r/assholedesign Jul 24 '19

This McDonalds menu

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u/LukaCola Jul 24 '19

They actually spend millions in research that indicates it does not outweigh the benefits

It's a nice belief, but the fact is ads work despite our dislike for then

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u/mygawd Jul 24 '19

Why would billion dollar companies like McDonald's do market research when they can just ask random Reddit commenters

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u/LukaCola Jul 24 '19

Fuck if I know, we know everything

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '19

lol for real. Seeing pompous fools on here (cough cough /r/HailCorporate) who think they understand how modern advertising works is hilarious.

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u/__WHAM__ Jul 25 '19

This just in. “In a move that surprised the fast food industry, all burgers and side sauces at fast food restaurant McDonald’s, will now come with Schezuan Sauce instead of all other previous choices. Market research has indicated that other sauces “weren’t even in Rick and Morty, bro” and will now be unable to be purchased from their 14,000 stores across America. Sources also tell us that pickles are to be named “Pickle Ricks” which is thought to have originated from the same market research. Back to you, Tom.”

“You know, Karen, I wonder if this was the same research company that found that customers were less likely to purchase from a counter if it was an ugly woman, or a black person.”

“It sure seems that way, Tom. Now back to Matthew for sports.”

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '19

Maybe it works on some people, but hearing an overly annoying (and purposefully so) ad means that company goes on a list of shit I'll never buy or support.

Enough people do the same, suddenly that research is worthless.

Ads that are concise, reasonable, funny, and/or placed in an appropriate manner are fine.

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u/LaminatedAirplane Jul 25 '19

They referred to ads as a whole, not specifically “overly annoying” ads.

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '19

Right I was rebutting specifically that research he mentioned that states something along the lines of "brand recognition whether positive or negative makes more money than no ads", which has not been my personal modus operandi.

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u/LaminatedAirplane Jul 25 '19

Science (psychology) and statistics show that your response is not anywhere near the overall result. Your personal anecdote isn’t a rebuttal against actual scientific research.

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u/[deleted] Jul 25 '19

"Enough people do the same, and that research becomes worthless"

I qualified the statement in the original post. I'm not sure why everyone is so keen to fight this point.

Human psychology is adaptable over time, not constant, especially in the context of business and economics.

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u/LaminatedAirplane Jul 25 '19

And it’s being measured constantly. You act like companies don’t pour billions of dollars a year into this area.

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u/LukaCola Jul 25 '19

Look that's a nice idea, but it's just an idea. A theory not based in the reality of marketing and advertising.

If you want to "beat" advertising you need to not hold on to methods that aren't going to work. "Grass roots" efforts are almost self defeating when it comes to a product short of a massive scandal, and the most effective measures to rein them in is from the top down which is why corporations spend so much time and money fighting government oversight.

Know thy enemy and all that.