I know a lot of companies are jumping on the “green marketing” band-wagon… good for them! This latest offering from Apple is not unique, or even all that interesting. Isn’t it great an ad that is certainly virtuous is common?
Think this industry is moving in the right direction!
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Name: Lisa
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Bio: I'm a senior at Southern Methodist University, majoring in psychology and advertising. Not the typical university student, I'm the mother of two faaaaabulous children who are incredibly active and keep me running all the time. When I grow up (assuming that actually happens one day), I aspire to be an account planner at an ad agency that consistently produces virtuous advertising.
4 Comments
March 1st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I think this is a good commercial, but I think companies need to start differentiating themselves in some other way than “going green.” At first it was a cool way to advertise and now when I see commercials like this I really do think of them as just “jumping on the bandwagon.” I am sure Apple probably really does care about the environment, but at the same time it makes me wonder if they are really just doing it to sell more computers.
March 1st, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I do agree that advertising is moving in the right direction, however I feel that applies to only large and successful companies. I think PI attorneys among many others will always have non-creative and non-virtuous advertising, and that it takes a certain level of profitability and respect to be a highly virtuous advertiser. Hopefully this trend will continue down through the ranks, but I definitely find it interesting that just as the case with humans, one must be successful before he can be monetarily kind to others.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Yea I too am a little tired of the whole ‘going green’ trend. Differentiation is difficult now when it comes to being environmentally efficient. Also I didn’t know that batteries die so often, I’m on my laptop that I got as a senior in high school with no battery issues. Go Dell! Advertisements are going to have to strive to individualize themselves from competitors, meaning more creative approaches to reach their consumers. I would have to go with Jamie and think that Apple really just wants to sell more computers.
I have heard that computer companies have just mentioned features that are basically on any computer from any company but people are not aware that it’s nearly universal. I kinda think that’s what Apple is doing right here. Plus running applications can double or triple how fast a battery runs out depending on how many resources are used. Then again, this MacBook could be the most efficient battery in the world, but it would take a lot to convince me how much more ‘green’ this computer is.
March 6th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I see this improved product as not just Apple’s concern for the environment, but a demonstration of them listening to consumers. The movement to “save the planet” resonates across all demographics, but especially those younger than 25.
Jamie & Tyler, you’re absolutely right. I’m sure Apple execs felt this commercial would sell more computers. But isn’t that why they’re advertising? Making money, as long as it’s done in an ethical way, is a good thing. Many would argue it should one of a company’s most important goals. Their employees and stockholders depend on it, among others. Productive companies certainly help our economy.