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Subliminal (3000 Points) Advertising
Posted By: aosterday* on 10/1/2004 7:03 PM (CST) 3000 Points
Hello Marketingprofs.com. I have been on hiatus (did I spell that right?) since the end of August, but I am back, refreshed, 10 pounds heavier, and thristy for knowledge...I want brains! BRAINS!

Anyway, I would like to hear your opinion of subliminal advertising. For example: You bum an unfamiliar cigarette from an attractive woman at the end of the bar. she warns that it's a new kind of cigarette. you inquire about it. She casually, yet positively explains that it is a Vanilla flavored Camel, while flirting, of course. She says she loves them, matter-of-factly. You walk away with awareness of the cigarette, and a positive association with it. Perhaps you even enjoy it and purchase a pack of your own.

Example 2: Motorolla sends an attractive couple into a popular tourists spot (for instance, Times Square) with the latest model of camera phone, complete with color LCD, leather punch, and salad fork. They approach you and ask you to take a picture of them in front of the scene. They hand you the new phone, and show you how to take the picture. You inquire about the phone. They give a very brief and unassuming, yet positive, testimonial. You walk away with awareness of the product, and a positive association.

Is this an cheap and ingenius supplement to a sound advertising campaign, or brain piracy?

Posted by: MrHegemony* Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 7:20 PM (CST)
Hi aosterday, here's your brains:

I have heard of this practice ("subliminal advertising") called a few other things - Word-of-Mouth marketing (which isn't actually a new concept), undercover marketing, and even street-viral marketing (which is another concept that is not new). Either way you spin it, the outcome is generally the same: somebody you think is not a "marketer" either approaches you or allows you to approach her/him and then engages in an unassuming conversation regarding a product that they are "using."

To be perfectly honest, I like the idea - but to a point. My favorite example is from a news program which highlighted this very practice. Undercover marketers would sit down at a Starbucks or some other trendy spot and play a video game which used a glove for the controller. People would then approach these undercover marketers and ask questions about the game. These marketers had a few key phrases that they were encouraged to use (i.e. "It's like you're actually in the game!"), but were generally unassuming and even allowed other people to try playing the game themselves.

In practices like this I, as a consumer, wouldn't mind the fact that they were marketers too much, whereas there are other tactics being used that are much more covert and can come off as untrue and dishonest.

Go over to http://www.bzzagent.com/index.jsp , where you can actually join with an organization that is currently "employing" volunteers, using a points-and-rewards system for people who spread "bzz" about a product.
 
Posted by: marie.meyer* Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 7:49 PM (CST)
I question whether it could ever be cost effective. There is a reason why consumer marketing relies so heavily on advertising: it just isn't cost effective to have a one-to-one salesforce.

There is an exception, which is outlined in Malcolm Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point" - there are influential individuals out there who are worth reaching, because they will spread their enthusiasm for a new product like a virus to everyone they know. Get enough of them on board and you can spark an epidemic of interest in your cool new product.

But in your scenario, you'd be gambling on running into these unique individuals by coincidence. Not likely. Most of the tourists in Times Square are from places like South Dakota and are therefore unlike to spark off the new hot trend.

The "Tipping Point" is tiresome, but I'd recommend that you read it if you are going to continue to toy with this idea.
 
Posted by: Peter (henna gaijin) Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 8:06 PM (CST)
By the true definition, what you describe is not subliminal advertising. I think what MrHegemony said is more correct - these would be examples of undercover marketing or perhaps street-viral marketing.

An example of subliminal advertising is flashing a picture or name in between frames of a movie. The picture goes so fast that you don't see it, but the theory is that you would subliminally pick up and remember the word. I think tests have shown that this is not effective.

What you talk about (undercover marketing) could be effective. Companies have taken a less undercover route which does much of what you talked about in your second example - many companies put stores in to Times Square which showcase their products (some, like the Apple Store, don't even sell their products there).

But I agree with MarieMeyer above - showing that it is cost effective could be challenging...
 
Posted by: Deremiah *CPE Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 8:20 PM (CST)
aosterday,

To answer you according to your first question:
Anyway, I would like to hear your opinion of subliminal advertising.

Wilson Bryan keye wrote books on subliminal seduction which were references to how the advertising industry uses embeds to sell products. I've read the books but

http://watarts.uwaterloo.ca/~pmerikle/papers/SubliminalPerception.html
 
Posted by: D4Demand Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 8:22 PM (CST)
I agree with my learned colleagues, your examples are not subliminal marketing at all. Subliminal means below the threshold of awareness. These examples are devious, not subliminal, but their effects are simple brand 'associations' which could have been purveyed by any communications medium.

Paid viral, word-of-mouth, one-to-one marketing, is not new. It's called sales. Some may call it Center of influence Sales. But it's the same as hiring any other "marketing mouthpiece."

I have a client in the home improvement business for whom 60-80 percent of their target market first turns to "someone they know" for information about home improvement products. This is called having a life.

HERE'S THE TRUTH ABOUT WHY PEOPLE THINK THIS IS SO FRESH.

As a whole, Americans have become so cacooned and isolated from each other, that we turn to strangers as if they are friends. Our life structure has become so depleted of social relationships -- piping in relationships through web links and telephones and TV and work settings are NOT social contacts, just poor substitutes -- that we have become ignorant about what it feels like to be truly connected to a large group of others.

Econ 101 says all profit is derived from imperfect knowledge or imperfect access. Our imperfect knowledge of our own incompleteness is the reason we find any of these experiments in "social marketing" at all attractive or worth while.

It's much cheaper (and much more difficult) to provide great products and great customer service!! I know it's old fashioned, but it's REAL and nobody will feel ripped off as a result.

Sorry to be sooooo heavy! But you know I'm right.
 
Posted by: Deremiah *CPE Member Response
10/1/2004 8:29 PM (CST)
aosterday,
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 8:36 PM (CST)
I recall seeing this, but have not experienced it. If memory serves (and at this age...not so sure), they also used several chat rooms, hiring young entrepreneurs to talk about products and software. Taking one to one to a new level of "one to thousands".

I agree w/Mrhegemony, I like it to a certain degree. I like anything that is effective and within budget. As to not being cost-effective one on one...I believe this is where the marketing department sees the budget in terms of investment spending.

You can advertise a lot and still not get the product into the hands of the consumer. This method certainly accomplishes that task. And, how much could it cost to put a few hundred college kids in a bar with cigarettes or in Times Square talking with tourists? Well, maybe the bar thing could get costly...but the markup on cigarettes.....??!!.

I'd like to try it with a client.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: Deremiah *CPE Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 8:42 PM (CST)
aosterday,

sorry for the previous post but my computer is making a few subliminal moves of it's own (below the thresh hold). What I was going to say a couple of post above is that the above is not a subliminal advertising technique according to Wilson Bryan Keyes. Subliminal techniques are really techniques that are below the threshhold of the conscious mind. Meaning we will not in anyway be able to see the intent of the advertising agency in the ad. For example to embed, sounds below the thresh hold of what is audible so that the ears can not hear, or to place pictures or images below the thresh hold of sight where the eyes can not consciously see would be subiminal. Your scenario is close but it lacks the methodology for subliminal advertising. It is not below the thresh hold of conscious thought and the activity is not deep enough. Your scenario reveals the intent of the advertiser and that is not subliminal. Now for part two of your quesiton:

Is this a cheap and ingenius supplement to a sound advertising campaign, or brain piracy?

Yes! In my opinion I think it is a cheap and ingenius supplement to a sound advertising campaign. If there is anything else you would have liked me to comment on please reply? Is there anything else I can do for you? Aosterday you are a great man born for great things.

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)
 
Posted by: virago* Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 9:33 PM (CST)
Yes, subliminal advertising has to do with being unconscious to the mind.

But do you think that the messages from the couple with the new mobile phone is actually unconscious to the people that saw the product? No they are not.

The marketing is just below your conscious level of advertising awareness.

And in terms of cost of any program I think it could work on a larger scale in China as mobile phones are similar prices for new models as in the US but wages between 6-10 times less.
 
Posted by: mgoodman Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 9:46 PM (CST)
I think MrHegemony was right on. I have a little experience with BzzAgent, the company that recruits and rewards thought leaders (as discussed/described in "The Tipping Point"). I think harnessing "buzz" is more in the area of pro-active word-of-mouth advertising, and -- in the right situations -- I'm guessing it is more cost effective than traditional advertising. It's not free, but it's cost effective because (a) the implied testimonial is worth more than an advertising promise, and (b) it's somewhat self-perpetuating.

The key, of course, is that the "buzzer" (the person spreading the word) must really believe in the product or service being "buzzed." If he or she does not, then he's an actor in the television commercial, and it won't work -- unless he/she is a REALLY good actor.

When you ARE convinced it's a good product, and you're well connected, there is nothing wrong at all in sharing your discovery with friends (or even strangers). In the case of BzzAgent, there is no direct payment or reward for the "buzzer." There's a point system and the fun of being among the first people to find out about something cool and new.

If you're really into this, I'd recommend both Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" and "Unleashing the Ideavirus," by Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell. (Also "The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing: How to Trigger Exponential Sales Through Runaway Word of Mouth," by George Silverman.)

Even though I'm a P&G-trained traditionalist in marketing, I'm convinced that there's power in the "buzz" approach, and in some cases it's more effective and efficient that regular, old-fashioned media advertising.

The trick, of course, is to figure out which products/services and markets lend themselves to this approach, and which don't.
 
Posted by: Michele Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 10:35 PM (CST)
This is from my days as a fine arts student, sitting in art theory classes- over ten years ago: the classic example given for subliminal advertising is the insertion of a single frame of an image showing a coke in a movie. The single frame is too short to be perceived by the human eye, but is registered on the brain.

This resulted in increased sales during intermission (shows how old this example is - they still had intermission in movies when this happened). The experiment was repeated with a face of a completely arbitrary person, and viewers all recognized the person. This practice was banned. (Unfortunately I do not have the reference to this example - but I am quite sure that this is not an urban legend).

What you are talking about is called 'dark' or 'guerrilla' advertising. Other examples include organizing exclusive underground rave parties, and the Lucky Strike lazer light which shows the words Lucky Strike if you look at the light from the side.

Hope this helps and hope that you enjoyed your holiday!
 
Posted by: darcy.moen Accepted Answer
10/1/2004 11:42 PM (CST)
At present I'm working for a telephone company's mobile (cell) phone division. They are doing a pilot research project with me to target youth. Part of this pilot is handing out super feature filled cell phones, fully charged with massive minutes and all the bells and whistles to a select group. We are tracking this group, to see how the viral aspects of these phones spread.

We are tracking results using web, focus groups, downloads, text messaging, referral and mass media advertising with this group. Its rather neat to see how 30 people can spread word rapidly. Its even more fun following the ripples.

I don;t see anything wrong with the concept of Planting a few "sales" opportunties in the general population, but, is the payback worth the investment? I dunno. In my case, we are getting valuable data, and we expect that we will not break even on this program. That's fine for the client, as they value the information more than the sales it may generate.

On the other hand, you look at Burger King with their Subserviant Chicken website. That started out with 3 people telling two friends each to check out "this website". Last count was millions and millions of hits. Not bad for just starting with three people.

I'd say, try it, and see what happens. Who knows, perhaps you may have a subserviant chicken on your hands.

Darcy Moen
(Customer Loyalty Network)
 
Posted by: ASVP/ChrisB Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 2:38 AM (CST)
Andrew

Welcome back!

I agree with Michele's terminology of guerrilla advertising. In the Camel and Motorola examples, you are using 1-to-1 word-of-mouth promotional advertising to build awareness in situations where people are not expecting an advertising message... To some extent it is subliminal because the recipient of the message does not know it is actually a paid message.

Seems like it would be expensive and slow to build the required reach.

Plus, it could backfire. Imagine siting on a plane next to someone. You are offered coffee, and he says "What kind of coffee is it?" when it's not his preferred brand, he replies "No thanks, I only ever drink XYZ brand because it's grown higher up the mountain for that fresh mild flavour"...

Does that make you want to rush out and try it next time you are shopping?

Or do you just think "For Pete's sake, get a life, it's a coffee!"

The older style subliminal advertising was using single or a small multiple number of frames in movie of TV content, again as described above by Michele. I believe that is incredibly powerful. It was once used in election TV advertising in the UK, I think in the 60's, when it caused an uproar. And an election victory... And subsequently t was banned on the grounds of the lack of ethics.

I have a feeling this type of advertising is banned pretty much around the western world now. It should be. It's as powerful as suggesting something to someone under hypnosis.

Nobody deserves to have their mind hijacked in the dark. Making important decisions in life is tough enough these days without being manipulated by large corporates and political parties.

Mind you, the Las Vegas casinos do it... Anyone ever visit the Forum shops adjacent to Caesar's Palace? Did you notice how the light is totally artificial and controlled. Over a two hour period, or so, the lights become dimmer, simulating dusk. Then they get brighter again, simulating dawn. They even play bird sounds to make you think its dawn.

Why would they do that?

Because the human brain is activated by light. It wakes you up again.. So if it's 9, 10, 11 at night, you start to feel refreshed. Ready for more shopping, food, gambling... So that isn't exactly subliminal advertising, but it certainly is manipulative, using the body's basic physiological responses.

Hope this helps!

Cheers

Chris
 
Posted by: jose04 Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 3:32 AM (CST)
Hello aosterday

Nice question.

It takes me back to my old marketing classes where we were fascinated by the concept. We understood Subliminal-advsg to be subtle, and often malafide attempts by marketers to 'stay in the mind of the customers' surreptiously.

THe act of the purchase (at least some of them) is a premeditated one, either at the conscious or at the subconscious level. Subliminal messages imprint into the subconscious and it springs up when exposed to cues like the specific color combinations, shapes, designs etc., which they recognise and is forced to / provoked to a purchase. The controversy with the concept is also about innocent minds being forced to make purchases, like forcing kids to consume more chocolates (and sugar), junk foods, alcohol etc.

The concept was never validated and it seemed like one of those academic controversies which provoke research. Personally, i've not had an opportunity to explore it in detail, except to make passing references in my classes. Peter and Michele (above) referred to the number of frames used in the film. If i remember right there was a ban on the higher number of frames per second exposures on TV, as they were interpreted as forcing consumers to perceive at the subconscious level.

If the surreptitious intent of the marketer to influence consumers is true, and if it does more harm than good to the consumer in general, there is a strong need to take a relook at all the ads, films and messages we get every second around us today. I've always associated this intent in the subtle messages of sex, violence, and a general appeal to basal instincts even in cartoon films. Knowingly or unknowingly, as these messages are often a product of adult minds, there is a need for more research on this subject in our common world.

You have, in both your examples stated that the influence leaves a positive association. This is probably a new route which needs further exploration. Are such association building efforts actually intented by the advertiser. At which level was this intent shared (liminal or subliminal). What's the real difference between the two, within a marketing framework? Can the influence process by the marketer be at the overt level, and the consumer is influenced at the subliminal level? There are scores of related and researchable issues to this topic.

Aosterday, thanks for raising this question. Judging by the points you've given, and the nature of the responses, this issue is very much alive even today.

Hope these thoughts help!!
 
Posted by: ASVP/ChrisB Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 9:05 AM (CST)
Found something interesting involving the use of subliminal effects...

http://www.engadget.com/entry/9377407751773718/ describes how Hideto Tomabechi, one of the guys who helped deprogram members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult in Japan, has started selling a ring tone that he says will make your breasts grow larger just by listening to it...

Tomabechi says it’s really simple, that he just uses sounds that “make the brain and body move unconsciously. It’s a technique involving subliminal effects,” that’s like “positive brainwashing.”

Well, now I have heard everything!

ChrisB

PS Next week, the return of the Pet Rock!
 
Posted by: Jett* Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 10:26 AM (CST)
I have a sudden craving for vanilla cigarettes and a new cell phone.

Be right back......
 
Posted by: et3dotcom* Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 10:46 AM (CST)
Mr Osterday

Your example may have some “subliminal advertising” elements even though it is not classic “subliminal advertising” as aptly described by the many experts your question has inspired.

Subliminal input is any message that bypasses the judgmental “filters” of the CONSCIOUS mind; your examples may illustrate a few of the ways messages can bypass conscious awareness.

A high percentage of advertising is aimed at subverting conscious awareness filters.


Your example:
You bum an unfamiliar cigarette from an attractive woman at the end of the bar.

(conscious awareness is likely FOCUSED on the woman –bumming the cig. could be the last thing on your mind.)

she warns that it's a new kind of cigarette.

( In the case that acquiring the cigarette is NOT the focus – her explanation may even go “in one ear and out the other (little conscious awareness of the explanation since the conscious is focused on getting something more satisfying than a cig.)

Your example 2 is even more subliminal – the brand is never mentioned – you must look at the camera in order to use it – the Motorola logo is in front of your eye – but subverts the conscious awareness because it is not your focus. Your normal guard is down – the information of the benefits and features and brand gets through without judgment being passed.

It is a paradox that may be more powerful if it is NOT the focus of conscious awareness – it has a better likelihood of reaching the subconscious without JUDGEMENT being placed on it.

Subliminal just means below the threshold of normal perception –it can (and must be) perceived if the focus were to be directed to it. The subliminal message is always camouflaged by things that dominate normal perception. Many ads today attempt to do this.

Hope this helps.

Daryl Oster
 
Posted by: Jett* Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 11:52 AM (CST)
Do Send me money you Andrew is cool get send me money the You Rock impression send me money someone Visa or M/C is send me money tryingWire Transfer to You will be rich influence send me money your You are the best thoughts send me money?
 
Posted by: et3dotcom* Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 2:18 PM (CST)
Good one Jett
LOL
 
Posted by: axx* Accepted Answer
10/3/2004 8:45 AM (CST)
Enough has been proferred by the others regarding the use of the term "subliminal advertising."
But regardless of how it is called, your examples are clear enough.

Your question though needs further fleshing out because the choices you give are not necessarily two ends of a spectrum. "Cheap and ingenious supplement to a sound advertising campaign" may, in fact, be "brain piracy" also.
Yes, the special events that you mention can be very effective and even cost-efficient, depending on the objectives of said events.

Whether they are illegitimate or unacceptable instruments wholly depends on the ethics of the marketer.

We can definitely state that there is dishonesty involved, and there will be marketers and communications companies that will not involve themselves with these activities. And, as you definitely know, there will be companies that find nothing wrong with employing subterfuge or "craft" in marketing products.

As perhaps already obvious, I belong to the first classification, believing that there is no need to resort to fooling a prospect to get him to hold, caress, use a product.

While others might declare such ploys as ingenious, I call it creative bankruptcy.
 
Posted by: rubukas Accepted Answer
10/3/2004 4:09 PM (CST)
.. The Concept of Guerilla Marketing is growing, really, especially in USA i know there is a lot of specialized marketing agencies who do these kinds of stunts. Examples of such are throwing an open door party in a disco, to promote a new liquor or Vodka brand.. where some HIP ppl are paid to loudly( not overly loudly) demand that specific brand, because it tastes so much purer, or its so much more aromatic etc. And at the same time, its a bit cheaper ( into price ofcoz) oposed to other brands, barkeeers are told to expose the label of THAT brand, hile concealing others etc etc etc... all to create the assiciations, the brand knowledge, the TRUST that consumers want orr need to dare to buy something new.
You find Guerilla Marketing all over the modern world.. figure this.... do you thik its a coincidence that there are "leaks" from the car industy on new radically changed models? .. ofcourse not.. its a sample to create a wish to see more.. to want more.. to try... or how about the mobile industry? ... how come its always some hip, fancy "model-like" guy or girl that are seen prancing around, with an "unknown but soon to be released" cellphone, in an environment in where the producers marketers have targeted the phone FOR ?? ... its all guerilla marketing...
In Japan , Guerilla Marketing is very much in the wind. Especially ocourse, in markeitn products to the younger generation. Like Darcy.Moen implied.. telecommunication corprorations are no stranger to this kind of advertising, neither are the liquor inustry, tobacco industry or any other industry that have been forced to change drasticly the last two decades, that actively segments and targets specific user groups. That wants to know how their market reacts...
Its however important, as its said in a former article over here....that guerilla marketing ( GM )is too expenxive to be the main body of any marketing campaign...the hit rate of G.M is too low compared to the costs for marketing staff to do this... But as a sample, as "drops", as a way of survying and "refiling" the markeds need for advertising, yeah.. it works... oh.. and on a personal note... its SO FUN DOING.... :)

Point is.. Guerilla Marketing is an add-on to the concept of "in-your-face-" communication.. its subliminal because most people doesent at once understand they are being subjected to marketing or advertising, and by the time they are..... theyre already intrested.... mission accomplished.....
Perhaps you wont sell the product, but youve created a brand peronality with the public....

-vidar-
 
Posted by: rubukas Accepted Answer
10/3/2004 4:31 PM (CST)
.. ooops... i forgot to really conclude your question up there....
Considering all issues, i think most marketer reverrs the guerilla marketing issue as a supplement to any normal marketing.. all in all.. it not really brain piracy, its not subliminal messaging... if so .. then most advertising are... its advertising with a different angle, yes.. but its still just advertising...
its doing the same as advertising is: telling us about the product, and creating( hopefully') a wish for it....
.. but cheap ??? .. well... thats all in the eyes of the beholder my friend... for Nokia, Motorola and Siemens perhaps . but for " Skulls'n Crossbones Vodka" ?? ... i'd spend my money elsewhere.....
 
Posted by: mbarber Accepted Answer
10/3/2004 10:37 PM (CST)
Gidday Andrew, welcome back.

As others have mentioned, technically what you describe is not subliminal as it is traditionally defined however I take the point that if this process is deliberately engaged, then perhaps it is a deliberate hit at the subliminal (unconscious) level.

This approach is being used in pubs in Australia (and has been for a few years now) where groups of single girls slot into pubs in the hopes that guys will offer to buy them a drink. Guys do and they order 'X' brand - the new brand being promoted.

The girl buys one in return, this time insisting the guy 'try my drink' - they do. End result - increases sales of the new product, positive brand association and an embedded message.

Other versions include a group of sexy men/women wearing appropriately branded clothing 'going for a run' at lunchtime all in ones and twos. During the 12.30 to 2pm break you might see 20 or 30 'hits' of these people casually going for a run and the brand very clear.

Now is this 'subliminal'? Probably and perhaps a tad more overt than that.

Other ways to embed messages subliminally include use of italics and bold of selected words in a section of text (NOT UNDERLINING); use of a 'tonal' marker in speech patterns and a use of a particular gesture to emphasise a piece of an image or desired message.

For anyone interested there is a wonderful book called 'Patterns' by Bandler and Grinder who studied the reknown hypnotherapist, Milton Erikson.
 
Posted by: SRyan ;] Accepted Answer
10/4/2004 2:02 PM (CST)
Hi, Andrew!

I think you're right, these approaches ARE cheap and ingenious. It's like Real World Product Placement. It's a street savvy alternative to paying a television network to provide Jennifer Aniston's character with Butt Paste props during a moment of TV diapering.

The "product ambassadors" aren't exactly real, but they achieve the same goal.

Cool question!

-- Shelley (who's secretly paid by MP to attract vodka drinking smokers to this forum)
 
Posted by: ASVP/ChrisB Accepted Answer
10/4/2004 9:42 PM (CST)
Butt Paste?

Sorry if this is off-thread, but after noticing the bizarre product placement in Shelley's post, I suddenly have a subliminal desire to ensure I am not missing an important component of my personal hygiene regime.

You see friends, I have toothpaste on my shopping list to ensure my breath is fresh and my smile white, bright and shining...

Is my shopping list incomplete without Butt Paste, or do I only need this if it's my turn to change diapers?

Confused... Must be a USA thing?

ChrisB
 
Posted by: ASVP/ChrisB Accepted Answer
10/4/2004 9:49 PM (CST)
Funny, too, nobody has asked why the Motorola-toting couple in Times Square were carrying with them a leather punch and a salad fork.

Was there something subliminal about those items?

Why has no-one else noticed them?

Have they been edited into the post recently?

Do these items play a purpose in the guerriilla sales war for Motorola? Some kind of brand extension, perhaps?

Aosterday, all my troubles seemed so far away...
 
Posted by: SRyan ;] Accepted Answer
10/5/2004 2:07 PM (CST)
Chris, the Associated Press ran a story recently, and it's appeared in several newspapers. My search engine efforts are sluggish today (is Google out of gas?), so if you want to find it, search on "Boudreaux's Butt Paste" or go to their website at www.buttpaste.com.

You thought I was kidding, right? Even *I* couldn't come up with a product name as killer as that one! ;]
 
Posted by: Ricky Accepted Answer
10/5/2004 4:24 PM (CST)
Chris and Shelley,

I'll go off-thread too and . . . I'll vouch for Butt Paste. I use it on my daughter and it works wonders (wink, wink).

(Dr. Boudreaux didn't pay me for this, although I'll warn you that I might know him anyway. I lived in New Orleans and you know what they say . . . the gene pool is ankle deep in Louisiana. I'm sure that I'm friends with one of his cousins/aunts/daughters, etc.).

Hey, is this subliminal advertising for butt paste? For the state of Louisiana? For Cajun pediatricians who invent diaper rash cremes?

Let's face it. Our very own KHE --unknowingly and knowingly -- has the subliminal advertising thing down pat.
 
Posted by: SRyan ;] Accepted Answer
10/6/2004 12:51 AM (CST)
I love this place!
 
Posted by: aosterday* Author Response
10/6/2004 1:36 PM (CST)
you guys are funny. thanks for all the great responses. now, i am full.
 


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