Advertising which is overtly transparent about the way in which it works.
In the past the phrase would have implied the relaying of accurate facts, figures and statements about a product as a way of convincing the customer to make a purchase; today the term has come to mean the honesty of the company about the mechanisms which it employs in order to persuade people to buy a particular product.
e.g. Morgan Spurlock's corporate expose, "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold".
In the past the phrase would have implied the relaying of accurate facts, figures and statements about a product as a way of convincing the customer to make a purchase; today the term has come to mean the honesty of the company about the mechanisms which it employs in order to persuade people to buy a particular product.
e.g. Morgan Spurlock's corporate expose, "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold".
Jesus! This new McDonalds ad is saying that the only reason why I eat Big Macs is because my body is physically addicted to the artificial flavour enhancers they use! As much as I think the food sucks, that is honest advertising!
by Benncm June 21, 2011