Why do people believe advertising?

Really, I'm asking two questions, first of all, does advertising work at all, then the second question is, why. Thanks.

Why do people believe advertising?
First- If you don't believe advertising works ask a first grader whether he wants fries from McD's or homemade. I bet he says homemade doesn't taste as good.





Second - Advertising is a synonym for brain washing. Why else would someone go out and buy a car that costs 1/2 as much as their house and lose 75% of it's value in 10 years?
Reply:I believe it does work, because it puts that little seed and reminds you of something. My kids saw something on the TV and it was a gotta have. I saw a commercial today for Cocoa Krispies and that was my favorite cereal when I was a kid. I will definitely buy a box when I go to the grocery store next time. Haven't eaten cereal in years because I am lactose intolerant but I will suffer the consequences but that seed was there and now I am craving it. Do you understand advertising and marketing more now?
Reply:I walked away from a marketing gig over 10 years ago. I know advertising works, so do you. Don't even get me started on this. There are many levels of the why's and how's of this issue. Honestly, it is beyond me how stupid people really are. They do believe. Why??? People don't think for themselves anymore. Because if they did do their own thinking that would mean they would have to be responsible for the thought, and ultimately the decision that was made from that thought. People need someone to blame for their lameness. It's easier to be a sheep. Go along with the other sheep. Sheep are good like that - they'll follow you anywhere. They don't need truth.
Reply:Personally, I don't believe that advertising is very effective... I mean...


If you're driving down the road and see a billboard for a restaurant you've never been to, you might be more apt to visit in the future. And if you are watching TV, and a commercial reminds you that you need to buy new shoes... then you MAY be more likely to buy that particular brand or from that particular store.


So... I guess it raises awareness of your product or business... but it doesn't necessarily guarantee that it will increase sales or profits...