We May Not be the Target Market Here

Between using up airfare miles and random incentives at work, we subscribe to a good dozen or so magazines, including Esquire, Runners’ World, Real Simple, Wine Enthusiast, and Entertainment Weekly.  However, my hands-down favorite is Smithsonian; it always focuses on fascinating topics, the articles are well-written, and I finish the magazine knowing far more than when I started it.  An added bonus to receiving the magazine itself is that subscribing makes us Smithsonian members; any time we visit Toni and head into DC, we get discounts on items in the museum gift shops and cafes (PS – eat at the American Indian Smithsonian Museum the next time you’re in DC – you won’t be disappointed). 

So, I officially Taylor Swift-level “heart” Smithsonian.  However, it’s come to my attention recently that I may not exactly be their target market (see also:  CBS’ Sunday Morning tv program), and now that I’ve noticed this, I can see clear proof in the advertisements chosen to appear between the articles. 

Behold, a visual tour:

First, the back cover.  Okay, this is firmly in our territory.  Chris drives a Subaru and loves it, and we’re the outdoorsy types that might just go take pictures of the stars. 

Nailed it!

This one also fits us.  The magazine has a lot of travel-related ads, and although they skew a bit older (cruise promotions, mainly), many of them would fit our interests.

Yup, want to see that someday.  Check!

Also, insurance.  Maybe we weren’t as concerned about it a few years ago as we are now, but still, everybody needs insurance.

With bonus fun facts about aviation!

This is where things start go a little pear shaped.  First, although this looks like an article, it’s very much not.  It’s an ad for…wait for it…vinegar.

Apparently, it’s better than prescription drugs!
Who knew?

Maybe you can use the vinegar to heal your wounds after you fall…and get picked up by the people on the other end of this pager button!

Life Alert, Schmife Alert

But my all-time favorite…be sure to check out the heading of the blue box in the upper right corner…

Aging = Pain.

Also, eventually, death.

Just saying.

Later!

Amy