I really enjoyed all of Chapter 13 of Epstein because it can be directly related to certain concepts of my major. I am an advertising major, and we are all about pitching a product or service, and selling it by putting all the best feet forward. It’s a bit manipulative toward customers, and that’s what Chapter 13 illustrates in terms of numbers.
I especially noticed the “two times zero is still zero” concept that is really very applicable to advertising. It’s kind of like when a new restaurant is promoting their menu, and say “We served three times as many tables as yesterday.”
Okay... But what if yesterday, there was only one table to be served? Then that means today, they still only served three tables and while the words “three times as many” appeals to us because it sounds like a great gain, but it’s such a misleading claim that we may just contrarily be eating at a very... slow... restaurant.
That type of number manipulation is a great way to slant the argument, isn't it? As a person in advertising, I bet you'll run into it a lot. In fact, sometimes it may be the only good thing to be said. You will need to be inventive and look for the good in things, even if it's minimal in order to sell your client's product. This is why I don't trust advertising.
ReplyDeleteSome companies are more open than others. They try to create real customers, who will return to them frequently. Some are just interested in the momentary up-tick.
I took my brother mattress shopping last weekend. We went to a place where I've already bought two mattresses. Why? The service and attention were magnificent - and we got a good price. I know they advertise, but I've never seen one of their ads.