Advertising, Best Practices, Business, Consumer, Guyana, Industry, Shock

Are you ‘for or against’ Shock Advertising?

An excerpt from Wikipedia states:

Shock advertisements can be shocking and offensive for a variety of reasons, and violation of social, religious, and political norms can occur in many different ways. They can include a disregard for tradition, law or practice (e.g., lewd or tasteless sexual references or obscenity), defiance of the social or moral code (e.g., vulgarity, brutality, nudity, feces, or profanity) or the display of images or words that are horrifying, terrifying, or repulsive (e.g., gruesome or revolting scenes, or violence). Some advertisements may be considered shocking, controversial or offensive not because of the way that the advertisements communicate their messages but because the products themselves are “unmentionables” not to be openly presented or discussed in the public sphere. Examples of these “unmentionables” may include cigarettes, feminine hygiene products, or contraceptives. However, there are several products, services or messages that could be deemed shocking or offensive to the public. For example, advertisements for weight loss programs, sex/gender related products, clinics that provide AIDS and STD testing, funeral services, groups that advocate for less gun control, casinos which naturally support and promote gambling could all be considered controversial and offensive advertising because of the products or messages that the advertisements are selling. Shocking advertising content may also entail improper or indecent language, like French Connection‘s “fcuk” campaign.


Facebook Business Pages vs. Websites

Do you believe Facebook Business Pages steal the thunder from traditional websites, given its amazing ease of interaction with users and consumers? Worse, do you see websites being replaced by them all together? What does the future hold? Let’s hear your thoughts!


Advertising legends who walked on water | Pt. 2






“Ice cubes likely sell more alcohol for the distilling industry than attractive models in cheesecake poses. The inconspicuous ice cubes often hide the invisible sell – invisible, that is, to the conscious mind.” Wilson Bryan Key

“I have learned to respect ideas, wherever they come from. Often they come from clients. Account executives often have big creative ideas, regardless of what some writers think.” Leo Burnett

“Creative without strategy is called ‘art.’ Creative with strategy is called ‘advertising.'” Jef I. Richards

“Creativity is an advertising agency’s most valuable asset, because it is the rarest.” Jef I. Richards


Rest in peace David.

Voiceovergy joins the entire Advertising Community in extending its deepest condolences to the family and employees of the late David King.

David, a long standing advertising man, never failed to remain optimistic in the line of his profession. He was good at heart, had a candid sense of humor and always brought joy and laughter to the people around him.

His contribution to advertising in Guyana will forever be remembered.

Rest in peace David. Now is your chance to crack some jokes in heaven (and if you get the time, put in a good word for your other Advertising Fellows down here, will you?).

:: sharon