>>Oddly, because I watch TV so rarely, I find myself actually watching the ads - not because I'm interested in the product in question, just curious as to what the advertisers think will sell it.
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>It may have a subliminal effect but I can't think of anything I've ever bought because of advertising.

Everyone says this and yet the advertising industry continues to attract billions in revenues annually. If it was ineffective that would not be the case. The truth is we are all heavily influenced in our buying habits by advertising. However, advertising occurs across a broad spectrum of approaches from very, very subtle to overtly. There are many books on the subject of why we buy - everyone thinks they are immune and/or aware of advertising but the truth is the advertisers are far ahead of the average consumer in influence peddling.