Comments on: UPDATE: Target ads, television news, and why I should get a life

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:20:28 +0000

Noticed today that Target’s annual earning statements have dropped substantially. If you, Lisa, or you, Brandi, had anything to do with it, I applaud you both!

By: Brandi

Brandi — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:38:07 +0000

It is clear to me that morality in this country is nonexistent…we are so desensitized that we cannot even see the subliminal messages anymore. I think people forget the time and research that is put into the advertising business, they have found that sex sells and have been using it for so long that a picture like this does not offend us. If this picture had been on a small ad in the middle of a flyer I would have dismissed it as human error but to place it in Time Square, which tells me that much time and effort was placed on the ad. Ad agencies do not just snap a photo and through it out there for the public, they analyze every little detail. I would be very surprised if the people who put this ad together never once gave the sex appeal of it a single thought. I am very thankful that there are people out there that can think for themselves and are willing to stand up with morals that this country has forgotten. And to say that because she is fully dressed and not half naked means it is not sexual is completely ignorant.

So thank you Lisa Ray for standing up for your morals in. What is right is not always popular. And what is popular is not always right.

By: Anne

Anne — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 01:55:55 +0000

I would term your method of presentation as self-assured, confident and at ease with your observations. I drew satisfaction is viewing your interview as thinking “this woman believes in what she is saying…there is no hesitation in her mind…” The term “smug” is pure definition. I, personally, did contact Target after this interview to question them as to their actual intent with this ad. I expressed tp them, my dismay in my perception of the ad. Their reply consisted of the following terminology….” I’m sorry to hear you’re disappointed with our billboard ad, but I hope you’ll accept our apologies.” What does that tell me? That Target is issuing apologies for an ad that many, many are accepting as the norm. Jumping on the bandwagon is a more correct terminology for Target promoters. I would be glad to forward the entire Target letter, along with signature, position, etc., if interested.

By: Lisa @ Corporate Babysitter

Lisa @ Corporate Babysitter — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:30:01 +0000

Jason, Chili, MBGITH, Mom, Amber and Anne: Thanks for your kind words and support!

Amanda: I don’t think just because you don’t see anything offensive about the ad that I’m ludicrous. Isn’t it possible that we just see things differently?

And, you are right about the Target comment I made, and I guess it wasn’t directed at the people who were respectfully disagreeing, it was directed at the comments like this one: “As a matter of fact i will go out and buy things I do not need just because it may offend you…I am going shopping at target tommorrow and the next day. Just to ” offend” YOU.”

Ontario Emperor: You’re kidding. Is that true?

Better Communicator: Boy, smug is the last thing I want to be, but I’m not surprised I came off that way. It was the first time I’ve ever done anything like that. My real issue, however, wasn’t presented at all — how sexist images affect how young girls see themselves and how it affects their growth and development. You may argue that it’s not a sexist image — which is fine — but just because you don’t think it is doesn’t mean that there aren’t others who do. Same goes for the Target logo. Not everyone automatically associates the bullseye with Target Corporation. I understand the importance of branding, but not everyone’s brain is geared that way. Am I still sounding smug? I do have to work on that.

By: Better Communicator

Better Communicator — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:35:35 +0000

I think the main issue I have with the interview was your smug attitude that everyone should be offended by this ad. I don’t think that was from editing. You didn’t come off as a compassionate and caring person, which I am sure you are. I was just irritated with how you presented your issue.

I don’t love Target, but Target has been using their bulleye trademark for advertisement for a long time. It goes perfectly in line with their winter theme.

By: Ontario Emperor

Ontario Emperor — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:58:31 +0000

To me, the most fascinating part of this is the story of Target and bloggers. It turns out that Robert Scoble met with some Target PR and marketing people a couple of years ago, and spent some time telling them how influential blogs can me. Apparently the message didn’t penetrate Target.