Thu 22 Mar 2007
While watching TV today, I noticed a number of poorly made commercials featuring the presidents or CEOs of companies. No doubt these men, after achieving some measure of ascendency, believe that *everything* they do will be met with equal success. The results argue otherwise. I’m sadly seeing a growing number of these incidents. These guys hire smart people to be around them, all the while completely ignoring that high-paid advice. In their own minds, they can do no wrong.
I am confident that some of the mindful assistants must have tried to dissuade the advertising CEOs from appearing in their own ads. “Don’t you think it would be better to have paid actors with experience?”, they would have asked. “Our marketing budget has more than enough for a professional film crew”, they might have pleaded. “Quiet Morris! Hold that webcam steady… Hi, I’m Gus Paulos, the last of the little guys, and …”
So prevalent is this affliction that it has been recently termed “The Shane Co. Effect*“, after the epitome of blinded Panglossian egoism, Mr Tom Shane. Tom’s ubiquitous radio ads singe the airwaves with their caffeinated, smarmy monologues urging Men to spend fortunes on shiny stones in vain attempts to buy (or demonstrate) true love.
I have little doubt that Tom, with his heaps of cash from his immortal diamond cartel (which fuels the ongoing African civil wars; spurring unrest and mutilation and tribal warfare) is great at importing and selling his blood diamonds. As voice talent, he is among the worst. Ever. The advertisements frighten small children and make the rest of us throw up a little (or a lot) in the back of our throats.
Mr. Shane, I along with the whole of Utah, we beg you, will you please, please, SHUT UP!
Way Back When: This time last year on Ryan Byrd dot net, we reported that Totally Awesome Computers went out of business. Coincidentally, TAS’s CEO Dell Schanze was another prime example of The Shane Co. Effect. Fortunately for us all, the market forces silenced his irksome ways.
* Termed, that is, by me
Tom Shane’s radio spots are so bad I now like them.
I feel strange if I don’t hear one of his commercials before I go to sleep……
[...] Microsoft with their health information is beyond my comprehension. Still, proving once again that CEOs continue to make technology decisions instead of CIOs, Microsoft managed to signup an impressive roster of partners, including: American [...]
[...] and occasionally nodding. After listening to the debate, Mr. Miller, in a textbook display of the CEO effect, took out a full page in the a local newspaper wherein he declares his support for the voucher [...]
Hey, so I’m Kelsey Shane, Tom Shane’s daughter. I came across your thoughts on the company (or the commercials, more specifically) and thought I’d comment back to you. I agree that the ads are annoying…hell, imagine being his CHILD and hearing him all of the time… however, like they say, the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about… as much as I used to BEG my dad to stop playing his ads, or to hire someone with a less monotone voice, he’d always tell me “well Kels, at least they’re talking about them… if people are talking about the ads, it means they’re working…”. And as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized he’s right. Yes they’re annoying, but they drive the point home. I bet you could recite the entire ad (much to your dismay, I’m sure).
Also, as an FYI, as far as “blood diamonds” go, I myself am more than aware that this is a sensative subject. However, as a company, we do comply to the Kimberly Process, as well as the Voluntary System of Warranties and the United Nations resolutions pertaining to conflict diamonds. I challange you to go to one of our stores and check out the information for yourself! I’d be curious as to your thoughts after you do that…
Hi Kelsey. thanks for your comments. you are surprisingly level-headed considering I told your dad to shut up. (I even sent him this blog post directly in an email!)
As for blood diamonds, I also run the site http://www.diamondboycott.com, and I have strong opinions on the matter. Still, I’m not above hearing what others have to say about the topic. I think I will check up on the information you write about.
thx for stopping by
Hey, thanks for the response. I try to remain level headed, you kind of have to when you’re in a position like I’m in… like I said, my dad’s ads annoye me as much as they annoy anyone (probably more, considering I also listen to him talk in person all the time, too… although I must admit he sounds different in person)… I cant blame you (or anyone) for being annoyed with his ads. I’ll check out your site, as I’m always interested in learning more and hearing what others have to say, too, so I’ll check out your website, as well.
First of all google the kimberly process and realize that the chances of a blood diamond these days is pretty rare. Diamonds actually support lives now. I am sick of seeing so many people talk bad about things without thinking twice
that’s true, Africa is in MUCH better shape now-a-days. Those diamonds sure have turned that continent around!