Endorsements; I Don't Get It?

Darren · #21 05/23/12, 09:24 AM

We don't teach people how to think critically. I'm not sure we ever did a good job of that. The best thing we can do for our own kids is teach them to become skeptics. There are so many examples we could use. Unfortunately our innate prejudice that helps us get through life isn't something most think about. Unconsciously we're all looking for shortcuts to make decisions even if it's something as simple as buying soap.

Add in marketing which understands us better than we understand ourselves and we are led around by the nose more than we know.

I once got called for a poll on Motorcraft's "Tough taxi tested parts" which was using Muhammed Ali as an endorser. The taxi drivers I knew had an outrageous maintenance schedule. One I knew changed oil weekly. There was more emphasis on replacing stuff before it failed and cost money in lost time.

Marketing taking advantage of prejudice.

I told the woman Muhammed Ali didn't know diddly about auto repair. For some reason Motorcraft dropped him soon after. The marketing folks were trying to get the people to link Ali's toughness and strength to auto parts' characteristics. Marketing is insidous.

If Ali is tough and he's endorsing Motorcraft, then Motorcraft parts are tough. That is BS. But that's the process and it works. That is what has turned us into a nation of consumers buying stuff we don't need. Marketing taking advantage of prejudice beats critical thinking almost every time.

FourDeuce · #22 05/23/12, 02:11 PM

If you look at the list of logical fallacies people often use, you'll see the Bandwagon Fallacy. That's probably the closest one to the celebrity endorsement concept, but one celebrite endorsement counts for a LOT of us "common" people's endorsements(according to the people who fall for the tactic).

Bandit · #23 05/23/12, 02:55 PM

I like watching the NASCAR sprint cup races on TV , but we are dropping Sprint as our cell phone provider and going back to Verizon as there local service sucks .
But for actually spending our cash to watch a race in person , we support the Modifieds and the Super Modifieds .
A race car with a weight of 2050 # with a max. limit of a 470 cu. in. motor and everything but a supercharger is legal , makes for some very exciting racing .
International Supermodified Association (ISMA) Official Website - Home
http://www.gosupers.com/sitebuilder/...-6-600x451.jpg

Ozarks Tom · #24 05/23/12, 06:39 PM

Maybe I'm easily swayed, but when Jane Fonda endorsed the North Vietnamese, I stopped watching her movies. When Colin Powell endorsed obama, I quit listening to his take on things. When Ann Coulter endorsed Romney - and trashed everyone else, I quit reading her columns.

But, Beccachow's endorsement, now that's meaningful. I definitely voting for Romney!

Darren · #25 05/23/12, 07:06 PM

I stopped being Fonda Jane when she did Barbarella. Her treason during the Vietnam War only confirmed my opinion.

unregistered41671 · #26 05/23/12, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren

I stopped being Fonda Jane when she did Barbarella. Her treason during the Vietnam War only confirmed my opinion.

It didn't help when she married ole Ted either.

Darren · #27 05/23/12, 08:18 PM

I can sort of understand the cosmetic attraction from an alternative reality aspect, but when Ted gave a billion dollars to the UN, he showed his true nature.

FourDeuce · #28 05/25/12, 10:02 AM

I see we have a new emoticon now:

Sawmill Jim · #29 05/25/12, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourDeuce

I see we have a new emoticon now:

Yep you are late need to get on

big rockpile · #30 05/25/12, 02:08 PM

Yes its kind of like my Church or Union telling me who to Vote for I've never been for one certain Party but last few years one Party has done its very best to turn me against the whole Lot.

big rockpile

beccachow · #31 05/25/12, 02:43 PM

OH, BRP, do I understand you on that one.

I HAVE to be in the FF union as a paramedic, and I hate everyone they endorse. Every time. Plus, when they endorse someone who loses, WE lose because I'm telling you what, the winners have a serious grudge against us.