Thursday, August 19, 2010

"The First Shoppable Children's Storybook"

Ugh! This ad popped up when I looked at the NY Times web page this morning and I was so shocked and horrified, I had to share it:



Ok, people are going to advertise products, and ads include more and more elaborate entertainment content. And plenty of movies for adults and teens include product placements, and it's happening more and more in books too. But what tin-eared advertising genius had the bright idea to create "the first shoppable children's storybook?" And actually be proud of it! Is this really what the world needs now?

Some of the proceeds are being donated to charity, at least...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree; it's nauseating. When I came across it, the video launched immediately (inline on the NY Times page), complete with audio.

Brad Castro said...

OK - I know I am horrible, horrible person and this is a horrible, horrible idea.

But, you know, I can't help but think it's a little bit brilliant at the same time.

MtnMama said...

RL has always been at the forefront of vapid extreme consumerism. Years and years ago, I remember getting the Fall Spiegel catalog (once anticipated with great excitement - I think it was 1980) and the first few pages were all RL. I distinctly remember a $750 belt. Seven hundred and fifty dollars for a belt. He lost me then, and never got me back. The world he lives in is a magical place, alright. But it sure isn't real, and it isn't good.

Anonymous said...

i acutally went to their website and it's quite interesting as a marketing idea. however, the pace of the "story" is way too slow for either adults or children and there's hardly any point to the story anyways.