As you sit and watch, it’s a wise thing to remember, their purposes in entertaining you is to gain access to your pocket book. This is true not only during the commercials but during the programs themselves.

Have you ever noticed how frequently alcoholic beverages are consumed around attractive woman and luxurious environments. Products such as breakfast cereal is always turned so you can see the brand. Cars are classy, highly polished, and really fast. Clothing is always well selected. You may not be able see brands but many will want things like it.

From one of the 007 movies, people sought the little “5 minute” breathing device. When asked about the device, the standard reply was that it lasted as long as you can hold your breath. It was their way of saying it was a length of pipe with a hole in the side of it. How disappointing. If such a thing could be made, they could have sold them by the millions. In this case, they weren’t even trying to sell it.

Of course, lifestyles are being sold, very successfully I might add. Unfortunately, quite successfully from time to time. I have to wonder how many see someone hitting it big in Vegas or at a race track. Then they go somewhere and lose every penny they have.

Those operating the tracks or casinos don’t mind the false impression the loser got from the TV program or movie. Truth be told, someone likely made the decision to put the segment in the program in exchange for a little change.

I do talk about this form of advertising a lot. I think it is good to remind folks that those characters on that screen aren’t real. Mostly they aren’t even realistic. However let’s not forget the direct approach.

Here lately, they have started using the direct approach. (make your bet on this team or that player. it’s fun. besides you can get rich quick) Remember, the ad is not to give away money. They are earnestly, very earnestly, trying to get you and me to give them money. May I remind one and all, without providing anything in return. Don’t know about you. They will get none of mine.

As it is said, the fool and his money are easily separated. Best to make sure you actually get get something real in exchange for your money.