Replies (1)

• @zazzoo@mstdn.ca 2026-09-18 11:28

  @giflian@techhub.social I've been noticing a particular ad formula on cheaply-produced, regional ads. Like, if a local company called Fred's Plumbing went to this particular agency and opted for Budget Ad Option 1. It's basically the same ad every time. While a voice-over explains the business, the visuals are of a happy, friendly, middle-age, white guy showing up to sad homeowner's home in the company uniform. HFMWG is smiling and calmly points to his clipboard putting the homeowner's mind at ease. Sad homeowner is frowning seriously, but nodding. Okay, okay, things are not so bad. HFMWG fixes the problem! Sad homeowner is happy again! Hooray! Then comes the tell that this was Option 1: The voice over says "Google Fred's Plumbing and ask to talk with our experts!" while the visual is of a browser with Google search and somebody is typing "Fred's Plumbing" in the prompt. Anyway, these are the ones that frequently have the "This ad contains synthetic actors" shown at the start.

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