MARKETING WEEK – Nov 18 – eHarmony.co.uk has
been slammed by the advertising watchdog for misleading claims in its
television campaign. Five viewers complained to the Advertising
Standards Authority to challenge the claim that 2% of US newlyweds met
via the site. eHarmony said the 2% figure was extrapolated from an
online study of 7,000 respondents undertaken by an independent market
research company. The ASA ruled eHarmony’s ad was misleading because it
had made an “absolute claim” that suggested a “definitive figure” of
marriages based on an extrapolated 2007 online survey. FULL ARTICLE @ MARKETING WEEK
E-Harmony are now advertising with the same advert with the word “estimated 2%” and the Advertising Standards Authority now find this ridiculous statistic somehow acceptable. It makes you wonder for who the Advertising Standards Authority are working
E-Harmony are now advertising with the same advert with the word “estimated 2%” and the Advertising Standards Authority now find this ridiculous statistic somehow acceptable. It makes you wonder for who the Advertising Standards Authority are working
But we in the industry, we don’t self-police, because that would be bad for business, so claims like these go unfounded for years until *five* people in the UK get eHarmony taken to task. And you wonder why I take a negative tone about the industry on my blog. What person actually paying attention with a conscience wouldn’t? Shape up and act professional and I’ll treat you as such. Happy Valentine’s!
But we in the industry, we don’t self-police, because that would be bad for business, so claims like these go unfounded for years until *five* people in the UK get eHarmony taken to task. And you wonder why I take a negative tone about the industry on my blog. What person actually paying attention with a conscience wouldn’t? Shape up and act professional and I’ll treat you as such. Happy Valentine’s!
I replied to the Advertising Standards Authority that the claim was blatantly silly, and could not be substantiated. I showed them the maths of the number of marriages in the USA and their claim is impossible. I asked if this meant that any advertiser could make up any statistic, and as long as they put the word “estimated” that would be acceptable.
They are looking at it further. I wager that hey will wait until e-Harmony has finished this round of advertising before making a decision against them.
I replied to the Advertising Standards Authority that the claim was blatantly silly, and could not be substantiated. I showed them the maths of the number of marriages in the USA and their claim is impossible. I asked if this meant that any advertiser could make up any statistic, and as long as they put the word “estimated” that would be acceptable.
They are looking at it further. I wager that hey will wait until e-Harmony has finished this round of advertising before making a decision against them.
Could Russell Willmoth actually be Ross Williams? The very man who indicated on Twitter that the eHarmony complaint pleased him somewhat. And who finished off that statement with a ‘wink’.
Now, whilst I understand in a competitive environment there may be some pleasure in seeing your competition going through difficulties. It is a very different thing to play a part in orchestrating these difficulties. As DatingInsider said.. Shape up and act professional.
Could Russell Willmoth actually be Ross Williams? The very man who indicated on Twitter that the eHarmony complaint pleased him somewhat. And who finished off that statement with a ‘wink’.
Now, whilst I understand in a competitive environment there may be some pleasure in seeing your competition going through difficulties. It is a very different thing to play a part in orchestrating these difficulties. As DatingInsider said.. Shape up and act professional.
I am sorry but Russell Willmoth is not Ross Williams – I have never heard of this guy. My only connection to this is that it irritates me that they seem to be able to make up any statistic and advertise it – giving it some kind of legitimacy. Advertise – but don’t lie.
I am sorry but Russell Willmoth is not Ross Williams – I have never heard of this guy. My only connection to this is that it irritates me that they seem to be able to make up any statistic and advertise it – giving it some kind of legitimacy. Advertise – but don’t lie.