Allstate does that all the time with its Dennis Haysbert spokesperson, enumerating the many ways Allstate is good for you versus the competition: teen driving situations, accident forgiveness, etc.

Safe Auto focuses a lot on folks in tight spots: they’ll come through for you in a pinch with proof of insurance. Farmers Insurance (I think) is all about getting you back on your feet after an accident.

Compare that to Geico. Yes, they’ve done a bit of John Doe saved X amount on insurance, but they seem to be dwelling these days on exploring the lives and attitudes of the cavemen and gecko pitchmen.

So, yes, we talk about it when it’s on, but it’s usually along the lines of “I hate this f@cking ad” or “What the f@ck is the point?”. She doesn’t partake in tech blogs or social news sites, so this isn’t a “meme” thing with her (I know the current meme is to ascribe to memes opinions that you disagree with and want to delegitimize (yes, irony)). And yes, I know that one data point does not a trend make, but neither does your remark that you find the ads enjoyable.

Someone elsewhere mentioned the “ShamWow” ad series. Now THAT was a set of ads there were TOTAL advertising success.

Trouble is, the feature is difficult enough for mortals to understand on its own, and when the ad makes metaphorical reference to it nobody will understand.

Palm was always going to have trouble with their techy claims. They would have been better pitching the touch-screen-with-a-full-keyboard-that-isn’t-just-on-T-Mobile smart phone.

Palm should be showing their product. The only reason not to show the product is if it can’t be shown or isn’t worth showing.

@dean higginbotham – you can’t show the product in car insurance (as with many other industries), Geico is building brand awareness and they are very successful.

My first thought: Whatever this is I don’t want any part of it.

I had been thinking, maybe a Pre, maybe an iPhone.

Now the Pre’s out of my life…. even though I never particularly wanted an iPhone.

-fd