There is no such thing as a good or bad ad in isolation. What is good at one moment is bad at another. Research can trap you into the past.
William BernbachForget words like 'hard sell' and 'soft sell.' That will only confuse you. Just be sure your advertising is saying something with substance, something that will inform and serve the consumer, and be sure you're saying it like it's never been said before.
William Bernbach