The things you learn….
Today, I was leafing through a magazine and imagine my surprise to see that a Tylenol ad was actually informative and helpful. Not that I’m saying such ads are never either of these. But, usually they just say something on the order of “if you’re in pain or ill use our product”.
So, what was different? This time the ad said “Increasing the font size on your computer screen can help prevent eye strain and headaches”. Then it listed how to increase the font size depending on whether you used a PC or a MAC.
- PC — CTRL, SHIFT, +
Mac– COMMAND, SHIFT, +
Wow, advice on alleviating the pain by eliminating the problem — squinting and straining the eyes. Then suggesting you take their product only for pain you can’t avoid.
I think I like this new advertising campaign. I’m far more likely to remember a company that gives helpful advice that might reduce you reliance on their product and use it when necessary.
I guess my truth in advertising would be that I do use Tylenol extra-strength when I can’t take the pain anymore. It doesn’t help much, but sometimes it takes the edge off enough so I can keep on keeping on without whining. But like any medication — over-the-counter or not — it’s much better to eliminate what’s causing the problem then covering up the symptoms with medication.
So, if you think your headaches are from eye strain, make the font size larger. If it helps then maybe it’s time to get your eyes tested.