Match.com Shoots for Unsexy in New Ads

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After Bob Garfield demolished them for disseminating unrealistic online puffery, we’re impressed by Match.com’s latest initiative, which takes a more intelligent approach than vapid sex-obsessed competitor True. The aim is to draw warmth to Match.com from people who still pan online dating as creepy, oversexed or are simply just too shy.

It came as a surprise when we learned not everybody is won by a sex-based approach. What do you mean sex doesn’t always sell? Of course it does. That’s why the phrase is “Sex sells” and not “Sex only sometimes sells” or “Sex just sells if you’re living an ongoing abnormal state of puberty.” No. It always sells.

Campaign by New York-based Hanft Raboy & Partners.

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Steve Hall

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