I get a magazine called "Information Security". Like all industry mags, it is a key vehicle for industry-related advertising in amongst the useful articles. What has amused me greatly over the several years I've gotten this mag is how long a certain style of advertising has persisted, and how usage of this particular style has evolved. The style I'm talking about is the age old, "Fear, Uncertanty, Doubt," method. Frequently referred to as FUD. You've all seen it. A flashy logo, text or voice with some pointy-haired teen with way too much metal in their head parked in front of a computer. Are you secure? Are you sure? That sort of thing.
So this month I went through the advertising in this issue and actually counted.
FUD is still the prime motive. Three years ago almost all of it was FUD based. Now I see convenience is gaining nice ground, as it should. It assumes you already know what to do, but want to do it easier. FUD assumes you are lost at sea and only this product can save you. What really irks me about some of these ads are the assumption that I'm an idiot. If I'm aware enough to find this magazine I know stuff about information security already, and I don't need to be told that viruses are a problem.
So this month I went through the advertising in this issue and actually counted.
| Style | Count |
| FUD | 11 |
| Convenience | 9 |
| Because the big-boys do it | 2 |
| Other | 2 |
FUD is still the prime motive. Three years ago almost all of it was FUD based. Now I see convenience is gaining nice ground, as it should. It assumes you already know what to do, but want to do it easier. FUD assumes you are lost at sea and only this product can save you. What really irks me about some of these ads are the assumption that I'm an idiot. If I'm aware enough to find this magazine I know stuff about information security already, and I don't need to be told that viruses are a problem.