KellyC

I watch a lot of tv. And every hour or so I'd see at least 10 anti smoking commercials. Mostly about how they'll screw you up really bad and so on, so forth.....And those commercials about helping people quitting too, what with their pills and pads.

So my question is this:

How effective do you think these anti-smoking ads are?

Do any of you actually quit smoking (if you do or did) because you've seen these ads?

I asked some of my smoking friends and they all say "Yeah. I know that. But I'll still smoke any ways" or something to that nature. So I want to know, are they effective? or big waste of money, time and effort?

Edit: Make that anti-drugs ads too.

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Boo

19 year ex-smoker here. ANY method that gets people to pull their heads out and stop smoking has my approval. I hope that the new adds will take away the lame ass excuses that people use to explain their addiction.

And maybe, just maybe, a few young people will understand the message and never start.

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Back button again, I must be getting old.

rockzilla

I quit a few months ago, and anti smoking ads really don't help keep my mind off of smoking. When I smoked I'd change channels when one came on to avoid be preached to, now I change away to avoid being reminded.
What got me to quit was having a few co-workers quit at the same time. The ads told me nothing about smoking that I didn't already know.
As for them being a waste of money & effort, I don't know, they're not as bad as the anti-drug commercials.

Harshaw

I don't smoke, I don't plan on starting. But if anything has ever made me want to smoke, it is these damn ads. They try to hard to be hip and youthful, they are too damn preachy. Just give the information and go away.

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This too shall pass.

sprocket

Agreed. The TRUTH adds are the worst. They come across as arrogant, self-righteous, "we know whats good for you" assholes. They act like they are the enlightened few who have the knowledge that smoking kills and they are going to wake up the masses to the dangers everyone is already aware of with their stupid antics and prolaim themselves heroes. Not all smoking adds are that bad, I'm just specifically speaking of those TRUTH adds.

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Boo

When I was in North Carolina, not only did the farmers fail to change crops and adapt to the market, but they also were very tobacco doesn't hurt anyone. It made me want to see a commercial or a billboard or anything "in your face" to open their eyes.

I also watched a guy at a small engine shop chain smoke cigs, while on oxygen yakking what was left of his lungs out. His partner was missing half his tongue and chin and used a voicebox to talk.

They should make a commercial with those 2 in it.

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Back button again, I must be getting old.

gilada

Right on, brother.

I'm a non-smoker, but my wife does smoke. And Buddah on a cracker, those ads drive me up the farking wall.

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Karby

the 'Y' coommercials are pretty short and too the point. but sometimes they're bit gross.

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Bill O'Rights

Well, as a 41 year old smoker, I have to say that I'm glad to see that so many share my viewpoint of the TRUTH ads. Trust me...they are not going to get through to anybody. Even my daughter, the vehement anti-smoker, dislikes these ads for doing more harm than good.

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"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

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iccky

Someone did a survey about how much damage people thought smoking did to your body. They found out that smokers actually thought the damage from smoking was a lot worse for you then non-smokers. Those of us who smoke know its bad for us, more information about it isn't going to change a damn thing.

FleaCircus

As an ex-smoker:

I think by now everyone has a handle on the fact that smoking is bad for you. I'm all for keeping the tobacco companies from marketing to kids, but at the same time, forcing the tobacco companies to spend their own money on public service announcements that advocate against people purchasing their products is complete bullshit.

And I agree with what's already been said about the Truth ads.

__________________
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We must all have waffles and think, each and every one of us to the very best of his ability."
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phunktastic

I also can't stand the anti-smoking ads. They make me want to start. Half of the damn things don't even make any sense.. especially the radio ones. They make you think its about something else, so you start paying attention,, then BAM "Smoking is bad for you!"

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KellyC

Its funny. My brother and I were joking the other day about how the Cig. companies are using these commercials as reverse psychology to get more smokers. Seems like it works on you.

__________________
Him: Ok, I have to ask, what do you believe?
Me: Shit happens.

mastboyx

idont know how effective are they with smokers, but im a non smoker and seeing these ads just made me happy i dont smoke :P

__________________
Ignorance Is Bliss

krwlz

Agreed as well... I dont smoke cigs, but Im known to light up some green...

Ads never made any differance in my decision though.

evilbeefchan

At first I thought the <a href="http://www.shardsoglass.com">Shards O' Glass</a> campaign ads were great, but then I realized that they're not just attacking the tobacco industry, but also the smokers themselves. They're basically implying that anyone who uses the products are complete idiots who don't know how to take care of themselves. I may be interpreting the message completely wrong, but it's more noticable now that I've thought of it. If they're trying to get people to stop smoking, they're failing miserably with this one.

I think the usual reaction to this kind of "preachy, better than thou" attitude is to go against it. Or people just plain ignore them. I personally think if the ads had less attitude and more sympathy and concern for people's health they would be more successful.

orange monkeyee

I Don't smoke, but hey, if there were no smokers, then the American Lung Association probably wouldn't exist

WarWagon

I used to smoke, and started smoking again recently. Crap like those Truth ads just encourage me to light one up.

stevie667

i always thought the best anti-smoking ads where those that gave you info on something other than the 'smoking causes cancer and heart disease' ones. theres a good ad done by the NHS basically showing all the fat and shit that comes out of cigarrettes, which is certainly not good.
that and it just gives you a number to call if you want help, none of the holier than thou shit or you will die, just a choice, which i think works much better.
if they just had a pot smokers helpline

World's King

I think every time I see one of these ads I'm gonna light up. Just to spit them. Even though I don't know them and they will never see me smoking. It's the thought that counts.

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heavy is the head that wears the crown

isis

I honestly don't think the ads have done anything for me. Occasionally, it'll turn something on in my head and I'll be like 'damn, a cigarette would be really good right now.' Just seeing someone smoking will make me crave it .. and the more reminders in my day, the more I want one. I just got a nice craving right now, and as soon as I go finish this, I'm gonna go have one ;D

I think my main problem is I haven't seen anyone close to me die from tobacco use. My Grandma was a pack a day smoker, and she lived to a ripe old 93 years old. I think if I saw the consequences first hand (like what was mentioned earlier) .. I'd probably hesitate a bit more when I grab for that cigarette.

I mean, I plan on quitting soon. Its a disgusting habit, but thats exactly what it is - a habit. I enjoy smoking. Which is sad.

FleaCircus

Good to know someone out there's just smoking out of "spit"

__________________
"We must have waffles. We must all have waffles, forthwith. Oh, we must think.
We must all have waffles and think, each and every one of us to the very best of his ability."
-- Professor Goldthwait Higginson Dorr, Ph.D.