to achieve - or are we simply making an advised decision based on an option that has been well presented to us?

Television campaigns have the ability to work with potential consumers on a number of levels. They can introduce products to us or reinvigorate our interest in existing brands. They have 15 to 30 seconds, in most cases, to get across an idea and sell us a product. There is no time for build up, the TVC must be conceptually exciting and make a lasting & positive impression in order to convert to passive viewers to consumers driven sales. There are some TVC's worth every cent they cost to produce in that they will be remembered for months or even years to come. There are however others, that will do more detriment to a brand then anything else. For example, this commercial for Nando's certainly grabs the attention of the viewer, but for all the wrong reasons, the result is cringe worthy:



On the other hand, there are commercials that are simplistic and demand our attention is positive ways. This TVC for Cadbury is one such example, it was enormously successful in the UK in exciting the public once more with the Dairy Milk brand causing huge growth in product sales and consequently is now being aired around the world, check it out:



Another really great advertisement is this one for Telecom. It is a New Zealand advertisement for a telecommunications giant and makes use of their own technology coupled with the latest single from homegrown band, Elemeno P. The concept is innovative & the result is impressive, take a look:



Finally, this TVC is brought to you by a beer company now reknowned for their inventive & ultimately effective (BIG) advertisments that are now old enough, in TVC relativity, to be deemed classics. Take a look and you'll soon see why (hint: it involves a man, a leotard, leg warmers, flash dance & beer). Enjoy...



So what is your take on advertising - are we being duped or are you thankful for an advertisement that introduced you to a wonder product you otherwise would not have found? What is your favourite advertisement & why is it so great? - link us to youtube if you can, sharing is caring!