Remember the KFC ad that had a code for a free sandwich that was only visible if you weren't fast-forwarding through the ads? (if not click here and start reading AdJab more regularly - why don't you?) Well TV network ABC has rejected the ad after deciding it violated rules the network has against subliminal advertising. That's raised an interesting discussion about why a network would want to discourage people from slowing down the commercials. After all, that's how the networks make a lot of their money, right? It's even a little surprising since, as one person in the article states, the public knowledge of this tactic has made it almost the exact opposite of subliminal. ABC is currently running a version of the commercial that does not include the image for the coupon code.

I never thought of the tactic as subliminal since, if you were watching the spot at normal speed, you could see it just fine. It seems like ABC is being over-cautious about enforcing their policy.

[via MIT Ad Lab]