Actually, successful advertisement is rated by the number of people who see it, talk about it to others, and continue to show light on the manufactures products.
Take a look at successful marketing such as the Cavemen for Geico, (who obviously are offended by the use of cavemen), Wendy’s old “where’s the Beef”, and an uncountable number of sexy girls selling a plethora of products, events, and resort destinations.
The ending result on any advertisement campaign is recognition of a product to the masses. If I am successful, the client receives an extensive number of views, hype, and comments, be good or bad. The ending result is that additional potential consumers know about a product they previously had no clue (or very little) existed prior to the advertisement.
Like any company, magazine, or television show (even the place you work) they are required to make money to stay in business. As for the media, paid advertisement is the main source of income. Without it, the free service you are enjoying so much right now as you set in the comfort of your house reading the Scuba Board would not survive.
