It's an Advertisement

Remember, it’s an advertisement.

When the guy on the radio tells you to act now while supplies last, remember it’s an advertisement, one that will air for several weeks, so there must be enough supply to justify the cost of the advertisement.

When you see that link along the side or bottom of a newspaper’s website, remember it’s an advertisement. And though the link might take you to a site like “Never Seen Pictures From the Sixties” or “Shocking Photos Of Your Favorite Stars,” the website is just an advertisement for a slew of more advertisements.

When that average person on the radio gives his comments and advice on his portfolio and finances, remember that person is an actor, because it’s an advertisement. Most commercial actors don't have a portfolio, a retirement account, a nest egg, bankroll, or enough cash in their pocket to afford fries with their burger. They are reading from a script, because it’s an advertisement.

When you see a dozen product stickers and decals on the rear window of a car or truck, remember each one is an advertisement. Tons of money were not dumped into free stickers to make the vehicle driver look cool; the companies spent the cash knowing full well their product ad would be placed on a rolling billboard resulting in the generation of tons more cash. And if the car and truck owners were wise, they would charge the companies a monthly fee, just like stationary billboard owners do.

When you read the benefits on the wrapper or container of a product, remember those product descriptions are advertisements. Those eggs advertised as “health promoting” may not be any different than regular, cheaper eggs; that entree billed as low-fat may have a boatload of sodium and the low sodium alternative may contain globs more fat; and those organic vegetarian burgers may be worse for your body than steak tartar. Those banners and blurbs on packaging are designed to sell product, likely for a higher price than the competition’s.

When you see the commercial for the car speeding down a country road or shimmering under city lights, or for the truck navigating over rough terrain or hauling a gazillion pounds of building materials, remember it's an advertisement. And remember, the ad will not remind you that you are more likely to be stuck in traffic than alone on a road, you have no reason to drive over boulders, and that you will probably not haul more than you can lift in three minutes. The ad will not tell you about the company’s recalls, quality problems, and the drunk guy on the line assembling essential pieces. It won't tell you about the material cost of the parts in the car, and the huge sticker price markup. It won't tell you how much the CEO is stealing from the workers with his bloated paycheck and bonuses, and that he earned those bonuses for moving the assembly plant from Iowa to China.

If it promotes a product in any way, remember, it’s an advertisement, the company is selling something, and they are trying as hard as hell to get you to buy it.