TV Ads and mobile scams.

[Just Ad Words]

Hey guys

I'm sure everyone has seen the ads on etv and even on the SABC channels lately.... SMS the name of the sport you see in the photo! With a photo of a cricketer and the word "crikcet" below. That has to take the cake for highlighting the stupidity of the average South African. Everything from downloading games to porn to bible verses.

I have to admit it is an interesting revenue stream for the channels but how ethical is it? There was some big HooHah (last year I think) which has since forced them to include the small text in the ads explaining the service is a subscription. Then they say things like "Only 5.99" and in small text "x2 per week".

The problem I have is that all the products are crap. There are tons of e-products available on the net. But then again they aren't targeting an educated audience.

I've never subscribed to any of them, I learnt the lesson from people that burnt their fingers in the states, but I'd like to hear any stories from anyone that has used the services here in SA.

 

[stoke]

I'm just pissed off cos SMS's took away the Marketing bandwagon.
We used to get scantily dressed wimmin at the sports bars marketing products, but now all we get is send an sms to some rich guy and perhaps your fingers will get some exercise.
Bleugh.

 

[Just Ad Words]

You're lucky to have seen woman dressed scantily promoting products. The best East London has to offer are car guards trying to peddle spliff.

 

[mancombseepgood]

Yeah

As you said... it's amazing how gullible SA peeps can be...
There is one that in the fine print (which is prolly only visible on an LCD screen) said R80 per sub...
Crumbs!
That should b illegal!

 

[mancombseepgood]

Lol

You're lucky to have seen woman dressed scantily promoting products. The best East London has to offer are car guards trying to peddle spliff.

Thats cos you been gone for so long... when friends move, so does the ambiance!
Have you seen Nahoon beach lately... esp. corner, mermaids and reef...
typical promising EL story... prolly end up firewood one day.
But at least the road is safer~!
I still don't take the family that side myself tho... not worth the risk.

 

[Fyre]

As you said... it's amazing how gullible SA peeps can be...
There is one that in the fine print (which is prolly only visible on an LCD screen) said R80 per sub...
Crumbs!
That should b illegal!

The only problem is, it's not only gullible people who fall for this. There are soooo many kids with cellphones these days and most of them won't know what it's about.

They should ban all of these services imho

 

[Just Ad Words]

I don't think it needs to be banned but rather all the dodgy companies removed or at least till their content improves.

Kids are their biggest market unfortunately.

 

[ZA_medic]

The worst are those that charge high amounts. I have seen 2 so far for R80. The one was a plastic surgery one where you can win a free boob job, I dont know, I always wanted my own set of boobs to play with, wont need a fiancee anymore

 

[Just Ad Words]

Does anyone know which companies are offering this service?
I believe one is www.redcherry.co.za