Do These Obnoxious Spectrum Commercials Work?

A few new ads from Spectrum highlight a question I’ve had for a long time. In these ads, their spokesman (actor John Hoogenakker, who’s also a voice for Chevrolet) goes around interrupting people as they go about their day. Here’s one such ad…

OK, so I get it that the commercials are meant for humor but in each scene of this ad (and other similar ads, too), he’s disruptive, irritating, and noisy. I don’t want to be part of whatever he’s selling and in this case it’s Spectrum internet. Their latest ad shows actor John getting on an elevator and after briefly talking to the other passengers, he proceeds to press the buttons for every single floor. Strictly and absolutely, this is only funny when Buddy the Elf does it… because it comes from a childlike innocence that’s endearing.

This same action from an adult who knows better is 100% annoying. There are no two ways about it, so can anyone from an advertising background explain how this type of campaign is a good idea? I’m not saying people will reject the idea of getting Spectrum solely based on these ads, but I also don’t see any return on investment, either. I mean, who’s going to watch this commercial and say, “Oh wow, I’ve GOT to go get Spectrum!” No one.

In fact, in regards to the commercial above where he’s interrupting everyone, YouTube comments are a lot more naughty than they are nice, and I must agree.

What are you feelings about the Spectrum commercials? Am I missing something? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll see you tomorrow…

-Out of the Wilderness

Something weird is happening on Twitter

I don’t know what I did to deserve all this attention *blush* but in the last few weeks I’ve been steadily getting more followers daily. I mean, I know I’m pretty awesome but something is suspicious… because… (I’m not that awesome). In fact, I’m basically only on Twitter to provide links to things I write, like today’s post for instance. Or yesterday’s post about Brad Paisley’s embarrassing new country song.

Critiques aside, these new followers have something suspicious in common. See if you can sniff it out from these screen grabs below.

Is this happening to anyone else? The least they could do is ask for my autograph or buy one of my books. I mean, if they really think I’m worth following, then do me a solid, huh!

-Out of the Wilderness

Brad Paisley’s “Same Here” …the Dumbest Country Song Ever?

It’s been a tough week for country music. Last weekend a song called “Southern” entered our airspace and we’re all worse because of it. Probably the worst country song ever to make its way into our ear holes since “Brown Chicken, Brown Cow” (sorry, Trace) but then Brad Paisley says, “Here, hold my beer…” because just seven days later, he’s got THE. DUMBEST. COUNTRY SONG. EVER. It’s only been a week Brad! Country music’s in a coma and now you’re gonna step on the oxygen tube?

Take a listen if you dare… with a warning, though: I woke up in a good mood but now because of this song, I would rather smear dog poop all over my body and lay in the sun for an hour than listen to this song again. Oh, also totally unrelated to that (or is it related?), it features Ukraine President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Paisley and Zelenskyy harmonize so well, don’t you think? OK, I know the Ukraine Prez only came in at the end with part of a short interview but as I listened to the song I thought it would be WAY more entertaining if he was singing with Brad. I mean, at this point in the meltdown of the world, why not?

Brad’s apparently going for an Alan Jackson “Where Were You” moment. However, Alan Jackson’s song memorializing 9/11 is a tragic, somber, yet hopeful ballad that perfectly encompassed the entire nation in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. While Brad would love to say, “Same here,” for his song uniting the country or world, he can’t because it’s DUMB. This song is, as the kids say, cringey and it will not age well. Did I mention, too, that it’s dumb? This comment sums it up so well…

I think it should also be mentioned that the music itself (apart from the lyrics) sounds like the worst parts of 1990s country music. Manufactured and dated. Now for the lyrics. Who came up with this clichéd mess?

(Actually, I found out who the writers are and it is so disappointing! More on that later…)

However you talk, whatever you think
From the songs that you sing to the drink that you drink
If you miss your mama and worry ’bout your babies
And love each other like crazy
And want someone to share your hopes and fears
Same here.

I’m embarrassed for Brad. I’m embarrassed for country music. I’m embarrassed for America. Are you hoping Trace Adkins releases a club version of “Brown Chicken, Brown Cow” just to get your mind off of this dumb, dumb song from Brad? Yeah, same here.

See you tomorrow…

-Out of the Wilderness

A few picture highlights from nature around Tallahassee, Florida

I went out a few times this week and brought my camera along. There are a lot of little parks around the Tallahassee area and while the wildlife can sometimes be small (squirrels, birds, turtles, etc), I tried to just work within the possibilities of what was nearby. If I had to name a common thread between these photos it would be “light.” See how the sun shines through the magnolia leaves. The shadow of my dog looks a lot like a wolf. Peaking through two trees is the setting sun. I also include a few other photos that I like, especially the stack of turtles!

See you all tomorrow…

-Out of the Wilderness

GMC Hummer EV is Back with a New Commercial – The Music, the Crabs, and More

GMC, LeBron James, and the crabs are back for another ad for the electrified version of the Hummer. There is a new addition to the music behind the ad, too. Take a look then scroll down for more info!

The title of the ad is “Again?” and I kind of must agree… why are we AGAIN seeing an ad for an SUV that costs six figures, takes over an hour to charge, and according to Car and Driver also takes nearly $100 to recharge? Plus, who in the loving world needs a vehicle that “crab walk” at such a minimal angle? I mean, if you can design the wheels in this way, just go all the way and have them turn perpendicular to the vehicle so we can parallel park by just moving directly sideways into the spot.

The Music. You’ve heard this song in previous Hummer EV ads. It’s Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On.”

The second half of the commercial features a cover of “Immigrant Song.” The original is by Led Zeppelin but this is performed by Karen O, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross.

Final Take. The ad is OK. The Hummer is lame. I’ll take one of these old ones any day over the new EV models.

Are you interested in purchasing (and by purchasing, I mean getting on the wait list) an EV Hummer? If so, what am I missing that makes it so great?

See you tomorrow…

-Out of the Wilderness