Ad promotes team formerly known as Sonics

As a Sonics fan I hate this ad. But if I woke today in Oklahoma City to read the daily newspaper I'd stop, look and smile.

The photo of Seattle Coach P.J. Carlesimo and Kevin Durant plus the bold block letters that spell: "The NBA is coming to town" get the attention of pro basketball fans and cause them to read the rest of the ad.

The call to action is clear and effective. Look in Sunday's Oklahoman to learn what you need to know about the team formerly known as the Sonics.

I'm sure thousands of Oklahomans will do just that.

Bikini Boot Camp ad lacks strong benefits

In 2 seconds how many women looking for weight loss or summer fitness program would pause as they read the Calgary Herald to read this ad for Bikini Boot Camp?

Not very many. Some will see the big type or the shapely torso in the upper right corner (which initially I saw as a pair of lavendar sea horses :) but probably most will miss the message.

Visit http://www.bikinibootcamp.ca/ and you'll find photos, testimonials and details of the program. Meet the many trainers and discover the firm's competitive advantages. This print ad will drive more traffic to the website with a picture and benefit headline and a few lines of copy that convince her to go online to register.

Banner clickers beware

Would you take a minute to vote for which fries are better--McDonalds or Burger King--- especially for a chance to win $50,000? Found this innocent looking leaderboard for www.predicto.com on the website for the Courier Post in Cherry Hill, NJ. For its layout and simple message it's a highly effective banner ad. Click on it (and I expect many will) and you are prompted to enter your cell phone number to vote by text message. The fine print reveals it will cost you $9.99 per month to participate in the surveys and chance to win prizes. Many people I know won't enter a sweepstakes at the mall or click on banners ads for fear of telemarketing calls or unwanted emails. On the other hand voting by text message is so common many people do it without much thought.

What do you think of offers like this one?