Is it really necessary for Tampon companies to continue to advertise on television? Must we be subjected to more portrayals of mother and daughter conversations about freshness? Do we really need these commercials demonstrating the product features using blue ink? Or women dancing down sidewalks singing the praises of plastic applicators? And my personal favourite, the one with the women passing them underneath bathroom stalls to one another. Yeah, that's a pleasant little slice of life.
Don't women realize they need these? Does this message really need to be enforced? Is there a large group of women somewhere we are having troubles converting to using these? Don't most girls just follow their mothers purchasing habits for this product?
Okay…the point of this is to not intentionally sound like a pig headed male (and I am sure I am doing a good job of that), but rather to question the appropriateness of the advertising vehicles. I understand the sensitivity and importance of the product to women. I understand it's a business. I understand that a company wants you to buy their product over the competitions. I just don't think television is necessarily the most suitable advertising vehicle for this type of product. The medium is far too visual and descriptive for this kind of feminine care product. Do we really need all these details? A show of hands for all those who know how they work?
My biggest complaint I suppose is the amount we are all subjected to these ads. The advertising for these should be highly targeted don't you think? Like very targeted! Some people just don't need to receive this message I'm guessing. We could probably try to avoid the audience spillage if you will…(there's a joke in there somewhere). Mass broadcast might not be the way to go. For example, these ads just don't seem appropriate when a family is sitting down watching TV at dinner with all the kids and grandma present.
"Wow…look at that, they fit right in your purse. Pass the gravy please."
It just doesn't seem right.
Couldn't these Tampon companies' objectives be accomplished through in store point of purchase displays? Maybe they should invest more dollars in direct mail or concentrate more on print ads in women's magazines and publications. But please, when I am watching Fraser on Television, no more ads proclaiming "now with extra absorbent wings!"
Bottom line, there are just some types of products that shouldn't be advertising via television. And I am not just talking about Tampons, but all types of sensitive hygiene products. There is a reason you don't see a lot of ads on TV for condoms, bikini waxes, and vaginal creams; it is because it is not appropriate for the large mass audience. It doesn't mean we need them any less…it's just a question of what is tasteful for the wide audience that TV speaks too. And for those who think I am being a bit prude, let me know if you want to see ads for ear and nose hair trimmers when you are watching Will & Grace?
…but that's just my opinion.
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