This week's Tracker blog about those infernal promotional “bugs” that pop up during our favorite shows struck a big TV nerve. Here is an excerpt, along with some ticked-off viewer responses. Talk back at uniontrib.com/tvtracker/.
TV ad hell: Stop bugging me!
Because networks and advertisers know we are fast-forwarding through traditional commercials, they are finding new and increasingly irritating ways to peddle their stuff. And while I used to think product placement was the worst, I have found a new TV enemy in the little graphic advertising “bugs” that run at the bottom of the screen. While a TV show is in progress. They don't call them bugs for nothing.
Not content to just sit there and annoy you, bugs have become more sophisticated and intrusive. On an especially traumatic evening a few weeks ago, a lurid bug for the CW's “Girlicious” appeared at the top corner of the screen during “Supernatural,” partially obscuring actor Jensen Ackles' face.
I didn't want to watch “Girlicious” anyway, but the bug sealed the deal. When I can't see the show I'm watching because an advertisement is in the way, somebody will pay. (April 7)
“You hit the nail on the head. The CW's ludicrous presumption that 'Supernatural' fans would even have a remote interest in 'Girlicious' simultaneously antagonized 3 million viewers and underscored the famous idiocy of its marketing department.” (Posted by MCM)
“Even if I did have the remotest interest in watching 'Girlicious,' which I don't, I would now refuse to watch it on principle because of the extreme obnoxiousness of the advertising. One of the most popular avatars in 'Supernatural' fandom right now is a picture of the bug with SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP plastered across it in huge red letters.” (Posted by Kerry)
“Can I get an amen!” (Posted by Jet)
