Barry Becher, co-creator of the Ginsu knife and the master of the hard sell TV pitch died recently. In memory, we are re-airing an exploration of the world of television pitchmen by erstwhile OTM producer Mike Vuolo.
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Comments [5]
Nice segment, but I'm surprised nobody mentioned that Billy Mays died 3 years ago.
I do not admire, not in the least, this tribute to fast-talking 'pitch men'. That's an ugly trade, a bunch of faking hucksters. While people might admire the panache, I'm totally immune. And listen to the tale of the reporter talking to his mother who bought lots of things from these fast-talking liars - she still has, in her home, lots of useless things she bought under their lying spell. All she got was wasted money and clutter. As for the relentless claims of 'free'? From a business, there is no such thing as 'free'! The only way you can really save money? Cut the fast-talking huckster off immediately, and walk away. Think of the =real= savings you will enjoy (not spending your money on worthless crap), and no wasteful clutter. If what the reporter thinks, that 'pitch men' might save TV, I say, let the lot sink. And good riddance! ;-)
Easily one of the best features OTM has ever broadcast. IMHO. Thanks for the re-share.
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!
Kudos to Mike Vuolo and the OTM crew. Art, like advertising and morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere.
Your fan,
Andy M (Auntie M)
DBA art101.com
Can't imagine how or why anyone with an education- and perhaps with an education is the operative phrase- would fall for such pitches.
If it sounds too good to be true...
Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor/Media Critic
Stacy's Music Row Report
http://stacyharris.com
Hello, Here is an addition to the 'pitchman' story. Some years ago I purchased a picture hanger special from "Billy Mayes Here." It was a thin piece of wire with a right-angle bend in it, and it functioned quite well. Billy said that purchasers would 'get them for life', to which I paid zero attention.
A small package of about 15 to 25 hangers were mailed to me about every 3 to 4 months...for FREE. Just one little glitch, however. The shipping and handling cost $5.95 per shipment. It took quite a few months for this "We are the BEST in the WORLD" American DUMBF to get it. Maybe you want to pass that on to consumers. We certainly are the 'BEST' in the world at cons & at cheating each other. And, did I, a UCLA (BFD) grad feel stupid.
Thanks for a great program. Liz Bird
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