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With Ads of the Weird, MSNBC.com takes a look at some of the oddest, most eye-catching, controversial and just plain interesting advertising out there today. Primary writer Allison Linn covers the retail and advertising industries for MSNBC.com. The Ads of the Weird team is always interested in hearing what ads have caught your attention, whether it's online, on television or in print.


Potty humor for grown-ups

Posted: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:03 AM by Allison Linn
Filed Under: ,

Everyone knows that kids love potty humor, but how well does it go over with adults?

Kellogg Co. is testing that notion with a new ad for All-Bran, a cereal touted more for its fiber than its flavor.

The commercial, targeted at consumers ages 45 to 75, features a burly construction worker strolling around a job site boasting about how All-Bran has helped make him regular. Just like the recent ad featuring a group of men jamming about the wonders of Viagra, the first question that comes to mind is, “Do guys really hang around talking about this stuff?”

You don’t have to look far for the symbolism at the construction site. There’s that long, brown beam falling out of a hole in the wall, complete with grunting sound effects. Then there is the dump truck dropping a load of brownish bricks, not to mention a scene in which pellet-shaped barrels appear to roll out from the rear end of our affable narrator.

The tagline of the ad promotes the cereal’s “10-day challenge” with the slogan, “Do it. Feel it.”

Kellogg’s spokeswoman Kris Charles said the company hopes the ad will be “something that people would notice and might get a chuckle out of, but also think about as a solution for an issue that they might be experiencing.”

Everyone appreciates a little sly humor in an ad, but does it have to be literally dumped in our faces? This ad will likely make you giggle, or cringe, or both, while watching television or browsing the Web. But what about the next time you walk down the cereal aisle? Will you remember the ad and pick up the All-Bran, or blush and move on, not wanting to be the person with that cereal in your grocery cart?

Click here to watch the ad.

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Comments

At 55, I'm in the age group this ad is targeting, and I think it's hilarious. It's hard to imagine many ways to graphically illustrate a product like this without being gross, but they've found a way to do it with humor. I find this ad to be very clever and memorable, and it always makes me laugh.

Carol, Florida (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 8:39 AM)

Once again, American advertising hits new lows in estimating the intelligence of its viewers.  No subtlety here.  If a little is good, a lot must be better, right?  What next?  A long line to the porta potty?  A guy with a newspaper sneaking away to the "Here's Johnny"

What do we expect from an industry that gives us "Head On, apply directly to..." and Billy May?

joe palmer (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 9:18 AM)

Next they should focus on colon health.  With colo-rectal cancer in the spotlight, it might be helpful to note that diets high in fiber promote colon health.

Gloria, Valley Springs (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 10:35 AM)

 As we baby-boomers age, I suppose we will be seeing more of these types of ads. None of my friends sit around talking about regularity or Viagra, but we can relate to these things. The marketeers are well aware of this........possibly because they can relate as well.

Joe Parks Three Forks, Montana (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 12:17 PM)

Rather than attempting to elevate public discourse, commercial advertisers continue to seek the lowest common denominator. One would expect better from Kellogg's.

Roger Curnutt McLean, VA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 12:41 PM)

I am so glad to see someone mention this ad.  First time I saw it, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  I though, "Are you kidding me?"  So I watched for it again, and yup, it's  a poop commercial.  I can tell you, I will never buy bran cereal again.

Seattleite, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:17 PM)

Maybe it's just me but I laughed when I saw this spot.

Melanie Brooks (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:29 PM)

I've been talking about this ad in Gael's blog (Test Pattern) for a few weeks now (in the comments).  I enjoyed the ad mainly because it wasn't *boring*.  There are tons of ads on television that I wouldn't think twice about, even if I can sing the phone number at the end.  But this one entertained and though I couldn't at first remember the name of the cereal, after a few more viewings, I have it down.

I liked this ad because it took me a moment while watching it to confirm that I was really seeing what I was seeing.  It made me laugh.  And I rather dislike slapstick and tend toward more of a dry sense of humor.  I don't think I'd feel uncomfortable putting the cereal in my cart because 1) I don't care what someone might think (I'm not 12, for Pete's sake)...and 2) probably some stranger couldn't be bothered to check out my cart and wonder if I had some sort of *need* for fiber.  Knock yourself out with the wondering, strangers.

Maybe taking a humorous approach to the topic of constipation will encourage someone to just buy the cereal and be done with it.  But what the heck do I know?...I'm not 12, but I'm not 60 either.

RandomEsq

RandomEsq, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 1:57 PM)

The kellogg's ad for fiber is so subtle, i think it's fine.   however, i saw an ad yesterday that wasn't so subtle....in fact it gagged me.  old spice men's body wash.    camera zooms in on a lonely bar of soap in the shower soap dish covered with those curiously creepy curly hairs.     i'm gagging again just thinking about it.    so gross..........yuk!

sheila dallas, texas (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 2:13 PM)

I've seen this commercial, and I find it mildly offensive. Quite frankly it's embarrasing to watch and I imagine that the actors' in the commercial were also a little embarrased by it. I hope they all got paid and 'embarrasement' bonus.
But that's just one American's opinion

Kate, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 2:27 PM)

No potty humor for me thank you very much.  I think I can live without.

Larrisa, Cincinnati OH (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 2:33 PM)

I think the complaints here are just another example of people who never had or have lost their sense of humor.  I mean come on..it isn't as if we don't know what effects bran has on the human body.  I say kudos to Kellog for tackling this with a great sense of humor!

Jeanie (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:30 PM)

I think it's great. It's a lot less embarrassing than having to explain to my 11 year old what erectile disfunction is (Viagra ads) and What personal lubricant is needed for (KY jelly).

jackie, Wilmington, NC (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:31 PM)

lighten up. there are much worse commericials out there.

Heather, Atlanta, Ga (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:32 PM)

Lighten up people.  Is it the humor that bothers you?  What about all of the toilet paper commercials that we are subjected to on a daily basis?  Would you feel better if, instead of a construction worker, they used a cartoon bear? What do you think the advertisers are suggesting we do with the toilet paper?

I don't NEED to eat bran cereal yet but this may coax me to throw a box into my shopping cart the next time I'm out at the grocery store.

Dave M from San Diego (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:35 PM)

If you're offended by this commercial, it must be tough to watch any television at all... this is very mild.  I thought the ad was done tastefully, and it's something that a lot of people do have to deal with.  So I don't see what the big deal is.  Many people should lighten up, laugh a little, and quit getting offended by the least little thing.  Besides, it's a humorous commercial, and there should be more of these.

Thomas Wayne (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:44 PM)

I would just like to point out that the humor is not being "literally dumped in our faces." Perhaps you meant to say that it is being figuratively dumped in our faces.

Rick, Pa (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 3:53 PM)

Come on, it's a commercial!  Lighten up!!  Has society become so parochial that it can't even laugh at itself??  There's no sexual overtones (vis-a-vis Viagra), no physical abuse, no ethnic slurs, no harm to anyone, yada yada yada.  It's ingenious and funny.  It's what marketers get paid to do.  Geez!!!!

golfnbanker, SC (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:01 PM)

What is great about this ad is that it is suttle. If you aren't paying close attention you don't notice the "poop" references.  It looks like a construction site.  I didn't notice it until about the 3rd time I saw it.  I find it clever and done in a way that would get a chuckle out of people.  Face it people, we all poop, some have trouble doing so and this product is a natural way to help wiht it.  

Sarah Peterson Medford Oregon (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:04 PM)

I think it is great!  I really do not think one has to be embarrased about a normal body function like that.  It's subtle and funny!

Jerry, Portland Oregon (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:16 PM)

Well, I missed the joke about all those accidents in the background. The commercial reminded me about insurance, like Nationwide or Allstate.  I guess it is humor for boys.

Donna, Jersey City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:18 PM)

I'm waiting for the day Ex-Lax uses the Doobie Brothers' song "It Keeps You Running".

Christine, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:24 PM)

What about the ad featuring three or more women, walking on the beach, each letting others know some brand of yogurt is it? makes them 'regular'.
If they had higher-fiber-content diets, that would not be a concern, now, would it?  But lots of white bread and meat will give you that problem.  Fortunately my parents were health-food nuts before it became popular.  My biggest complaint might relate to being *too regular*..LOL

Do women really sit around and talk about that kind of stuff?  *regular*? *Bloated*(and not be talking about menstrual cramps?)

Mike G. Rural Alabama (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:47 PM)

I'm 56 and I think some of my generation have lost their sense of humor. While this commercial seems  pretty low brow, its also pretty funny.  Reminded me of some scenes in Naked Gun and Saturday Night Live. This humor works no matter what age you are. America needs to lighten up. The subject of constipation in the 60's was often depicted as some unspeakable condition, later in the 70s when Correctol came onto the scene it was a "woman issue". I think its about time someone made fun of this "serious condition" (think- frowning and grunting) Why do you think people like "Bob" from Enzyte so much?

Juliette, Acton CA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 4:57 PM)

The femaleTV ad is for Dannon's Activia, and it is called "Slow intestinal transit", now that's a new one for me.

http://www.activia.com/

Mike G. Rural Alabama (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 5:16 PM)

Yes, it's potty humor, but honestly, think back - when was the last time fiber cereals as a group had an ad that was "remarkable", in the sense that you "remarked" about it to friends, family or colleagues?

I'm in my mid-30s, and I was *astonished* how many of my peers had seen this ad within a week or two of the campaign start.  

Eric, Port Orchard, WA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 5:18 PM)

Give me a break.  How many years have we had to hear women discussing freshness?  Do women really talk like that? Um - no!

Stacy, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 5:35 PM)

I think this ad is hilarious.  I admit it took me 2 or 3 viewings to clue into what was going on in the background, but once I had that Aha! moment, I thought it was really clever.  Now I watch it on purpose (no skipping) just to get a good chuckle out of it.  Good for them to find an appropriate and funny way to discuss a serious medical issue.

Chris, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 5:44 PM)

Good Lord People, Lighten up! With all the 'Crap' going on in this world, this is what offends?

Patrick Rule, S.F. CA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 5:50 PM)

I checked out the comments on YouTube, and not one negative or offended person.  I guess all the prudes are here.  If you're really offended by this commercial, you really need to lighten up.  Maybe you should try the product... seems you could use a little colon cleansing.

Dave O, Venice, FL (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 7:03 PM)

If someone is offended by this ad, they should take the 10 day challenge.  :0

John Doe (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 7:06 PM)

That was really creative advertising for something no one want's to talk about.  Get a sense of humor and don't take yourselves so seriously.  

R.J. Denver, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 7:27 PM)

I didn't get the joke.  The accidents reminded me of insurance commercials.

Donna, Jersey City, NJ (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 7:58 PM)

To answer your question, No.  Guys do not normally sit around talking about this stuff.  Our conversations usually start with "Wouldn't it bee cool if" or "Remember the time".  If a group of guys were to get on the topic of this commercial, the conversation would be MUCH more graphic and the outcome would likely offend many more people.

Josh, Austin, Texas (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 8:01 PM)

Oh, please! Some of you guys need to lighten up! I found this commercial extremely funny. I mean why should it be embarrassing to talk about going to the potty? We all go to the restroom. It's a part of nature.  And they are merely stating that bran makes it easier to go....which it does.

Helen, San Antonio,TX (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 8:13 PM)

Haha! 30 year old woman with a small child here and I think the ad is great. I still think poop is funny after wiping it off a little tush for as long as I have. Everybody poops! If you're embarrassed by poop or the thought of pooping (or products to HELP you poop… Jesus it’s just bran!) then you probably need this cereal.

Nicole, Novato, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 8:43 PM)

Here we go again, It's a commercial, plain and simple.  Some are going to find it funny, amusing, and fine while others are never going to purchase another Kellogg product.  As an actor, getting a national commercial is about as good as gets, it's a job, you get paid and you're one step closer to getting your SAG card.  For crying out loud people there are more important things going on in this country.  People are losing their homes, their jobs, their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives in a war,and as a colorectal cancer survivor anything that brings attention to better health be it even in poor taste as some might see it, is better than no attention at all.  So instead of picking out commercials some consider weird, how about doing stories on subjects that really matter?

John, Youngstown, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 9:04 PM)

I think it's hilarious! I'm surprised at how often I've had to explain it to otherwise seemingly intelligent people!

Allen, Saybrook, CT (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 9:49 PM)

Jeez people, lighten up (pun intended), these spots are funny. They explain to me, exactly, the benefit of the product. Entertaining and clear.  What more could you ask for?

vincent Minneapolis MN (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 9:54 PM)

Ads like this are the progression of species evolving into the next logical stage. For all of you, in a couple of decades or so, we will have lost interest in this sort of advertising. We will have passed it by. Until then, like it or not, this will happen.

No big deal.

Steve Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, September 04, 2007 10:46 PM)

I think this ad is hilarious. It is not offensive at all. I have seen ads more offensive such as feminine care product items.

Laura (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 12:43 AM)

I think it's brilliant.  The fact that people are discussing it means it worked.  No matter if you think it's inappropriate or not you'll certainly think of all bran the next time you get stopped up.  Far more effective than elevating public discourse.  Sometimes it's okay to lighten up and be funny, especially when dealing with uncomfortable topics.

Marlee, Cleveland, OH (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 9:44 AM)

Please...this? Offensive? I think it's rather amusing, because of its subtlety. The Smiling Bob commercials are worse, if only because they're played so often it gets annoying. I don't need this cereal, personally, but if I did I'd buy it. I'm more offended by commercials that attempt to convey a sense of reality by showing groups of women discussing a birth control pill in a club, or attractive young couples calmly discussing their problems with genital herpes. I don't have kids, but imagine trying to explain what herpes is to them! I have no problem with birth control, but I just find it in bad taste to portray the falsehood that women actually discuss this when they go to the jazz club and their doctor friends tell them everything about the pill, sounding as though they are reading from a medical pamphlet. It's ridiculous, if advertisers want to get the point across, then they should use something a bit less realistic, like the commercial we're discussing, which is merely silly and amusing.

Paul, SC (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 2:33 PM)

YES!

I am vindicated!

RandomEsq (Sent Wednesday, September 05, 2007 4:27 PM)

I THINK ALL THE VIAGRA/E.D. ADS ARE REALLY STUPID- THE E.D. DRUG MAKERS NEED TO SAVE THESE MINDLESS ADS FOR AFTER PRIME-TIME. I'D HATE TO TRY TO EXPLAIN TO MY KIDS THE MEANING OF SUCH TASTELESS ADVERTISING.

LV HOUSTON TX (Sent Friday, September 07, 2007 12:01 PM)

When I first saw this commerical, I laughed so hard my wife was concerned about my mental health. I couldn't wait to see it again so I could prove to her that it really was *that funny*. Cudos to thinking outside the box!

P. Berry, Rockport, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:09 AM)

Maybe I am the only one here that doesn't pay enough attention to commericials - but my wife had to point out to me the "subliminal" / "subtel" hints they where giving.  I agree with most - if you are offended by this commecial - go back to listening to the radio.. This was by far the most subtle commerical I have seen for a product.  I don't really pay attention to commericals - they come on and I tune out.. I did not notice everything that was going on in the background of the 30 second spot.  Really there are SO many more BLUNT and to the point commecials out there that slam there "personal" products in your face - this was not one of them.  A+ to the marketing team!

Rick K, Battle Creek, MI (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:22 AM)

I think advertising high-calorie junk food late at night, just when I am trying to get to bed without a snack, is far more offensive to me personnally than just about any TV ad I have ever seen.

Let's face it: we have ads for "female freshness" and "male ED" and wipes to keep things clean everywhere...what's left?

Greg, Texas (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 11:00 AM)

Just another Ad, dumb, dumb, dumb.

Leo the Lion (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 11:21 AM)

It wasn't until the third time or so I viewed this commercial that I figured out what was going on in the background. I thought it was just a construction site in need of a visit from OSHA. Then I laughed and started watching for it. My kids think it's hilarious and my husband threw a box of All Bran in the casrt instead of his usual shredded wheat, so it obviously made an impact ( hah!) on him. Anyone offended by this surely must turn off their sets when "male dysfunction" or genital herpes or feminine hygiene or any other type of personal product comes on. I agree, lighten up!

Edry, Buckland, CT (Sent Wednesday, September 12, 2007 12:00 PM)



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