Some time ago I read an article in the Wall Street Journal (not available online for free) about the different attitudes to advertising in different country. The article focused on Germany, where the use of humor in ads is generally frowned upon, although it is gaining in popularity. The way to advertize to Germans is by giving them the facts, and lots of them. The reason I bring it up is because I remember a funny radio commercial for the Baltimore Opera while I was in DC. Their slogan: "Opera, it's better than you think. It has to be." Their latest commercials aren't online, but some older ones are. Especially Sacrifice is funny.

Then there are the rather more mysterious aspects of advertising. Perhaps it's meant as a incongruous reminder, but why would you employ Giant Parking Chickens to remind people to take their parking tickets with them?

Then there are those who seek attention by imitation. Since Mr. Seven and Mr. Eleven got together to build a major brand, two other numerically-named people thought they could follow suit. It just ain't the same.