RA My Talking Stain

So, this year the SuperBowl did not yield very many creative or engaging commercials (which was a large disappointment to me, since that's why I watch). However, between a talking vomiting baby and dancing thriller lizards, Tide came up with a clever ad to promote their "Tide To Go" stain erasing pen that debuted last Sunday. This ad lovingly referred to as the "My Talking Stain" ad by YouTubers can be found @ http://youtube.com/watch?v=vgtfC5LBAW4 .

The premise of the ad is pretty simple. There is a young man in a job interview who is interrupted by his loud talking stain as he attempts to promote himself. Because of the distraction of the stain, the interviewer hears nothing the young man says.

The writer or person sending the message could be a few people. Tide would be the primary presenter of this ad. There are likely however, a large dynamic clave of seasoned interviewers who raise to their feet and clap their hands to see this oft made mistake brought to the forefront of ignorance.

This ad is meant to appeal to all kinds of people. Anyone who wears clothes would be affected by this ad. Also people who care a lot about the appearance of cleanliness and intelligence would be an audience. Businessmen who hang out near the coffee maker often would feel the urgency to go pick up a Tide To Go stain pen.

There are several messages that Tide is portraying here. The message is largely that stains make you look ignorant. Another is that stains are inconvenient and distracting. Another could be that no matter how smart you are, your appearance will speak much louder than you. Also as soon as this young man would notice his stain, he will be embarrassed. One thing right at the end, if you look carefully, is that the ad states that it is a coffee stain that is depicted; likely a common culprit of stained shirts of businessmen everywhere.

The finale of the ad invites us to "Get Famous at MYTALKINGSTAIN.COM." Surely this last little shove gives the viewer curiosity as to how they might "get famous."

All around this is an effective commercial. It reminds us of the importance (and awkwardness) of stainalities. Some might conjure up in their minds memories of similar debasing experiences and rush to the store to avoid any future occurrence.