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| Bling voters | Bling voters |
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| AD BREAKDOWN The Magazine's review of advertising | AD BREAKDOWN The Magazine's review of advertising |
| Message: Watch spendingTHE ADVERT: Inner Tosser, from the Conservative Party | Message: Watch spendingTHE ADVERT: Inner Tosser, from the Conservative Party |
| THE BRIEF: Raise the issue of personal debt , without looking like it's come from the Conservative Party | THE BRIEF: Raise the issue of personal debt , without looking like it's come from the Conservative Party |
| THE SCHTICK: Normal bloke is assailed by his "inner tosser", a wide boy in a turquoise suit, who persuades him to spend spend spend on his credit card - clothes, jewellery, flat screen TV, car etc. | THE SCHTICK: Normal bloke is assailed by his "inner tosser", a wide boy in a turquoise suit, who persuades him to spend spend spend on his credit card - clothes, jewellery, flat screen TV, car etc. |
| THE BREAKDOWN: This advert has had a pretty bad press. One columnist wrote that it had "all the charm of a 'grooming' programme for naive young voters who unintentionally find it on the internet thinking it's a basket of animated puppies, and the next thing they know they're being lectured on social responsibility". Other commentators have questioned the use of the word "tosser". Last week in the Commons, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott attempted to turn the term back on to the Tory benches. Others have pointed out that at least this has established the word counts as Parliamentary language. | THE BREAKDOWN: This advert has had a pretty bad press. One columnist wrote that it had "all the charm of a 'grooming' programme for naive young voters who unintentionally find it on the internet thinking it's a basket of animated puppies, and the next thing they know they're being lectured on social responsibility". Other commentators have questioned the use of the word "tosser". Last week in the Commons, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott attempted to turn the term back on to the Tory benches. Others have pointed out that at least this has established the word counts as Parliamentary language. |
| Moment of exhilarationThere might also be a certain weariness that the film is available to see only on the web - that it is a "viral" to be sent around by e-mail. This has conveniently given it a currency for the news media. Once upon a time, having a website was enough of a novelty to mean that lots of otherwise inconsequential ventures would suddenly be a bit edgy, simply by virtue of the organiser being able to say "and we've got a website!" This has been followed in turn by having a blog, and then a MySpace page, a film on YouTube, and very shortly a presence in Second Life. | Moment of exhilarationThere might also be a certain weariness that the film is available to see only on the web - that it is a "viral" to be sent around by e-mail. This has conveniently given it a currency for the news media. Once upon a time, having a website was enough of a novelty to mean that lots of otherwise inconsequential ventures would suddenly be a bit edgy, simply by virtue of the organiser being able to say "and we've got a website!" This has been followed in turn by having a blog, and then a MySpace page, a film on YouTube, and very shortly a presence in Second Life. |
| But if you put to one side the link with a sponsoring political party, the attempted shock value of the word tosser, and the studied virality, then this really isn't a bad advert. (You can watch it via the Related Internet links on the right of this page.) | But if you put to one side the link with a sponsoring political party, the attempted shock value of the word tosser, and the studied virality, then this really isn't a bad advert. (You can watch it via the Related Internet links on the right of this page.) |
| Public information | Public information |
| At the heart of the puzzle is how, in a cynical post-modern media environment, can any advert warn of the dangers of debt without appearing square, preachy, out of touch and fogeyish. The answer demonstrated here is simple - don't bother. Instead embrace the Inner Fogey. Worried your film might look like Mr Grayson and Mr Cholmondley-Warner? Don't worry! Just hire Mr Grayson's dad (Edward Enfield) to play the part of an over-the-top public information film announcer. Job done. | At the heart of the puzzle is how, in a cynical post-modern media environment, can any advert warn of the dangers of debt without appearing square, preachy, out of touch and fogeyish. The answer demonstrated here is simple - don't bother. Instead embrace the Inner Fogey. Worried your film might look like Mr Grayson and Mr Cholmondley-Warner? Don't worry! Just hire Mr Grayson's dad (Edward Enfield) to play the part of an over-the-top public information film announcer. Job done. |
| Watch this faceIt's proof, perhaps, that the ironic authoritarian voiceover lives on after the death of Patrick Allen, the man behind the sound of Protect and Survive, Two Tribes, Vic Reeves' Big Night Out and the trailers for E4. Allen died in July, aged 79. Enfield Senior, having given his voice to Yakult and Nike, looks set to be able to enjoy the position for as long as he wants it. | Watch this faceIt's proof, perhaps, that the ironic authoritarian voiceover lives on after the death of Patrick Allen, the man behind the sound of Protect and Survive, Two Tribes, Vic Reeves' Big Night Out and the trailers for E4. Allen died in July, aged 79. Enfield Senior, having given his voice to Yakult and Nike, looks set to be able to enjoy the position for as long as he wants it. |
| The conceit of this ad is very similar to that used in the "Frank" anti-cannabis campaign, in which a young bloke wanders into the Brain Warehouse as if it were a mobile phone shop, and is assailed with a variety of different models, including the Spewstopper, the Moodswing, and the Freakout-Free X50. (You can watch that advert also via Related Internet links.) | The conceit of this ad is very similar to that used in the "Frank" anti-cannabis campaign, in which a young bloke wanders into the Brain Warehouse as if it were a mobile phone shop, and is assailed with a variety of different models, including the Spewstopper, the Moodswing, and the Freakout-Free X50. (You can watch that advert also via Related Internet links.) |
| Screening processBoth are effective, though the details of the Brain Warehouse are beautifully dropped in - the slightly startled customer who is looking at the paranoia range of brains, for example - and the perfect casting of Jeremy Killick as unsettling shop manager Steve Nightingale. | Screening processBoth are effective, though the details of the Brain Warehouse are beautifully dropped in - the slightly startled customer who is looking at the paranoia range of brains, for example - and the perfect casting of Jeremy Killick as unsettling shop manager Steve Nightingale. |
| One fine moment in Inner Tosser is the moment at which the central character - who in just a few frames takes on the unmistakeable style of conspicuous consumption - decides to give in to the temptation of a 40-inch flat screen TV. "I'm going to buy one!" he almost dares himself. "I'm going to get one!" The growing look of excitement in his eyes feels familiar - and makes real what one reads about the moment of exhilaration felt by compulsive shoppers. | One fine moment in Inner Tosser is the moment at which the central character - who in just a few frames takes on the unmistakeable style of conspicuous consumption - decides to give in to the temptation of a 40-inch flat screen TV. "I'm going to buy one!" he almost dares himself. "I'm going to get one!" The growing look of excitement in his eyes feels familiar - and makes real what one reads about the moment of exhilaration felt by compulsive shoppers. |
| Both adverts come from very trendy agencies (Mother in the case of the Brain Warehouse, and the Conservative party's new agency Karmarama for the Inner Tosser). Both have slick and informative websites attached. And both have succeeded in generating opposing, in some cases satirical, versions on YouTube. | Both adverts come from very trendy agencies (Mother in the case of the Brain Warehouse, and the Conservative party's new agency Karmarama for the Inner Tosser). Both have slick and informative websites attached. And both have succeeded in generating opposing, in some cases satirical, versions on YouTube. |
| Similar casts: Frank on left, Tosser on rightThe Conservatives' reasoning for this advert is that it is the first of a series which will hope to make young people think about their social responsibilities. But part of the criticism it has received is that it is odd to hear a message of the dangers of debt from a party which has been revealed to owe more than £35m. | Similar casts: Frank on left, Tosser on rightThe Conservatives' reasoning for this advert is that it is the first of a series which will hope to make young people think about their social responsibilities. But part of the criticism it has received is that it is odd to hear a message of the dangers of debt from a party which has been revealed to owe more than £35m. |
| That is small beer, compared to the £1.2 trillion UK consumers are in debt. To complicate the issue more, there are no doubt many High Street retailers selling flash clothes, jewellery, TVs and cars who have their own thoughts about the social responsibility of credit card spending. | That is small beer, compared to the £1.2 trillion UK consumers are in debt. To complicate the issue more, there are no doubt many High Street retailers selling flash clothes, jewellery, TVs and cars who have their own thoughts about the social responsibility of credit card spending. |
| Should the advert have made clear it was coming from a political party, as implied by the commentator quoted above? The risk of doing so (for the success of the venture) is clear - would it really be more effective with a politician pointing at a chart? The risk of not doing so is raising some eyebrows in the press, and that's a risk Mr Cameron is obviously prepared to take. | Should the advert have made clear it was coming from a political party, as implied by the commentator quoted above? The risk of doing so (for the success of the venture) is clear - would it really be more effective with a politician pointing at a chart? The risk of not doing so is raising some eyebrows in the press, and that's a risk Mr Cameron is obviously prepared to take. |
| Ad Breakdown is compiled by Giles Wilson | Ad Breakdown is compiled by Giles Wilson |
| Your comments. | |
| I've always found that politicians or concerned groups have always come across as appearing a little sad and desperate when they try to appeal to 'the youth' through 'cool' adverts like this. If they were just to state the facts, they might get more respect. Besides, don't they know one of the major rules of staying 'cool'. As soon as adults/politicians start to like something, it is no longer cool in any way shape or form. As soon as we have a short film of Tony Blair smoking Cannabis, it's popularity will go way down...Heather, Wolverhampton | I've always found that politicians or concerned groups have always come across as appearing a little sad and desperate when they try to appeal to 'the youth' through 'cool' adverts like this. If they were just to state the facts, they might get more respect. Besides, don't they know one of the major rules of staying 'cool'. As soon as adults/politicians start to like something, it is no longer cool in any way shape or form. As soon as we have a short film of Tony Blair smoking Cannabis, it's popularity will go way down...Heather, Wolverhampton |
| How about the debt we are all facing from trying to exist, let alone new tvs or cars? When you can talk to me about have to borrow to put oil in your central heating tank, and worry to death about turning it on, then the government might realise what the debt problem in this great country of ours really is all about!!!phil cash, lincoln | How about the debt we are all facing from trying to exist, let alone new tvs or cars? When you can talk to me about have to borrow to put oil in your central heating tank, and worry to death about turning it on, then the government might realise what the debt problem in this great country of ours really is all about!!!phil cash, lincoln |
| I find it incredible that a party with millions of pounds of debt are lecturing the young people of today with this rubbish. How about leading by example. Mind you, all parties encourage you to "do as I say not as I do"Graeme Gormley, Grangemouth | I find it incredible that a party with millions of pounds of debt are lecturing the young people of today with this rubbish. How about leading by example. Mind you, all parties encourage you to "do as I say not as I do"Graeme Gormley, Grangemouth |
| Once again the youth of today (the ones with an IQ that is) are belittled and looked down upon from those above. A classic example of how to alienate the very people you're trying to help.James B, Sheffield, UK | Once again the youth of today (the ones with an IQ that is) are belittled and looked down upon from those above. A classic example of how to alienate the very people you're trying to help.James B, Sheffield, UK |
| I don't see the problem with it. All right i might not forward it on if i received it by email but it's a start. I'm 24 and have loads of mates incapable of maintaining a positive bank balace, it least it makes people think about it. It won't make me more likely to vote for any of these parties either, i'll base that decision on their policies.Ed S, London | I don't see the problem with it. All right i might not forward it on if i received it by email but it's a start. I'm 24 and have loads of mates incapable of maintaining a positive bank balace, it least it makes people think about it. It won't make me more likely to vote for any of these parties either, i'll base that decision on their policies.Ed S, London |
| Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means.Bill, Gloucester, UK | Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means.Bill, Gloucester, UK |
| Being young I understand how people can fall into the trap of personal debt. When I leave uni in a few months I will suddenly have lots of financial burdens placed upon me. Obviously once I get a job this will be eased, however with the state of the housing market and the general cost of living being so high (utility bills, car ownership) I do not relish the prospect of 5 years where I simply cannot afford to buy anything. The concept of working everyday just to survive while the rest of society consumes at astonishing rates, it would be very easy to fall into this trap. I do not like the idea of being branded as a tosser for wanting to have some luxuries, which we are told on a daily basis by marketing folk that we require. Bob Jones, Lancaster | Being young I understand how people can fall into the trap of personal debt. When I leave uni in a few months I will suddenly have lots of financial burdens placed upon me. Obviously once I get a job this will be eased, however with the state of the housing market and the general cost of living being so high (utility bills, car ownership) I do not relish the prospect of 5 years where I simply cannot afford to buy anything. The concept of working everyday just to survive while the rest of society consumes at astonishing rates, it would be very easy to fall into this trap. I do not like the idea of being branded as a tosser for wanting to have some luxuries, which we are told on a daily basis by marketing folk that we require. Bob Jones, Lancaster |
| Do you remember the "belly's gonna get you" advert, with people being chased through the streets by a giant beer belly? I can't remember what product it was sponsoring, but it got me running again!John, Hereford | Do you remember the "belly's gonna get you" advert, with people being chased through the streets by a giant beer belly? I can't remember what product it was sponsoring, but it got me running again!John, Hereford |
| Why are you doing Tory advertising for them? If people want to know about this so-called advert they can find it themseleves. Why do the BBC have to keep giving constant information about this.Manjit, Birmingham | Why are you doing Tory advertising for them? If people want to know about this so-called advert they can find it themseleves. Why do the BBC have to keep giving constant information about this.Manjit, Birmingham |
| I like the sentiments of the advert. I don't like the word "tosser" and do find it slightly offensive but maybe that is the point. I don't think it is appropriate to use it to use the word in Parliament and it reflects badly on those who do - obviously they don't have a wide enough vocabulary.Sarah , Richmond | I like the sentiments of the advert. I don't like the word "tosser" and do find it slightly offensive but maybe that is the point. I don't think it is appropriate to use it to use the word in Parliament and it reflects badly on those who do - obviously they don't have a wide enough vocabulary.Sarah , Richmond |
| Perhaps the young bloke in question lives with his parents, has no bills to speak of, and is on a spending spree because he can be. And perhaps his parents may watch the advert and decide it's time to take back that credit card?Candace, New Jersey, US | Perhaps the young bloke in question lives with his parents, has no bills to speak of, and is on a spending spree because he can be. And perhaps his parents may watch the advert and decide it's time to take back that credit card?Candace, New Jersey, US |
| [ Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means.Bill, Gloucester, UK ] I assume Bill doesn't own a house then.Dave Pashby, Leeds UK | [ Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means.Bill, Gloucester, UK ] I assume Bill doesn't own a house then.Dave Pashby, Leeds UK |
| You only own the house when you have made the final mortgage payment. Taken or switched to Interest Only? You are just renting/leasing with an option to purchase! People are finally waking up to the realities of the UK's miracle economy, a pyramid scam founded on house price inflation and consumer debt.Charles Ashbury, Ashbourne | You only own the house when you have made the final mortgage payment. Taken or switched to Interest Only? You are just renting/leasing with an option to purchase! People are finally waking up to the realities of the UK's miracle economy, a pyramid scam founded on house price inflation and consumer debt.Charles Ashbury, Ashbourne |
| It is not terrifically ironic that the party that supports the free market, and therefore the relentless marketing engine that go with it, is now making an ADVERT about debt. Doh!Anthony, Brighton | It is not terrifically ironic that the party that supports the free market, and therefore the relentless marketing engine that go with it, is now making an ADVERT about debt. Doh!Anthony, Brighton |
| [[ Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means. Bill, Gloucester, UK ] I assume Bill doesn't own a house then. Dave Pashby, Leeds UK]Or a student loan!Paul, Taunton | [[ Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means. Bill, Gloucester, UK ] I assume Bill doesn't own a house then. Dave Pashby, Leeds UK]Or a student loan!Paul, Taunton |
| I'm fed up with the adds on TV for all credit companies, but especially those who seem to encourage getting into further debt, by saying they can use recent legislation to reduce a debt incurred. It's too easy to get into debt. My only debt is my mortgage, which I'm getting rid of by moving out of London. However, I'm bombarded with offers for credit and my bank (with them over 30 years) keeps offering extraordinary sums of credit. It's not easy, but I try to pay off my credit card at the end of every month. My family doesn't go without, but we don't get anything we can't currently afford.SAVING should be the watchword for everyone, but the economists don't like it. Read up on Keynesianism for an informed model of financing yourself and the country.... Susan C-W, London UK | I'm fed up with the adds on TV for all credit companies, but especially those who seem to encourage getting into further debt, by saying they can use recent legislation to reduce a debt incurred. It's too easy to get into debt. My only debt is my mortgage, which I'm getting rid of by moving out of London. However, I'm bombarded with offers for credit and my bank (with them over 30 years) keeps offering extraordinary sums of credit. It's not easy, but I try to pay off my credit card at the end of every month. My family doesn't go without, but we don't get anything we can't currently afford.SAVING should be the watchword for everyone, but the economists don't like it. Read up on Keynesianism for an informed model of financing yourself and the country.... Susan C-W, London UK |
| I dare not imagine what kind of person actually thinks picking on a word is a viable point of argument, it's all rather ridiculous. But then again, this *IS* the U.K.Kevin Burns, Derry City, N.Ireland | I dare not imagine what kind of person actually thinks picking on a word is a viable point of argument, it's all rather ridiculous. But then again, this *IS* the U.K.Kevin Burns, Derry City, N.Ireland |
| Whether you like the advert or not it would help if the banks were flexible instead of forcing people to go to court when they can't afford their car lease payments. Allowing people to transfer car leases to qualifying third parties when they fall on hard times or find themselves over extended would make a lot of sense ... most lease agreements include clauses which make it commercial suicide to terminte the agrements early. Finance agreements including car leasing contract hire are supposed to be fair and equitable for consumers....aren't they? Rant over!Mark Sherry , Manchester, UK | |
| Its ironic that on one the government/ politicians are telling young people to not get into debt and on the other hand are voting to increase the debt owed by young people who wish to further their education at university. I spent four years at uni, and graduated with a good degree and am now working, I have no credit cards because I refuse to, the only way I can survive is by living off my overdraft and having a budget of £7 a day (which is slowly reducing the overdraft). I now have to face the prospect of going back to uni to carry on in my chosen career and the increased debt that that come with. Molly, Wells, Somerset | |
| Student Loans teach people to get into debt, at the same time we're told not to. Mixed messages.John Fielder, Workington | |
| Blimey there are a lot of moaners on here.I just watched the ad and yes like others have mentioned its a bit cheesey and silly and as soon as someone like a politician or a 'grown up' does something cool its immediately un-cool, but i thought the whole site that the link takes you to is brilliant! Thank God i found it. Ive got some debt (i know its my responsibility as much as theirs but a certain major high street bank gave me a £2400 credit card when i was unemployed, 19 and going travelling and then off to university when I got back!!oh and what do you know i cant afford to pay it back!)and I dont know how to deal with and can't bring myself to talk to friends and family, and that site will be no end of help in showing me who to turn to. It's firendly, it's a bit of fun, it makes me smile, it doesnt terrify me and it is going to make me take action. Thank you Mr Cameron I say, even if its annoyed everyone else its helped me out!Sally, warwickshire | |
| Fantastic, more ads that perpetuate the myth that the average Briton is a early twenties, white, middle-class, male with available capital. As those adjectives don't apply to me, I feel free to completely ignore the ads and the people responsible for them as I clearly don't exist to them. All ad agencies care about, whoever they're working for, is the ABC1 demographic (and the BBC likewise). Weed and debt can have effects on your personal life, sure, but how about a "hilarious" ad about what getting into bed with big business does to the country, eh? That goes for both (all) of the naughty boys who claim to be competent enough to be in charge.kassandra, UK | |
| Regardless of the party, regardless of the class, it's good advice.Chameleon Dave, Everywhere! | |
| I am slightly offended. i am in debt and it's due to the fact that i pay vast amounts of money for my university education. I'm thrifty as students go- i use every voucher i can get hands on, never spend more than £15 a fortnight on food and go out once or twice a week because the reality is that that's all student loan gets you. i'm angry that i'm being classed as being a "tosser" because i want good education, but can't afford it without borrowing money!Steve Lodge, nottingham, uk | |
| It's all well and good, but i think i am one of the few students who has managed to survive four years so far of my degree without a credit card...this coupled with the fact that despite no financial help from my parents, i live on a three thousand poun loan per year and whatever i can earn in the few spare hours...needless to say an overdraft was needed. address this problem, instead of making patronising adverts like this!john, singapoore | |
| Just goes to show the Tories dont really understand the tearm "student loan". we understand its not like a "loan from daddy" and we dont spend it on "bling".james clarke, Uk | |
| Do I still count as 'youth' now I'm 21?? I am a student and as such debt is a way of life for me. I found the ad and website helpful and *almost* funny, it does make you realise how easily things can get out of hand. Nathan Jones, London | |
| I'm fed up to the back teeth with the vulgarity and coarseness so prevalent nowadays. Ads like this only serve to make it all seem normal. I'm thoroughly ashamed that the Tory party should sink to this low to ingratiate itself to a part of the electorate who cares little anyway about responsibility. Paul, Richmond | |
| Maybe if the school system actually taught people about real life, this non-effectual approach wouldn't be needed. Education as real practical information, such as what your paycheck means, what bailiffs can take from your house, how to claim benefits, fill in a self-assessment tax return, what a utility/council tax bill looks like, etc. Sure, its not going to be fun to do, but it would have helped me a lot!Adam Faulconbridge, York, UK | |
| IIRC the Thatcherite Dream was largely funded on credit debt, which is ironic for a Shopkeeper's Daughter. Both my brother and I have been told we're 'undermortgaged' by Financial Advisers. I'm largely free of debt since I ignored their 'advice'. Seems a lot of people didn't... It's amazing what people will believe.Roger O'Donnell, NESTON | |
| Well, I hope that some enterprising journalists are finding out the level of debt amongst MPs, so all our inner tossers are equally accountable.Les Carr, Southampton, United Kingdom | |
| I live in a council house, work very hard as a retail manager, get paid pittance for what I do compared to those who live in London. I have a partner and 2 children. I attempt to run a car and also have an enjoyable life. I am not in debt. Mainly because I cannot afford to be. I doesn't matter which party used this ad, which ever one is in power they will still put up taxes because people keep buying houses, cars and other LUXURIES at ridiculous prices. This keeps the economy so high resulting in real workers not being able to afford anything because they are too expensive. And what does Gordon Brown do to pay off his debt? Puts up petrol so we pay his debt for him.Gary Scholes, Derby | |
| More slick PR from 'Dave's' team that fails to think things through. The 'Blue Labour' Tory Party is tens of milions of pounds in debt in living beyond its means but wants the taxpayer to further subsidise its little luxuries such as image preening for its leaders' families.... Brian, Fulham, London | |
| British people need to get smart and stop spending ridiculous amounts of money on things which have been made through cheap labour and exploitation that are simply not worth the price. Consumerism is a two way street, there's no deal unless both parties agree. A more responsible attitude on the part of the British consumer is needed to improve the situation.Cara, London | |
| If you aint got it don't spend it, it is not that difficult to understand. A credit card is a service, if people are to stupid to realise it is not free money then that is there faultChris Marsh, Reading Berkshire | |
| So using offensive language makes you cool? My bank is a tosser? Looks like another cheap attempt to rope in the "youf" to vote Tory.John Clark, Brussels, Belgium | |
| I believe the advert is excellent, and full marks for getting the message accross that if you are in debt, there is a website you can go for advise and help rather than Carol Vordaman offering a solution through a loan. The context of the advert is spot on. How many of us regually go on a shopping binge? Has anyone been to a busy shopping centre on a Saturday! The advert has done it's job, has it not got us thinking and discussing persona debt? Unless you are incrediably wealthy you cannot own a house or car without debt. With house prices rising to extontiate levels (£ 130,000 for a small flat anyone?) and with wages not reflecting this rise, we cannot help but get into any debt.After bills are paid, there is nothing left. That's when a credit card becomes attractive.Karen, Hartlepool | |
| I'm no fan of the Tory party, but all credit to them for attempting this. I am surrounded by people who just don't seem to understand that they are paying through the nose for credit, living beyond their means.They just cannot accept that they can't actually afford that new tv/car/house/hifi that they want. Mind you, when it is easier than ever before to arrange an IVA or become bankrupt and walk away, maybe it's me that's the fool?Nigel smith, London UK | |
| Why are you attempting to seriously evaluate an advert to ascertain whether or not it is a 'good' one or a 'poor' one? All adverts are intentionally directed at either our vanities or our fears and are therefore fundimentally base and without merit. Advertising is inherently crass and you run the risk of raising it to the status of art-form by discussing it so seriously. This latest attempt by Cameron's Conservatives is, with it's 'daring' use of the word 'tosser', as see through and embarassing recent blogging episode.Rory Cooper, Bath | |
| I think debt has far more to do with being overtaxed than a mythical "inner tosser". David Cameron needs to start doing his job and opposing the government instead of going on about banning chocolate bars, hugging hoodies, non-existent climate change and going along with the government on Identity Cards/National Identity Register., | |
| I found the advert fairly upbeat. It's not a bad effort to encourage people to be more aware of their financial situation. The sensible people of the world who read the BBC website might not know it, but there are a lot of people in the UK who let loose the "inner tosser", about 5 minutes after receiving their wages.Canon, Edinburgh | |
| So the use of the word 'tosser' implies a lower vocabulary in the House of Commons? Should they have used 'masturbationist', would that have indicated that our politicians are more intelligent? The use of the vernacular is sound rhetorical method for politicians, especially considering the impatience of today's electorate with intellectuals and academic discussion of problems. The advert only seems cheesy now because we know that a political party put it out - but that's beside the point, it wasn't a 'vote tory' add but a 'spend wisely' add, so if it reflects badly on the party it doesn't damage the message. Cameron is right, social responsibilities are important. Either we learn them, or we give government more power to bear them for us, and potentially pay the consequences of all societies that have allowed government to control social duties.Hugh, London | |
| This is in the worst possible taste a slur on some of the best of British workmanship. It makes my blood boil that they have the gall to make this statement on top of showing two British TVRs when the workforce have just been dumped on the streets in Blackpool. They shouldn't be lecturing other people about responsibilities with showing some responsibility themselves!Ron Godfrey, Hertfordshire | |
| Yes, some people are getting into debt by this kind of spending, but a ton of others are in debt because of high university fees, student loans repayments, morgage payments etc. It doesn't really take a lot of spending for a 20-something year old to get into debt these days.Hannah Bending, Hampshire | |
| I think they are just attempting to get through to as many young people that they can to make it easier when they inevitably/eventualy regain power. I mean the mess that labour will leave behind will be the 'mother of all muddles' so they'll have enough on their plate without the 20 and 30 somethings all going bankrupt due to bad financial mistakes made when they were not ready to really make such choices.Tom Legend, Bedford | |
| And the Tories accuse the Labour party of nannying!! Hypocrites!Daniel, Oxford | |
| United Kingdom's Current Account Balance: $ -33,460,000,000 God Bless Government! Ironically yours, Me.Satguru, Somewhere | |
| Incredibly patronising! We're not all as stupid as politicians would like to imagine.Sasha Lubetkin, Bristol, UK | |
| He's hit the nail on the head. I'm 26 and all my friends from University, with good grades and good jobs, are heavily in debt. It's a peer thing - 'I'm in debt but so is everyone else! Who cares!' Debt is fine, but lose your income and that debt will chase you until you're homeless or dead. About time someone started advertising that debt is bad. Barney, Reading, UK | |
| It's a clever add that actually appeals to young people. It doesn't come across as preachy. Also from the amount of media coverage its got, its been a fairly successful campaign.In addition the ad, to the best of my knowledge, doesn't have a Tory label, and just advertises the site, thus removing a potential major turn off.Dave, Belfast, NI | |
| Nice to see a change of reporting stance from the Bliar Broadcasting Centre.mark beaumont, | |
| Bill in Gloucester says "Ban credit. That'll solve the debt problem. Force us all to live within our means." Fantastic reactionary response. Banning credit will mean you don't have a home unless you can find 180,000 upfront. How about the 8000, jobs that will go as a result of "banning credit" Banks invest in companies by supplying loans to grow business and therefore more jobs. Ban credit - ridiculous......Matt, Gloucestershire | |
| Amazing, the debt-ridden tories, encouragers of such conspicuous consumerism in the Thatcher years are now concerned about our credit card habits, or is this about getting a good ad agency to find a way of connecting with a demographic the tories would love to have on board? It's an awful idea, however cleverly done. Jonathan, London | |
| Before going the whole hog and banning credit (or making it more difficult to obtain) the legislators should move in on their friends in the banks and outlaw the practice of charging swingeing early settlement fees. These act as a positive deterrent to reducing debt and amount to no less than simple theft on the part of the banks and financial institutions. Not so many years ago if you paid off a personal loan ahead of time you got a rebate on the interest you paid, far fairer. But then the banks were properly regulated, run by people with integrity and not seeking to return billions in profit to their already fat shareholders.Martyn, Romsey, UK | |
| I have exactly one debt. It's the one that the Tax Credits department dropped on me after miscalculating my payments for over a year. Yeah, I feel like a tosser... for trusting a government department to get things right!Mary, Suffolk, UK | |
| I can see the point, although I find it strange coming from the Tories. What really bemuses me is people who say they can't pay their bills etc, but they have £600 TV's, £15000 cars and wardrobes the size of garages. Get your priorities right - TVs/Ipods/Posh cars are luxuries, not necessities.Martin, Hove | |
| Absolutely awful. Firstly, it is irresponsible to stereotype the nation's youth in this manner, and secondly, the targeting of such groups betrays the very opportunism that politicians profess to be aloof from. Commercialism is rapidly becoming the bane of our society. Like most 'adverts' of this nature, it does nothing to lessen my cynical outlook.Will, Burton upon Trent | |
| You can ban Cannabis, but you can't ban debt. Well, actually you can't ban Cannabis either, but why would you want to? Debt kills more people in a day then Cannabis ever has.How dare such tossers call me a tosser?Jon Kent, Romford | |
| Would Bill from Gloucester who wants to ban credit happily live without a mortgage? Or should only those with inherited family wealth be allowed to buy a home? Debt is part of the way we live and it is good that politicians are trying to encourage us to manage our debt sensibly. The problem is that they seem to be failing to get the message across.Paul K, London | |
| I can't think of any other English-speaking country - not even Australia - where a politician using the word "tosser" in public would be thought anything other than uncouth and puerile. Another small victory for yob culture. But then (if you can't beat them, join them) all politicians are populist, opportunistic cunts now, aren't they?Frank, Newmarket, England | |
| "Taken or switched to Interest Only? You are just renting/leasing with an option to purchase! People are finally waking up ..." Charles Ashbury, Ashbourne Unfortunately Charles has woken up himself. While it's true that 'Interest Only' is not as good a deal financial as paying off the capital sum it is absolutely not equivalent to renting. Simple example: I live in a flat worth 100k for 5 years. At the end of this period it's worth 200k (not an unrelistic scenario over last 5 years). i) If I rent I see no benefit for this capital appreciation - it all passes to the landlord. Depending on the market conditions my rent may even increase above the rate of inflation as a result of a rising house market. ii) If I buy with 100% interest only mortgage I still owe 100k at the end. (If you like I have the 'option to purchase' at the price 5 years ago). I pay this and am 100k (minus various costs - probably 5-10%) better off. Not as good as if I had paid off some of the capital but not still pretty good.Of course the converse is true - if the property fell in value to 50k and I rented it would be no problem for me (possibly rents would fall as people clinging to properties with negative equitity rented rather than selling them). If I own the property or sit tight and hope things improve in time - if I lost my job I might be repossesed. In this case I have no 'option not to purchase' - I force to accept the debt - or go bankrupt. Either way renting means you assume no risk - but equally get no benefit - from a move in house prices. It's a failure of people to be able to work through the logic of these basic situations that leads to real problems with debt. Oh and no I don't own a property - having missed the UK rise over the last years by being out of the country I think I'll sit tight for a while yet and see what happens. In Canada, Australia and Switzerland 'renting' isn't such a dirty word as it seems to be in the UK....Richard M, Geneva, Switerland | |
| I am sure we all know what the meaning of the word Tosser is, yes W***er. Anyone who thinks this kind language and advertising should be allowed must be a fool, we have not needed or allowed it for the last 50 years so why should it be now? Just another example of the slippery slope the UK is on. In one hand lets ban adverts that have been on the tv for weeks already for laughable content deemed unsuitable but on the other its ok to start publicaly using the phrase Tosser, what next i shudder to think.Stuart Evans, Stafford, Staffordshire, UK | |
| I found it sadly patronising. My work with people in debt tells me that while young people deserve a proportion of the bad press they get, the real tossers actually tend to be middle class people who bought their house cheap a few years ago and are blowing the proceeds of the remortgage they can't afford. Barry, Edinburgh | |
| The Conservative party recently revealed to the Electoral Commisssion that they are in debt to the tune of £35 million (!!). Maybe Mr Cameron should get in touch with his own "inner tosser".Darren Bell, Colchester, UK | |
| Perhaps the Conservative Party should do more to fix the credit boom they created in the Eighties than tell us off for borrowing too much. A constructive solution for repairing the damage to our economy that their policies inflicted would more than likely attract more voters than a viral advert admonishing us for using credit facilities that they originally encouraged the British people to use on property purchases.Mathew Jensterle, Monmouthshire, Wales | |
| MP's work the longest hours of any professional in the UK. That includes doctors. They watch a tiny amount of TV and spend most of their time with other people who's "youth awareness" is as none existent as their own. If politicians simply accepted and confessed to this fact, they would gain a lot more respect from young people than they do from this type of charade. If we wanted MP's and politicians who were culturally aware we'd elect 3 times as many of them and their basic wage would be half what it is now. However, we want people who are good at what they do. It's time that they accept that and stop pretending that their job is to appeal to the young.Chris (age 18)Christopher White, Newbury, UK | |
| I work in insolvency, and every day i see people come through our doors who frankly should never have been given the amount of credit they have in the first place. Often they've had money thrown at them by banks and credit companies, despite low levels of wealth and income. Clearly, irresponsible lending on the part of the credit industry is what has landed the UK in so much debt. Yet politicians would rather blame the younger generation of borrowers. Perhaps the fact the 18-30s vote in notoriously low numbers has something to do with it... Either way it's a joke, and ironically also a perfect example of the sort of thing that alienates the young from political parties in the first place. And as a 26 year old i find it pretty depressing. Damien Hallsworth, Cambridge | |
| The sad thing is: after the cash for peerages scandals the taxpayer could be forking out for this kind of rubbish.Calum Higgins, Carmarthenshire | |
| Surely this advert is aimed not at 'the youth' but at a specific and (hopefully) minor proportion of it -- the tossers themselves.Timon, Bath | |
| I have no sympathy for the 99% of people who get into debt after maxing out their credit cards on designers clothes and electronic gadgets and then come crying to the credit card companies for making it "too easy" to get credit. I get offered a credit card a week and every offer goes straight in the bin. I was hearing recently about record numbers of people who are declaring themselves bankrupt. Who do you think has to pay for their debts? it sure isn't the credit companies. It is every prudent consumer who has to pay through increased prices or premiums to make up the short fall. dara, brighton | |
| Credit is essential for any society's economy, as it allows people to smooth their consumption over their lifetime, and also means that their prjected future earnings go straight into the economy. How dull to live a life within your means!Charlie Barrow, London | |
| Yep, I go to a public school, you may think we're better than state school students, maybe the majority but I tell you, my school and most like it are 75% Yobs, nothings right. And this ad campaign won't work, very little will..Tom, | |
| "Miowwowow" Charlie says "Don't spend money you haven't got." Bring back Charlie the cat.Nigel, London | |
| If the conservatives are so worried about young peoples debt why don't they cut down the costs of universities!!!Tom, Horsham | |
| Perhaps when we in this country stopped being ripped off for everything we buy (from petrol and fuel for the home to tobacco and alcohol right back through fresh food) people will start to reasonably conceive that they can live without being in debt. Once just managing to live in the black has become a viable possibility for the majority of people, then the levels of debt in this country will plummet. The problem is that everything is SO expensive (just ask people who live on the continent, and not in the inflated-price tourist trap areas) that only buying things that we can't really afford on credit becomes a form of escapism. Oh and while we're at it get rid of tuition fees and bring back grants! Teaching people that is totally acceptable to be in tens of thousands of pounds of debt before they've even got a job surely can't be helping.Chris Keen, Sheffield, England | |
| It's not the purchasing of goods that's the problem. That's good for the economy. It's the interest charged on loans. House prices rise because banks are happy to loan more and more money and charge interest on the loans. Ban interest on loans, make it a set fee (a reasonable one) for borrowing money, and pass laws to prevent greedy landlords buying up all the housing stock to rent out, thereby diminishing the supply of available housing for sale and driving up prices due to limited demand. Free markets be damned, something has to be done to help people out from spending all their money servicing the interest on debt, and if a few rich business men suffer I couldn't give a toss (and neither could my inner tosser). Chris, Haverhill UK | |
| Have just gone to the website to watch the advert (distressing experience to say the least) and then completed the patronising and unhelpful "inner tosser" test I throw my hands up in frustration at yet another example of a Tory party out of touch with young people, out of touch with current media and completely unfit to govern a country filled with young people struggling to make sense of the mess left by the last Tory government despite the best efforts of the Labour party to make things better.Iain Simpson, london | |
| First of all people are smart enough to know when they're getting into too much debt. Some people who are addicted to shopping need help like other addicts. Maybe a twelve step programme or something (that won't include God into it) should be made aviable. As for the shock adverts I have to say they don't work anymore. I always used to read those warning signs on cigs packet as a joke. One about inpotenance was best. Same with the latest Frank advert - rubbish and noone will believe it except for naive parents. Frank broke the rule when it started to preach instead of giving inpartial information.Luke Nowacki, Rotherham | |
| A lack of education on credit coupled with loans/credit dressed up to be nice items from your friendly bank, where you pay back very little is what leads to uncontrolled debt.It's not until it's too late that you realise the true costs, because you weren't educated about it at school, and the bank certainly isn't going to turn down your money!steve, UK | |
| That is most likely the worst advert I've ever seen.Mike, San Diego, CA | |
| I agree that personal debt is a big problem, but this ad. is extremely insulting to the majority of people who have to struggle to exist. I would ask all politicians but in this case Conservatives to "Declare" their "interest" in a Credit Card. I have a sneaking feeling that they are all able to pay off their debt each month, without incurring interest( and probably have a secretary to do it- is that what they are paid for? ). Having also read recently declared figures on Expense claims and today another exhorbitant claim for salary increase, we can only conclude that they do not live in the real world. I don't like the "advert" ( what is it advertising? ) I think the word "Tosser" simply appeals to the lowest common denominator which appears to be the Tory Party. Please spend party funds on something that will give people hope and pride in being British. Please Mr. Cameron "oppose" or "propose" something that will give me pride back in this country.John Stevenson, Newbury England | |
| "Why do the BBC have to keep giving constant information about this." - Manjit The reason that the BBC gives information about something is that the something is making news. BBC News is a news corporation, and therefore reports on all news. To expect the BBC not to cover news related to any companies in order to avoid drawing attention to said companies is, therefore, not really fair on the BBC, in my opinion.John Coxon, Peterborough, UK | |
| Even if the campaign fails I admire them for trying something different for a change.Paul Johnson, Horsham, UK | |
| Debt is a problem. A huge one. This advert emphasises the idiocy of someone who allows themself to get hugely into debt without thinking through the consequences. So take the politics out of it and get the message! I can't see the problem. People will watch and either ignore it or take notice. Surely if someone takes the second option, that's great? And if they take the first option, who's been hurt?Sue Whitfield, Luton, England | |
| What is the problem with words like "tosser"? and why do people always attribute the use of such language to a lack of vocabulary? The Tories actively chose to use this word. They did not sit around scratching their heads and finally resign themselves to a lack of alternatives. The choice was probably made with the attention of getting attention - quite a successful ploy apparently.Dave Hewitt, London, UK | |
| If I'd lived within my means 10 years ago I'd imagine that today I would be living alone with my children in care. Debt is horrendous but there are times when the alternatives are beyond consideration. Political parties toy with being concerned. We have such a great national average wage after all... except that means half the population don't earn that much. Who knows the inner tosser? Not I, though I see outer ones all too frequently.Chris, Surrey |