(Why subliminal advertising works)
Potential customer enters store.
“I’d like ten Fruit candies, please.”
Store owner rummages.
“Here you go!”
“These are not Fruit candies.”
“Oh yes, they are: red cherry, dark cherry, frutti di bosco, lemon, lime, pineapple, etc. All fruits.”
“But they are not from the Fruit company.”
“Sorry, we don’t carry those.”
“But they are widely advertised.”
“I’m sure you’d be happy with these. My own children love them.”
“They are not the same. Everybody eats Fruit nowadays. Ever watch movies? Even in the movies everybody eats them.”
“The taste of these is very good. And, as you can see, this company uses only natural flavorings.”
“But they are not seen on TV.”
“They are also much less expensive. Besides being delicious.”
“They are not what kids want now. Only Fruit is Fruit. Why, they’re even patented!”
Store owner turns around.
“And so is my ass. See that? A-S-S TM. Fully in trend and all my own.”
Gasp and exit.
– James Steerforth (© 2014)
