The Secret Sales Pitch

Library Bookwatch, Dec, 2004

August Bullock

Norwich Publishers

2049 Camden Ave., #124, San Jose, CA 95124

0974264008 $19.95 1-408-504-4095 AugustBullock@aol.com

Subliminal messages in advertising--many people claim they exist, most advertisers claim they do not. In The Secret Sales Pitch, author August Bullock presents a strong case not only for the existence of subliminal influences in marketing but also for their effectiveness. Some of the examples in the book are very obvious once they are pointed out and there is no question that they exist, others seem to be a bit of a stretch. Prepare to be both surprised and at times appalled at the things advertisers put in their marketing pieces. It is important to point out that some of the subliminal examples could also be an accident of light and photography. As an avid photographer myself I have had some photos end up with what would appear to be subliminal messages and images entirely by accident. Some of them were less of a stretch than some of the examples in this book. This is not to say that his examples are not created on purpose as part of a subliminal plan. Many of them are unquestionable created for this purpose. There is also no question that psychology plays a very important role in advertising. One thing that differentiates this book from similar ones is that Mr. Bullock not only examines the subliminal items hidden in the picture but also explains the psychology behind other parts of the advertising piece. The Secret Sales Pitch is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in marketing and the use of subliminal messages in advertising.