Jackson's Rock

Last week's writing challenge title was a 250 word piece called "Jackson's Rock."

The Advertising Standards Authority, Case #241-05

Complaint:

Objection to a radio advertising campaign in the Brightpool area. The advertisement claimed that “Jackson’s Rock is just so sweet it puts curls in your hair and a tingle in your feet”. Six complainants challenged the assertion that hair curled and feet tingled as a result of the consumption of this confectionery.

Adjudication:

Complaint Upheld

The Authority recommended that the advertisement not be shown in its current form.

Although Jackson-PharmaCom insisted that their confectionery did impart the properties advertised, they failed to submit evidence that proved their claims. Subsequent clinical tests of 100 individuals carried out by an independent body found that consumption of Jackson’s Rock did not cause the curling of hair that was originally straight, nor did it cause any kind of tingling sensation to be experienced in the feet (although one subject did experience podiatrical discomfort after he ate the rock, this was considered to be parasthesia brought on by ill-fitting shoes). Most subjects instead reported feelings of drowsiness, nausea, light-headedness, loss of balance and improvement in the condition of their haemerrhoids, which the Jackson-PharmaCom scientists duly noted.

A spokesman for Jackson-PharmaCom said: “We apologise wholeheartedly for any inconvenience that may have been caused by our advertisement. We hope you all continue to enjoy Jackson’s Rock, and don’t forget to complete and return the medical questionnaires for your chance to win a year’s supply!”

Rohit and Melissa also joined in this week.

Next week we're back to 300 words, and the title is "Disembodied Voices."