In trying to define what makes the group so interesting and engaging to users, Áron noted this as well: there’s plenty of adverts with creepy photos or poor word choice that highlight the importance of an editor or an approval process.
“We are surrounded by so many advertisements that just don't feel right. They're either odd, cringe, or weirdly funny,” he said.
“Either way, a somewhat professional team or a big dog at a firm signed it off. That fact highlights that we're only human, and being higher up in the food chain doesn't mean that we're evidently better at PR. I believe the group filled a gap in our lives and created a platform for everyone to go to when they encounter such an ad.”
So long as there are weird adverts, there will always be plenty to share in the group. With over 73K members, I asked Áron to give us his insights into the type of people posting there.
“Our community is very diverse,” he explained. “It's not revolved around a certain age or ethnicity. Most people are there to have a good time and never fail to engage in a conversation with others on a particularly funny or controversial post. I truly enjoy building a like-minded, yet diverse community that can sometimes disagree but express it in an appropriate way.”
Áron said that the “good old Wish ads” are a recurring theme seen in the group too. For those who haven’t had the fortune of seeing one themselves, there are often strange items for sale at incredibly low prices. Check out an earlier article on it here to see more.
He also highlighted how Facebook is to blame for some adverts not reaching their intended audience. He said, “It's also quite thought-provoking how the algorithm offers some absolutely outrageous suggestions, like a bondage bed for elementary students or post-nut clarity article for a father of two.”
Áron finished off with his favorite picks from the group that capture the mood best: “It's hard to pick a favorite but I like the terrible ones like the funeral ad in the subway saying ‘come a little closer’. Or the one passive-aggressively commanding you to download the app because they paid for the ad.”
Let’s hope that “Threatening Aura” is a term that stays a meme and isn’t added to the ‘Marketing 101’ book. All the same, it makes for some great laughs.
