If someone sees a computer headset in cheap shrinkwrap with a cardboard backing and the exact same headset in indestructible, complicated plastic packaging, they’ll assume the one in fancier packaging is worth more. I’m generally immune to advertising, but I still catch myself falling for this trick.

They could at least make the packaging reusable by using food grade plastic and resealable lids so you can use it in the kitchen instead of feeling guilty about adding to the landfills. And what’s wrong with recycled cardboard? You can gloss print on it, so it’s not going to look shabby on the shelves, and people have no qualms about getting a sales person to open up a box to check the goods so you don’t have to worry about a box window.

Not sure what they’re trying to sell here – “our cars are so wimpy that humans can make better noises” – but watching a formal choir making squee-squee windscreen wiper noises is good for a chuckle or two. And the car does look a lot hotter than the naff 2005 granny carrier. Link (flash site, so click ‘watch’).

P.S. Back from leave, so there might be regular posting again if I can get motivated, e.g. by you sending me wads of cash carried by nubile nymphos in edible underwear.

When I first saw this ad I thought it was just another cunning marketing ploy, but it turns out someone either incredibly stupid or brave nicked an Audi A3 2006 off the showroom floor. I wonder who’s going to buy it? BMW or Mercedes? Or maybe it is a cunning ploy after all. What better way to hype a product than to create a story of deception, intrigue, and big explosions? Okay, no explosions yet, but we’re hoping…

Update: Looks like it’s an alternate reality game. I started getting suspicious when I saw the incredibly hot “detective” Nisha on stolena3. First “corporate” blog I’ve seen that doesn’t suck, I’m impressed. And I guess if the A3 was really stolen then Audi would be covering it up and keeping their mouth shut. That’ll teach me to blog too quickly…