Tuesday, April 24, 2007

What They Say… What They Mean

This list could turn into something long and on-going, depending on how my readers respond (keeping in mind that I've turned on comment moderation to cut down on spam). Most of this is advertising related, although some of it is political. All of it puts a skeptic spin on a common claim.

What they say…
“Free high-speed internet!”
What they mean…
“All customers pay for high-speed internet, whether they use it or not.”

What they say…
“The media is biased.”
What they mean…
“Other media outlets don’t share our bias.”

What they say…
“Not available in stores.”
What they mean…
“Getting a refund for this product is too difficult to be worth pursuing.”

What they say…
“A $60 value for just $19.99.”
What they mean…
“We wish we could get away with selling this $20 item for $60.”

What they say…
“Money-back guarantee.”
What they mean…
“We’re legally obliged to abide by the ‘implied warrantee of fitness’.”

What they say…
“Three easy payments of just $19.99.”
What they mean…
“We want to confuse you into thinking of this as a $20 purchase, not a $60 purchase.”

What they say…
“Buy one, get one free.”
What they mean…
“The price is twice what it needs to be.”

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I say, "Funny list!"
And I mean it!

Anonymous said...

What they say…
“Free mobile phone!”
What they mean…
“The price of the phone is included but not mentioned in the 24-month plan cost disclosure.”

PS Just visiting from the Skeptic's circle. Nice post!

John M