Playing a trump card

Playing a trump card

Two boys stand in a South London playground, hunched over two handfuls of cards, comparing numbers and in turn whooping with delight or cursing with disappointment. Before you assume theyíre revising for their GCSE in Credit Card Fraud, let us introduce you to drug ad Top Trumps (Top Drugs).

Every ad is scored out of 100 in four categories allowing them to be graded and compared:

VI (visual impact): Speaks for itself. Does the ad blend unnoticed into the mÍlÈe of other commercial and editorial pages in the journal ñ or does it stand out and attract attention like a ginger kid in the school photo?

CC (copy clout): Have the words been carefully considered and honed to deliver their message with brevity, clarity and style? Or is the ad laden down with flabby, opaque claptrap?

CM (clarity of message): The adís main (sometimes overlooked) purpose is to deliver a message. Are the concept, art direction and copy singing in harmony from the same hymn sheet, or is everyone improvising independently of each other and a common theme (like the Year 7 jazz band)?

The fourth category is the mysterious PF (popularity factor): Just as itís hard to define what makes a kid cool in school, a great ad is also much more than the sum of its parts ñ just think Ferris Bueller (good) or Rolaaand from Grange Hill (not so good).

Nicorette ActiveStop ñ smoking cessation

Visual Impact: Holy snot thatís green! The brand colour howls at you from this ad, so much so that the red packshot looks
incongruous. Great cheesy overacting from the models! However, the headline, packshot and brand name are fighting each other for visual supremacy.

Copy Clout: A neat headline works seamlessly with the visual; if only theyíd resisted putting in the brand name which just distracts from a good idea. Body copy is clear and concise with a direct and straightforward call to action.

Clarity of Message: It is clear that ëAdditional Supportí in the form of behavioural techniques and communication technology are provided along with the ciggy patches, but exactly what is the product? If this is a revolutionary new product that GPs should try, it could do with a clearer explanation.

Popularity Factor: We canít help liking this ad ñ itís brash and thoroughly upbeat. Not sure weíd want the art director to
decorate our houses though.

Seretide ñ for asthma

Visual Impact: Lots of fresh, crisp, clean air that makes you wish you werenít sitting at your desk. This ad is bursting with stopping power, spoilt only by the choice of typography and mandatory purple silk scarf logo.

Copy Clout: A very clever headline and economical body copy provides this ad with all it needs to say in a short space of time, allowing GPs to get on with their tea breaks.

Clarity of Message: Clever headline. Powerful photograph. Clear communication.

Popularity Factor: Attractive and likeable. So much so that you really hope the couple of kids get rescued so they donít have to
contemplate eating each other.

XENICAL ñ for obesity

Visual Impact: There is an excellent idea at the core of this that has been perfectly art directed, photographed and retouchedÖ Like those magic eye pictures, it ainít half creepy when you see it.

Copy Clout: Clearly demonstrates the dangers of an unhealthy diet, but itís not clear whether we should enjoy Xenical with cream crackers or without.

Clarity of Message: This is the latest in a great series of ads, so the ad is justified in delivering its message with subtlety. Engaging and rewarding, the message (when you see it) is incredibly powerful.

Popularity Factor: When it comes to pharmaceutical ads this one is the Big Cheese.

Ad Lib is a creative critique of healthcare ads and does not take into account the marketing objectives behind the campaigns reviewed.