Contemporary Advertising

I am pleased with the layout of the book. The topics are placed in a logical order and the chapters fit well together. He used a varied and interesting selection of ads to help explain the topics being discussed in each chapter.

I used this text in anadvertising design class last semester. It is very easy to read and has a lot of real-life examples. The teacher kind of jumped around the chapters, they do not have to be read in order. Covers everything from the history of advertising, the strengths and weaknesses of different media, copywriting, demographics/psychographics, the different types of marketing (database, direct-response, etc.), and the different regulations and groups (FCC, BBB, AAAA). This was my favorite class last semester, the information is easy to comprehend and pretty interesting.

This is not only contemporary, but comprhensive. An excellent text that covers the range of history that leads to today's form of advertising, showing what has worked in the past, the present, and through the ages. The text has excellent explanations of specific campaigns. Examples such as the rise of Mountain Dew, and how it became the strong brand today from the original drink mixer for moonshine is but one such example. The text covers workflow and patterns that are unique to ad creation and leads the reader through the process through detailed copy, real world examples, and finished products. Perhaps one of the suprising chapters is the production techniques. Too many come out of school with what they think are the goods on good advertising, but missing the boat on production and the inhereint limitations and production efforts involved. While not a how-to, the text certainly explains the processes. The text goes into great length about how different forms of media use advertising. Radio is to Billboards as print is to televison, so the various sub types, buying patterns, influences and importance of each is well covered. Overall a great resource for the classroom as well as some catch up reading for those confined to one form of media when branching out. This should be in every agency's library.

Great reference for marketing communications from advertising to sales promotion for new comers to the field. Good resource for small businesses as well. Outstanding examples throughout the text. Very readable, but could be more concise.

Throughout all my college years, I've never seen such a beautiful, well-written textbook. The book showcases advertising as advertising should be showcased. The vibrant colors and engaging text make it a pleasant read. William F. Arens has a wonderful way of explaining the seemingly complex with simple everyday words.