crystallyn
05-11-2004, 03:08 AM
I know this has come up before in other forums...and let me preface this by saying I KNOW that advertisements support the BCB Web site. I'm in full support of that model for keeping the site free, but I find that the Special K ad in general is insidious and intrusive.
This has nothing to do with BCB--Denise probably uses an ad service that serves up ads she has no control over, which is why you will occasionally see ads for Atkins. That doesn't bother me...bandwidth costs money and she is providing a great service to us all and has to find a way to pay for it.
This is all about the companies that choose to be intrusive in their advertising methods. I don't mind the banner ads at the top of the page, but when companies such as Kelloggs are actively trying to find ways to move beyond the popup blockers that people install specifically to AVOID having things fly into their face, well, it's just plain bad business. There are MANY other ways to market to consumers.
And I'm in marketing, btw, so I know better than most that the way to win customers over is not to annoy them.
So the answer here is to let Kelloggs know that their advertising model is ticking consumers off rather than enticing them. I've seriously decided to boycott them as a result of my extreme irritation--every other time I open a post on BCB it pops up (and I have TWO pop-up blockers in place), especially irritating when I'm at work or when I've already started typing a post or reply.
I wrote a letter to Kelloggs and they do listen. I recommend that if you are frustrated, like me, that you let them know. Go to www.kelloggs.com, (http://www.kelloggs.com,) click on contact us and then follow the form needed in "Do you have a question." I wrote and received the following response:
~~
Crystal,
Thanks for contacting us on-line about the pop-up advertisements on your
computer. Pop-up advertisements are placed on websites and chosen to
reach a specific audience who may be interested in our products and
promotions.
We apologize these advertisements are frustrating to you and will share
your views with those developing and placing our advertisements. We
appreciate you taking the time to email us and for your interest in our
company.
Kimberly A. Harris
Consumer Specialist
Consumer Affairs Department
006034013B
Kellogg North America
PO Box CAMB
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1986
~~
So instead of complaining, take action! Companies really aren't in the market of upsetting people...they want to build a positive brand rather than a negative one, so if you feel strongly, you just need to speak up.
This has nothing to do with BCB--Denise probably uses an ad service that serves up ads she has no control over, which is why you will occasionally see ads for Atkins. That doesn't bother me...bandwidth costs money and she is providing a great service to us all and has to find a way to pay for it.
This is all about the companies that choose to be intrusive in their advertising methods. I don't mind the banner ads at the top of the page, but when companies such as Kelloggs are actively trying to find ways to move beyond the popup blockers that people install specifically to AVOID having things fly into their face, well, it's just plain bad business. There are MANY other ways to market to consumers.
And I'm in marketing, btw, so I know better than most that the way to win customers over is not to annoy them.
So the answer here is to let Kelloggs know that their advertising model is ticking consumers off rather than enticing them. I've seriously decided to boycott them as a result of my extreme irritation--every other time I open a post on BCB it pops up (and I have TWO pop-up blockers in place), especially irritating when I'm at work or when I've already started typing a post or reply.
I wrote a letter to Kelloggs and they do listen. I recommend that if you are frustrated, like me, that you let them know. Go to www.kelloggs.com, (http://www.kelloggs.com,) click on contact us and then follow the form needed in "Do you have a question." I wrote and received the following response:
~~
Crystal,
Thanks for contacting us on-line about the pop-up advertisements on your
computer. Pop-up advertisements are placed on websites and chosen to
reach a specific audience who may be interested in our products and
promotions.
We apologize these advertisements are frustrating to you and will share
your views with those developing and placing our advertisements. We
appreciate you taking the time to email us and for your interest in our
company.
Kimberly A. Harris
Consumer Specialist
Consumer Affairs Department
006034013B
Kellogg North America
PO Box CAMB
Battle Creek, MI 49016-1986
~~
So instead of complaining, take action! Companies really aren't in the market of upsetting people...they want to build a positive brand rather than a negative one, so if you feel strongly, you just need to speak up.