Extra Credit Response

Response to Arianne Judy’s Week #3 Question #2

The Super Bowl is one of the largest television events in America every year. It draws millions of people to come watch; some for the football, but many for the advertisements. Because of this known attraction to the commercials then, many companies spend millions making ads that will only be seen once during the game, but always make a lasting impact. The reason I believe these ads are so sticky then is because they are in fact, Super Bowl ads. The money and time that is spent on these commercials is astronomical, and the commercials are known worldwide for being some of the most influential in America.

The reason I believe Woodward and Denton bring up the idea that ads must be “duplicated many times” for them to work is because that is the norm. Of course when there are special preconceived notions of the advertisements, they will be sticky without being played over and over, just as those in the Super Bowl. One example I can think of is the new GEICO commercials that all play the same song. Whenever a person who has seen this advertisement repeatedly hears that song now, they will most likely think of GEICO. If, however, this commercial was played just once during the Super Bowl, a time when everyone is waiting and looking out for the advertisements, seeing the commercial once would most likely give the same affect.

In order to create a message that will stick with people, without making them tired of it, is a very hard job. Advertisers work for hours in order to persuade their audience that this is a product or service that they need. Many ads though or not designed to get you to buy, but simply keep the company in your thoughts. No matter what the intent is though, some advertisements will always be more impactful than others. During the Super Bowl we prepare for and take part in the advertising frenzy, and that is why those messages are stickier to us even after one view.