A New Mission Statement

    

I've been treating this blog very simply; picking ephemera from the day's eBay listings, and sharing here. Usually with some input from Chat GPT, because Chat lets me have a little fun with the wording of the ads. With Chat, I’ve learned it’s not just the question you ask, but how you ask your question. You can ‘sculpt’ the answer, and the style of the answer, by the asking. Humor, drama, ad-speak, double-speak, a bit of Shakespeare...

But it occurred to me that this has never been how I write blogs. I've had several, none really profitable... but all of them were fun to write and expressed my personality.

On a separate line of thought, I wrote with the idea of using Adsense on the blog to supplement our income. When it felt ready, I applied to Adsense, and they told me the content was thin. Fair enough, I was trying to write a specific volume, without enough to say.

At the same time, the internet privacy situation has been getting scarier and scarier with tons of new laws from multiple countries, and from nearly 20 states so far with more on the way. It’s impossible to follow guidelines… whose? Which state? Which country? And none of them are straightforward. And it’s all too overwhelming.

So I’m going to post things when I feel like, about whatever feels pertinent to the theme. No Adsense, no Affiliate links. You can visit mine and Monique’s eBay stores if you want, or don’t. Doesn’t matter. The link’s there because I talk about eBay, and what I do on eBay. It makes sense that you might want to see what I’m talking about. After all, the whole idea of selling pages cut out of extremely old magazines is kind of hard to wrap your head around if you’ve never heard of it before.

I want writing this blog to be fun again. Writing for the pleasure of sharing ideas. Hopefully someone will enjoy it besides me, but if not, so be it.
With this in mind, I do have a rather esoteric change of subject (or maybe a very deep drill on the same subject) on my mind, something that nobody else seems to have noticed but has driven me mad for nearly a year. Google’s Gemini encouraged me to write about it, and I will. Next post.

1962 General Electric Americana 2 Oven / Ekco Flint Radiant Cookware Print Ad

    I did a nice 2-for-1 today, where I like both ads equally, but for different reasons.  The first is a full-page General Electric ad for a double range.  It's got a lot of description, and a pop of color for the oven.  It's visually appealing, and really 'sells' the product with all the text.

    The second ad is for Ekco Flint Cookware.  This one appeals mainly for the image.  If I was going to keep this ad, instead of sell it on eBay, I'd trim everything away except for the image.  I'd use the 'white space' around it as the matte, and put it directly into a deep rich polished mahogany frame.  The whole display, with her staring pensively at it, the little bird at the top... and whatever the heck those two 'sticks' coming out of the right side, done in gray tones, really catch my attention.

    On to our collaboration with Chat GPT... below is Chat's take on the New Americana '62 GE Oven.  There was so much text, I didn't get tricky with the request at first, but the output was... nice, but uninteresting.  Decided to try again, but asked for a re-write that was "florid and medieval" in style.  The result was fun, and made me laugh a couple of times.   Hope you enjoy Chat's creativity!!

1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Rocket Action Car Romantic Toronado Print Ad Vtg

     I couldn't resist this one.  My first car I bought after leaving home was a shiny black Cutlass Supreme, back around 1982.  It may not have had ALL the options, but it had a fair few, and might have been the best-looking car I ever owned.  I'm not a car guy, but it looked awesome.  I also nearly destroyed it within three days of buying the car.  Being a Georgia boy, I'd never driven in snow until moving to Indiana.  Was in front of a semi when we hit a patch of ice.  Started drifting to the right, I made a mild correction, started drifting to the left, another mild correction.  At that point, it went into a multi-360 spin and there was no chance of correcting any more.  

A couple of times my friend and I were looking straight into the eyes of the truck driver behind us, while he was staring right back.  Still spinning, we eventually skidded off the road, and the trucker kept on going.  A nice guy behind him stopped, and he happened to be driving a truck with a winch.  As we were hooking his chains to our car, he told us he saw the whole thing and thought the semi was going to flatten us.

    My friend John was calm and collected the whole time.  The first two times we started drifting, he warned me "You're gonna lose it, Alan."  Both times I said "I know, John."  When we started spinning wildly, all he said was "You lost it, Alan."  I said "I know, John."  Those were the only words spoken until we came to a full stop and stepped out of the car.

    Ultimately, the only damage the Cutlass took was the loss of one hubcap.  Plus it looked like we'd been mud bogging.  I guess when you go through that much excitement with a car, you get attached to it.  It really was a great car!!

1967 Bold Detergent Sudsing Power Dirt Bright Clean White Sho Nuff Print Ad Vtg

    I nearly decided not to list this ad due to the page damage... but I love this particular ad campaign.  It's clever, funny, and will certainly be offensive to somebody.  Not that I'm trying to be offensive, but it does make me laugh to see how society changes over the years.  I was almost 7 years old when this printed, and nobody thought twice about whether the text would bother anybody.  
    We've come a long way since then.  For the most part, I like the changes.  Being more thoughtful of others, being polite, letting everybody make their choices... those are good things.  It's a shame that we couldn't have stopped at "let's all be tolerant of each other."  Seems like there are too many vicious, vindictive people who think freedom of choice and expression are wonderful things, as long as it's "them" making the choice for the rest of us.  
    Seems kind of willfully blind to insist nobody can steal their freedoms, but not realize that's exactly what they're doing to everybody else's freedom to choose.  I'm old, and getting older, and don't expect anybody to listen to me.  But I'm still gonna say what I think, before someone tells me I can't.  Feel free to disagree, we can still be friends.

    Climbing down from my soap-box now.  Didn't mean to get serious, but since I did, I'll just leave it up there. For more fun, here's another collaboration with Chat-GPT.  This time, in an effort to reduce the 'boilerplating' that's becoming apparent, I asked GPT to turn the original text into something "thoroughly new and unique."  So, the first word I get... is "Unique".  How stereotypical.  I get exactly what I ask.  :^)

    Setting that aside, the text is definitely more of an "up-mix" than the previous posts were.  I like what GPT did.  It veered away from an accurate rewrite, but the result is interesting, exciting, and funny.  My favorite element is when it changed "Sho' nuff" from a quote, to a bold, assertive colloquialism.   I'll get out of the way and let you read GPT's version now.

Enjoy!

    Unique eBay Listing: "Revolutionary Cleaning Power! Get Clothes Bright with Bold Detergent - Vintage Print Ad from 1967"

    Discover the magic of Bold Detergent - a true game-changer in the world of laundry! This vintage print ad, with a touch of humor, captures the essence of Bold's sudsing prowess and its ability to transform your clothes beyond just clean and white – all the way to bright!

    Sho' nuff, Bold is up to the challenge! Say goodbye to old-fashioned detergents and the hassle of feuding and fussing with laundry. Bold's power formula, packed with blue, green, and white granules, kicks out dirt like never before, delivering not only white whites but even bluer blues and stripier stripes!

    Featured in a full-page, color display in the April 1967 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, this original advertisement showcases the regulated sudsing of Bold, ensuring an effective cleaning process that powers out dirt while ushering in unparalleled brightness.

    Despite the age of the magazine, this page has been meticulously scanned to preserve its nostalgic charm. Please note that due to its vintage nature, there might be some foxing, fading, and discoloration typical of older paper items. Additionally, the page bears slight corner/edge damage and ripples.

    This unique piece of advertising history is suitable for framing, and it's a true testament to the sense of humor prevalent in the 1960s. Although the page experienced deep creasing during shipping, it remains an extraordinary find for collectors and vintage enthusiasts.

    The images provided are exact representations of the page you'll receive. Detailed scans have been taken to give you a clear understanding of its condition. Rest assured, your satisfaction is guaranteed!

    Step back in time and embrace the spirit of the 1960s with this Bold Detergent vintage ad. Bring a touch of nostalgia to your collection, home, or office décor. Don't miss out on this charming piece of history at a reduced price, reflecting its unique condition. Act now and seize this opportunity!

1967 Admiral Color Big Picture TV Easiest Tuning Ever Remote Control Print Ad

    I liked this ad mainly because of the comparison between the TV's they had in 1967, versus how far we've come since then.  Makes me wonder how different they'll be by 2067?

    Again, I've collaborated with my friend Geppetto (Chat GPT).  It's become apparent, given a similarly-phrased request, GPT will create pretty similar text from one ad to the next.  I originally asked for improved grammar and flow, but the changes were almost unnoticeable.  Next I asked for a friendlier and smoother read.  

    Finally I asked GPT to improve the grammar and flow, making it read easier and friendlier, but to completely re-word the text.  

    The result might be a little over the top... or somewhere off to the side.  But it was fun to see where it wound up.  It makes me think of those old tv commercials.  Especially the "But there's more!" 
Read below and see what you think.  Might not be what I'd write for myself, but it's fun seeing what the AI will do.


Vintage 1967 Admiral Color Big Picture TV - Easiest Ever Remote Control Tuning! Perfect for Framing!

Ad Description: Step back in time with the remarkable 1967 Admiral Color Big Picture TV, offering the easiest tuning experience ever!

Imagine immersing yourself in the grandest color TV picture, made possible by two remarkable Admiral features. First, there's the exclusive Admiral Hideaway Control Center, adorned with Touch-O-Matic Power Tuning, concealed behind a touch of golden elegance! With a simple finger touch, you can tune into your favorite color shows anytime. The clever design keeps your two most-used controls - the push-button tuning bars - conveniently accessible. Just touch the upper tuning bar to switch channels, or the lower one to power on/off and adjust volume. Thanks to Admiral Power Tuning, it all happens effortlessly! And when you're not tuning, the door glides gracefully into the cabinet, adding a touch of fine-furniture beauty to your TV setup.

But there's more! Introducing the revolutionary Admiral Color Sonar - a full-function remote control that empowers you to turn the Admiral Color TV on and off, adjust volume, change channels, and even control color intensity and tint, all while lounging in your easy chair! Its precision in tuning surpasses that of the TV set itself, making it truly exceptional. Experience for yourself why Admiral boasts the easiest tuning ever.

Admiral Color has earned its reputation as a mark of quality throughout the world since 1967. This vintage ad originally appeared in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, adding a nostalgic touch and capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Publication Date: April 1967 Publication Name: Better Homes and Gardens Magazine Size: Approx 9.5” x 12.5” (May be slightly smaller after pages are trimmed from the magazine)

Unlock the past and add a touch of history to your home with this framed vintage Admiral Color Big Picture TV ad. It's not just an advertisement; it's a piece of delightful television heritage. Grab this rare find and relive the golden age of television with unparalleled ease and style!

Vintage 1967 Kleenex Tissue Foldout Centerfold Print Ad - A Beautiful Nostalgic Find!

    Still having fun with Geppetto (ChatGPT).  The results are very directly influenced by the way I word my request.  This time I asked him to edit my eBay text into a smooth and easy to read article.  It was kind of "smooth plus", because this wasn't just edited into a flowing text, it was "smooth" like a high-dollar commercial campaign.  I'm impressed.  
    I also did some editing.  Seems like some minor 'liberties' were taken, and needed to be brought back in line for better description accuracy.

Edited by Chat GPT from the original eBay listing:
Step back in time with this charming and unique vintage find – a double-sized foldout print ad from April 1967, featuring the iconic Kleenex Tissues. Delight in the nostalgia as you explore the beautiful world of softness that Kleenex brought to homes decades ago.

This foldout ad is a true treasure, with a "teaser" page on the external side and a partial article about insurance. On the outer page, is a model styled up in 1960's elegance.  It reads "Excuse us while Kleenex tissues slip into something..." As you unfold it, you'll reveal a double-sized centerfold showcasing the captivating model, with the word "beautiful" and three exquisite Kleenex box designs.

The ad proudly displays Kleenex tissues in three gorgeous new decorator boxes, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any space. Softness and sophistication intertwine, making these tissues not just practical but also a beautiful addition to any room.

Please note that the magazine has aged gracefully, bearing the marks of time with foxing, slight fading, and discoloration, as expected of vintage paper items. Some minor corner and edge damage, as well as gentle ripples, add to its authenticity.

Rest assured that the images you see are the exact pages for sale, meticulously scanned on a black background to preserve their vintage charm. I've taken detailed scans, so you can examine and make your own judgment.  Given the complexity, and difficulty of describing how the page folds, I also made a video of this one so you can see the pages turn and how it all fits together.

Though the top and bottom outer corners show a slight bend, the allure of this unique piece remains intact. Additionally, the left edge of the "beautiful!" page may be slightly darker, a testament to its exposure over the years. Despite these slight imperfections, it's a remarkable item that exudes the charm of a bygone era.

Own a piece of history and add a touch of vintage beauty to your collection! Your satisfaction is guaranteed, so seize this opportunity to relive a nostalgic moment with Kleenex Tissues and their captivating decorator boxes.

That's it for GPT.  Back to me, now:

    The description was very 'smooth sales'... my original descriptions tend to be more blunt, mainly because I'd rather make it sound worse and have people be pleasantly surprised, than have customers upset because it's not as described.  I mostly left GPT's work "as is", because it gave me a chuckle to see how it smoothed out my own writing.

  I had a hard time figuring out a good way to describe the single-page, double-sized, foldout/centerfold physical aspect of the ad.  It's unique (to me at least), and the first time I've listed one like it.  So I kind of opted for overkill on the descriptions, plus a video for the explicit purpose of showing physically how the ad is laid out.  For as long as the ad is active, you can click on the ad image above, and see the actual eBay page (and video).

1967 Baldwin Piano Music Facet Clear Vibrant Tone Joy Light Responsive Print Ad

     So, still playing with Chat GPT, whom I affectionally refer to as Geppetto.  Gave it my eBay description, and the below text is the response.  I do still have my own bit to ad, because Baldwin is near and dear to my heart, and to my childhood, so please continue to read after Geppetto's text!  :^)

From Chat:
This vintage print advertisement from 1967 showcases the iconic Baldwin Piano & Organ Company. The advertisement, originally featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine, is a full-page, black and white piece suitable for framing. Measuring approximately 9.5" x 12.5", this interior page captures the essence of Baldwin's musical excellence.

The ad highlights the remarkable qualities of the Baldwin piano, emphasizing its ability to add a new facet to the life of any music enthusiast. With its clear and vibrant tone, the Baldwin piano promises to deliver a joyous listening experience. The instrument's light and responsive action further enhances its appeal, making it an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned players alike.

The advertisement conveys a sense of long-term value, suggesting that investing in a Baldwin piano ensures that the player won't need to consider an upgrade in the future. It speaks to the growth and development of the pianist, acknowledging that while she may be a beginner now, she will eventually reach a level of expertise where she'll appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of her Baldwin piano.

The ad also proudly mentions Baldwin's official sponsorship of the 1967 Universal and International Exhibition held in Montreal, Canada, solidifying the company's reputation as a trusted and prestigious brand in the world of pianos and organs.

With its nostalgic appeal and historical significance, this original advertisement page offers a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of the late 1960s. Whether you're a collector, a music enthusiast, or simply appreciate vintage memorabilia, this Baldwin piano print ad is a captivating piece of history that deserves a place in your collection.

Now back to me...

    Having read Geppetto's rewrite of my eBay listing, it's worth noting that the emphasis of the ad text is pointedly about "Your little girl."  Kind of makes me feel left out, because when I was about 6, in 1966, my parents bought a Baldwin piano for me.  Piano lessons were MANDATORY... Dad was military.  They asked my opinion before buying the piano.  In my 6-year-old innocence, I agreed that "sure, I'd like to learn how to play the piano."  That answer resulted in me repeating 3 years worth of first-year lessons...  not many people can say they were sent back to start over 3 times in three years.

    The rest of this blog felt more appropriate in my Southern Gospel Music blog, "Grace Notes" so I finished it over there.  Click this link to discover how I wound up taking the same lessons over... and over... and over!