It is dinnertime and that reminds me... I am contemplating boycotting Reynolds Wrap. I usually don't have a good reason for boycotting a company or product. All it takes is a "perceived slight" as MH says. For example, I boycotted Red Lobster in Olympia, WA, because they wouldn't let an old couple use an "after 5pm" coupon because they ordered before 5pm but got their bill well after 5pm. I boycotted a bakery in Tacoma, WA, because one of the counter ladies licked her hand before bagging our bread (okay, that was probably a good reason). I boycotted Blockbuster for a while because when the store I worked at was robbed at gunpoint, they gave the customer service representative a button that said, "I'm a star!" and I felt he deserved more recognition for his valor.But Reynolds Wrap is in serious trouble. Check out this picture of one of their tv ads. Notice anything? Exactly! What the heck is that apostrophe doing there?! I showed the commercial to MH and he said, "You should write a letter," to which I responded, "I already did." And it wasn't snotty, I promise. I simply asked why (on God's green earth) Reynolds Wrap chose to go with that (incorrect) usage of the apostrophe. Gwen responded:
Our advertising agency chose this spelling of "Terrible Two's" because they felt it was an easier read in the creative context. Often they take "creative license" with spelling and words if it helps communicate the message better. Additionally, it appears on the web in both ways (outside of a possessive context).
Thank you for taking the time to comment on our advertising.
Whaaaaaat? I didn't realize that Reynolds' target audience was C-average 7th graders. Seriously. Who do they think they are? Shakespeare? How exactly does that communicate their message better? I sent a copy of the email to all of my teacher-friends and even one of my advertising/PR instructors from college to gauge their reaction. So far all agree that Reynolds isn't doing the English language any favors regardless of their grammatical license. I have since found this blog (see above picture) that shows just how confused people are. Even if it were true that the convention (dare I say "error" in judgement) helps communicate, why would they switch and also use it correctly on the website, too? Doesn't that create more confusion?
So you see why I am in a difficult position. What else am I going to use to deter my pets and protect my geochemical samples?
And another thing... according to their website they sell F-O-I-L-L. Now that's creative!
