Marketers use art and science to get the consumers to buy their product. A lot of brain power, innovation and hard work go into developing and marketing a new product. It’s fun to watch products and concepts launch and wonder if it will be a success. Lately, there have been two products that really made me pause. They are:

1.Vibram Five Finger Toe Shoes:
I have to admit, I am not a great runner. I am training for a half marathon and it’s about to kill me. So…all you atheletes out there might not agree with my assessment of the Vibram Five Finger’s running shoes that is getting all kinds of buzz. The shoes remind me of the toe socks from the 70’s. Toe socks were not cool then, and they are certainly not cool now. Moreover, it seems like it would hurt to run in them after a long-period of time.
Recently, my husband and I attended a backyard concert at the Botanical Gardens in Atlanta. We met a nice couple who also attended the event. We were having a lovely conversation with them, until, alas, I looked down and noticed the gentleman’s shoes. Eeek! They were the Vibram Five Finger Toe Shoes. After I noticed the shoes (and got over the horror) I was sort of oddly fascinated with them– in the same way that you can’t stop watching a train wreck. The Vibram Five Finger Toe Shoe’s are understandable, I guess, for runners who want to wear thin gloves for their feet. My opinion is that less is sometimes not more. To me- it seems as though they would be difficult to run in–and hurt! Most important, they are a rather unfortunate fashion statement—and not to be worn outside of running on pavement.
If you haven’t seen them, check out
www.vibram.com <http://www.vibram.com

2.The “Squirrel Be Gone” Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder:
We were roped into buying one of those fancy bird feeders that promised the squirrels will not eat the bird food. Our favorite nursery in Atlanta had a great display with an in-store video showcasing how fabulous the “Squirrel Be Gone” Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is. Because I am such a marketing pro, I take great pride in never being duped. Ha! Think again.
Squirrels must have super powers…they have herculean strength. I have watched squirrel families fly, and climb up to the “Squirrel Be Gone” Bird Feeder, move the birds out of the way and eat their food. Squirrels are smart. And the ones in my backyard are quite while fed thanks to the “Squirrel Be Gone” Bird Feeder.
The marketing pros that have sold us the “Squirrel Be Gone” Bird Feeder are laughing all the way to bank.

Would love to hear your thoughts on these products or other crazy products you would like to mention.

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