The Face Of Commerce If Truth In Adverstising Existed

Awhile back I posted a Hub inspired by the excessive (and often ridiculous) warning labels that retailers like to place on their products - more specifically, warnings telling us what products and services should never be used for. While such warnings still plaster the goods we buy, I've noticed that retailers, manufacturers and advertisers have yet to embrace the notion of full disclosure. By full disclosure I mean important info aside from basic details about what a product is for, how to use it and that if or not the product meets so-and-so government regulation. In other words, there is scant disclosure about the little aggravations, drawbacks and hassles consumers appreciate knowing about up front when making purchases. Historically, knowing the possible negative aspects of a product does not automatically turn consumers away from a product. For example, think of the popular movies we take our kids to see; they can be insipid and uninspired as heck, and adults may come away from the theater with headaches or a need for strong coffee. However, the film industry sure isn't suffering along with parents.

Now imagine, if you will, a world of honest advertising. A world where consumers know exactly what we're getting ourselves into when we purchase, rent, lease or otherwise use our money to the profit of others. If such a world existed, we know product labeling and promotions would have an entirely different look. In this light, I submit for your viewing pleasure, a few faces from the truthful advertising world.*

*the following product "labels" are posted for entertainment purposes only; they are not intended to be taken as real or as statements on or about any product, service, entity, institution or living person.

Few things gripe me like seeing a child disappointed, and nothing disappoints a child faster than a toy that lasts only a few minutes after it comes out of the package. If honest advertising existed, the first products I hope to see a promotional turn-around on would be toys.

We don't want to forget toys for adults either.

Food labeling would definitely get a face-lift!

Gone would be the days when the dubious "New & Improved" label remained dubious.

And wouldn't it be nice to be prepared for enhanced physical suffering before purchasing an OTC pain relief med?

If the retail price on an item is marked 300 times the genuine cost of making the item, just tell us why! We may be vain consumers, but even the vain deserve honesty.

If someone is going to promote a toilet as "Eco Friendly", don't we deserve knowing exactly how much water we can expect to literally waste in the use of it? I think Mother Nature herself would agree.

Speaking of waste, what man paying $100+ for an ED prescription doesn't deserve being reminded that the photo in the ad may be an exaggerated portrayal of realistic expectations?

Car dealerships have long been associated with unscrupulous, or at least suspicious, business practices. But in a world of truthful advertising, the industry would have the chance for a complete make-over.

In a world of truthful advertising, watching television would be a different experience. IMAGINE knowing upfront that a network's routine line-up consists of professional wrestling, poorly made original movies and l-e-n-g-t-h-y commercial breaks.

Or that the show you stumbled upon while channel surfing might pose detrimental to your nerves and sanity?

And how about those awards the television industry likes to honor itself with? Even if you know the real deal already, truth in advertising might spare your descendants those annual headaches you've learned about the hard way.

Television isn't the only entertainment venue that provides needless headaches to consumers. Fans of literature would benefit significantly with truthful advertising, whether it be Fiction..

Or "non-Fiction".

How about those popular places we purchase products?

Popular places we hang out at..

Popular items we use to contact one another..

Even popular places we go for product reviews!

When it is all said and done, some might complain that truth in advertising would run most businesses into bankruptcy. But if our Secret Service's unintended example is any indication, then the outright truth can -very potentially- make the BEST advertising tool around!

This Hub ©October 2, 2014 by Beth Perry