So, after writing a somewhat incendiary post a few months back, I was berated by a colleague (well, berated is kind of harsh – let’s say ‘grilled’) to find an example where traditional media had influenced me into a purchase.

After a minute, i conceded the point. I had likely been inspired to plunk down a serious amount of hard currency on a new LCD TV because of the Sharp Aquos campaign that ran in print and on TV last fall starring David Ortiz. You see, I’m a Red Sox fan, seeing that big beautiful man sliding face first into second in slow motion just got my gears turning. Suddenly, the future seemed clear: I’d buy a new TV, the Sox would make and win the ALCS, then the World Series, and I’d get to watch every moment of it in sparkling HD.

And you know what? All of that did come true. Everything Sharp promised in their ads came to pass.

Except, of course, that I did my consumer due diligence and bought a Sony Bravia instead (bouncing ball influence notwithstanding). So yes, advertising convinced me to buy something I probably didn’t need, luring me with the promise of an ideal future. But it didn’t dupe me into buying an inferior product.