Does the Media Influence Your Tackle Purchases?

Hi Peoples,

I read a post recently on Ausfish that posed an interesting question. Does the media or media personalities influence the way you shop?? what decisions you make??? Do you put any stock into the recommendations or endoresements fishing personalities make???

These are all good questions and require some logical thought. On the forum this topic recieved a mixed bag of responses. The typical response however was one of animosity and disgust. This was directed at fishing personalities that endorse a certain product and the way they go about it.

I have worked in advertising for 8 years and worked in media for most of that time. I think i have an acute understanding of the concept of advertising and the sublimimal affects it has. Also i understand the culture of sponsorship of which no industry or products are immune.

The problem i have with all this is people dont really understand the concept of advertising. Yes they see glossy ads in a mag, TV ads and hear stuff on radio but it goes beyond that dramatically. We are all vehicles for advertising. The clothes we wear, the gear we use, the language we speak all represents a product of some nature. It is widely accepted that word of mouth is the most influential of all advertising mediums. In this respect, how can someone say they are not influenced by advertising or media on fishing related purchases. Its a short-sighted response that speaks of jealousy and tall-poppy.

This especially so when they attack fishing personalities that endorse products. The personalities are merely using another more public form of word-of-mouth. No different than if i gave a mate a recommendation about a reel. The only difference is they get paid i dont. This is where the discrepancy lies. The money factor may influence personalities to falsify thier true opinions...yes maybe. They may be forced to have to mention a product repeatedly..yes maybe. They may even be forced to use products they dont like...yes maybe.

The true die-hards should be able to cut the wheat from the chaff. Honestly, i dont know anyone thats run out and bought a shimano just cause starlo uses em...but subconciously, after seeing starlo, buschy, slick and the myriad of other use em, its hard not to associate the product with quality. They are in the hands of quality fishos. It happens to me and i know my gear back to front. Its all about perception.

So who cares who endores what. Be inquisitive and ask some questions. Investigate. Soon enuf you will make an educated decision. There's no wrong or right.

And to all the green-eyed monsters out there, pissed off cause fishos sell thier soul for gear, I'm sure you would have your hand out if someone offered something for free. Its just our nature.