advertising in a recession

Advertising messages are becoming more and more complicated as we dive into this recession. The message used to be:

"You like this product. Go buy this product!!"

But now it's getting messy. For instance, on the radio last night I heard a commercial from a local jewelery company. If I can remember correctly, I think this is the basic premise of the message they were trying to communicate to me:

1. We are in a recession and times are tough.
2. And you don't have as much money to spend on Christmas gifts this year.
   
3. Therefore you need to make sure you are getting the most of out of your money in the gifts you buy.
4. You get the most out of your money when the gifts you buy really make your loved ones feel special.
5. Therefore you need to show your loved ones you really care about them by shopping for a fine piece of jewelry from our store.
6. You'll find that while our jewelry is not the cheapest in town, it is extremely high quality.
7. Your loved ones will feel special by receiving such a high quality piece of jewelry, knowing you went to great lengths to sacrifice during these difficult times.
   
8. And making your loved ones feel special is of course the true spirit of Christmas... isn't it? Isn't it??

Christmas certainly got messy this year didn't it?