juxtaposition 2014.

I was on the elliptical last night watching a sporting event that went to commercial break.  Up came soft music and testimonials for a product called e.harmony.  This is a dating service that claims to have success finding mates for those looking for them.  I have noticed a proliferation of such services.  For a while a company called Christian Singles was buying a good deal of advertising time.  There is a related product called J-date, for Jewish people seeking romance.  When I go to Pandora for internet radio, my screen fills up with photos of attractive women who all, it is intimated, are out there and waiting for a partner.  I even saw an ad for a company that seemed a bit like a spoof. It was a dating service for farmers.

The e.harmony ad had a voice over that reported data about the number of marriages that have resulted from the use of e.harmony and how it was not like rival companies. Yet, the rival companies all make similar claims. They all suggest that if you sign up, romance is in the near future. Since these companies are not there to do a public service,  and there are so many of them, one suspects that there is a big market for these services.

The e.harmony ad ended with some sweet music and a couple embracing.   There was a quick cut and a transition to the next advertisment.

The next ad... A fellow is standing behind a desk in a shirt and tie.  He said he was, let's say, John Smith, from the legal firm of Smith and Smith.  What does Smith and Smith do?

Smith and Smith are divorce attorneys that specialize in helping those who are in the legal and financial throes of a break-up.  Smith says that there are issues with homes, cars, and bank accounts. Smith and Smith is the perfect firm for this need.

I thought this to be an odd juxtaposition. E.harmony followed immediately by divorce attorneys. And, again, I mused that companies don't advertise unless there is a market.

Seeing the divorce attorney after the romantic couple, coupling, reminded me of what happens when I buy a stereo or tv or furniture.  The salesperson spends the first hour trying to tell me how swell the product is, and then after I buy, immediately tries to sell me a service contract listing all the reasons why the item is going to fall apart because it is not what it claims to be. Same thing?

e.harmony and divorce lawyer.   An interesting juxtaposition for we baby boomers.