AdWeek reported today that WPP and Google are spending $4.6 million over the next three years to fund research “that will prove the effectiveness of online marketing in changing customer behavior,” and apparently, we’re the only ones who seem mildly alarmed by this statement.
They don’t even try to make it sound like the “academic research” they’re funding is valid. They’re buying the research they need, and we’re calling bull, once and for all.
We can’t wait to see the research results and have no idea as to what they’ll find. Keep your eyes peeled!
In speaking to a colleague about this issue, it was brought to my attention that I may be harping righteously to no avail. Nay, sir, nay. More after the jump.
More: “Post Death Knell: First Effort From WaMu”
Since when is it acceptable to create a false reality? Well in advertising, uh, since forever. But that doesn’t make it right.
As a culture we’ve been pummeled into mediocrity, not caring to keep watch over the very things that effect our lives. Remember when cigarette companies slapped filters on their cancer sticks and called them safer? Neither do we, but we know it happened. Sure, buying research is much less harmful, but what will we tell our children! And like countless organizations, WPP and Google have no shame in saying, Hey, here’s our next plan for inflating the digital media bubble — the study is sure to astound!
Remember in “Trading Places” when the Duke brothers attempt to buy the orange crop report before its released? Yeah, you remember. The last thing WPP and Google need is to end up in a crappy Eddie Murphy sequel.