In Response to Kristen Begin's Post

In response to Kristen Begin's post regarding TV ads: 

Should companies continue to spend billions of dollars on advertising, when surveys are showing that the effectiveness of television ads are decreasing?  Or should they rely more heavily on finding some other way of communicating to potential customers?

I agree with most new research in that TV commercials and advertisements are becoming less effective and will eventually become a thing of the past. Majority of cable packages today include a better deal with DVR, therefore the ability to fast forward through commercials becomes more enticing to the viewer especially in the busy and fast paced society America has come to be known for.  While there was definitely a time where TV commercials were a great and effective marketing resource, the way technology and social media is exponentially growing  is showing limited room for growth and success in this area of advertising.  It is highly advisable that companies begin to focus and explore marketing opportunities away from the TV circuit and more social media and mobile advancements.  The cost of alternative advertising is probably much less than that of the billion dollar TV business, which is undoubtedly a plus for companies, and can be used much more effectively to research and put forth new techniques. 

New, "Skinnier", Diet Pepsi

As New York Fashion Week 2011 began this past Thursday, Pepsi, one of their top sponsors of the event revealed a new taller and more slender Diet Pepsi can. The reason for the change? According to the company the new version of a classic is a "celebration of beautiful, confident women." Promotional collaborations with designers Betsey Johnson and Charlotte Ronson are set to take place during Fashion Week to showcase the redesigned can.  Pepsi Co. elected for the launch during Fashion Week to coincide with the goal of the week and the product of innovative designs.

The aim of the new shape is to provide a more polished and stylish look. The updated Diet Pepsi will be available in March to consumers nationwide. Although, nothing about the actual product has changed, the company is facing backlash for their sales pitch insinuating that skinnier is better.

The National Eating Disorders Association finds Pepsi Co. new promotion of its redesigned product to be offensive and thoughtless.  The organization believes this new product to send the message that the more tall and slender you are, the more attractive others will find you.

Do you think the taller and skinnier can is contributing to a negative portrayal of body image?