infomercial etymology

Etymology:

  • "Info-" (from Greek "informare," meaning "to give shape")
  • "-mercial" (from Latin "mercimonium," meaning "goods for sale or trade")

Meaning:

An infomercial is a television program that combines advertising with product demonstrations and testimonials. It is designed to promote and sell products or services directly to viewers.

Origin:

In the 1980s, advertising executives began experimenting with new ways to reach consumers. Traditional commercials were often short and interrupted regular programming, which led some viewers to develop ad avoidance techniques.

In response, infomercials were developed as a longer-form format that could provide more detailed product information and testimonials. They were typically aired late at night or during off-peak hours, when viewers were more likely to be receptive to marketing messages.

The first infomercial is widely credited to Ron Popeil, who used the format to sell his Veg-O-Matic food processor in 1979. Popeil's infomercials were known for their exaggerated claims and entertaining demonstrations, which captivated viewers and helped to popularize the infomercial format.

Over time, infomercials have evolved to include a wide range of products and services, from health and beauty products to financial advice and travel packages. They have also become more sophisticated in terms of production values and marketing techniques.

While infomercials can be effective for reaching and persuading consumers, they have also been criticized for their exaggerated claims and deceptive practices. Some infomercials have been accused of misleading viewers or selling substandard products.

Despite these criticisms, infomercials continue to be a popular and profitable marketing tool. They provide advertisers with a unique opportunity to engage with viewers on a deeper level and drive direct sales.

infomercial relate terms

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