Subject: Advertising threads From: curtmonash@monash.com (Curt A. Monash) Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 14:44:25 -0400

Vin Crosbie wisely admits possible bias when making the following point:

"* Do viewers of U.S. broadcast TV channels, for which they NEVER have to pay
any monthly or annual subscription or hidden fees, object to the presence of
commercials on those channels?  Demonstrably no. Those viewers don't mind
the presence of commercials in exchange for totally free service and free
programming (free content)."

In fact, a significant fraction of the viewing populace gets "broadcast TV"
across cable.  And many cable-only channels take ads too.

Personally, I don't watch TV much any more.  But I zap ads just as fast as I
can, irrespective of medium.  (That goes for ads on rented videocassettes, too.)

That's not to say I'm morally opposed to advertising; I just don't like
things demanding fixed slots of my time when I'm not really interested in them.
- -----------------
Changing subjects (but the threads are mingled anyway):

Steve suggests that a "sanctioned" infomercial saves the sponsor from
flaming.  He's right.  If people think the ad is inappropriate, they'll
flame him instead.  All sarcasm aside, that IS a benefit to the advertiser.

Interesting question:  How much endorsement by Steve of the infomericial's
substance is assumed, implied, or desired?  (Desired by the advertiser?
Desired by us?)

And how much discussion of the infomercial's substance will ensue on the list?



My bottom line:  The way to gain the "right" to post an ad is to contribute
to the general good.  That can be done by

A)  Posting usefully and thoughtfully
B)  Paying money.

Option A probably works better, as it also makes your ad more likely to be
received with open, serious minds; but option B, fully costed, is cheaper.

On the other hand, for a short period of time, B also has the benefit of
novelty value.  You can be sure that the first infomercial will be most
carefully read and considered -- and then mercilessly dissected.




Curt A. Monash, Ph.D.
President, Monash Information Services
Editor and Publisher, Monash Software Letter
curtmonash@monash.com or, for the duration of our tenure with Internet
"service" provider TIAC, curtmonash@aol.com

http://www.monash.com
61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023
Phone:  212-315-3120 Fax:  212-399-3268
(Stay tuned for our Lexington address/phones)

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