Show don't Tell (let the sperm tell the 'tale' for ya)

Note: This post was originally published on October 4th, but MarketingProfs-- through their new "Marketing Inspiration" newsletters--was kind enough to promote it this week. I guess it inspired them ;-). So I thought I'd run it again (it's just too cute not to and the lesson of "Show don't Tell" is an important one).

Here's a great example of "show don't tell" marketing (see ad below). I understand this particular commercial from Durex Condoms was banned...not exactly sure why, or if that's even true. It's cute and funny and the message of "for a hundred million reasons" comes through (no pun, really) loud and clear.

Not once did it have to show sex--or say a single word. The ad speaks to women as much as it does to men (actually, it really speaks to women since, well, they're after her--yikes!). And those sperm are just so cute, no?

Remember what Serta Mattresses did with their "sheep campaign" and even had stuffed animals? Those suckers still sell on eBay. I contend Durex could have done the same thing with these sperm (though again, I think this was banned).

I'm sure that Serta is just loving being cited alongside Durex Condoms. Hey, both products are bed related.

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Comments

[Tangerine Toad]

Very charming spot.
Any idea which agency did it and how long ago?

[CK]

@Toad: Wish I had more info. I just happened upon it and it charmed me. It was uploaded in '06 and said it was "banned". But I couldn't find anything outrageous about it (e.g. no nudity, profanity). So I'm without a clue...but I'd never seen it before.

[Peter Roach]

The Durex ad created by McCann Erickson was not banned, it simply came up against a watershed in some countries.

[Carolina Girl]

Along the same lines, All Bran Cereal has done a great "job" (no pun intended) in getting the same kind of personal-issue message across. I actually saw this on TV then had to go to You Tube to see if I really saw it! Check it out on You Tube. Search All Bran Construction worker.

[Eckhard]

Hi,
just realized that the video is removed from you tube... so is it banned now?? We're sorry, this video is no loner available...

[paulo603]

man i love it...and its not really dirty you know

[Matthew]

A very touchy subject and tough to sell.

The reason this one was banned was it actually shows the product (The condom).

Here is an excellent ad that broaches the problem very well in a country where Roman Catholosism is the major religion and Condoms are still very Taboo.

The sting is taken out of the topic by making the choosing of the condoms a fun activity that girls and guys can do together as opposed to it being a basically male oreinted activity.

Here si the clip.

http://www.frenzy.com.ph/

I rate this ad a solid 10 for creativity :-)

[Matthew]

A very touchy subject and tough to sell.

The reason this one was banned was it actually shows the product (The condom).

Here is an excellent ad that broaches the problem very well in a country where Roman Catholosism is the major religion and Condoms are still very Taboo.

The sting is taken out of the topic by making the choosing of the condoms a fun activity that girls and guys can do together as opposed to it being a basically male oreinted activity.

Here si the clip.

http://www.frenzy.com.ph/

I rate this ad a solid 10 for creativity :-)

[Matthew]

A very touchy subject and tough to sell.

The reason this one was banned was it actually shows the product (The condom).

Here is an excellent ad that broaches the problem very well in a country where Roman Catholosism is the major religion and Condoms are still very Taboo.

The sting is taken out of the topic by making the choosing of the condoms a fun activity that girls and guys can do together as opposed to it being a basically male oreinted activity.

Here si the clip.

http://www.frenzy.com.ph/

I rate this ad a solid 10 for creativity :-)

[Shama Hyder]

Creative, but not very sensitive to all groups-but controversy also gets people talking.