Thanks to YouTube and dianamherrera we have a very early, very odd variation of Rice Krispies’ mascots, Snap, Crackle & Pop.  Its… very different from the modern take.

Amazing how some things change, eh?  Note that in this version the characters are even dressed differently.  Pop normally wears red, and they’re all wearing chef’s hats.  Didn’t change as drastically as the original Ronald McDonald though…  (shudder)

In comparison, take a look at Tony the Tiger.  His design might have changed, but his basic approach hasn’t.

Managing a creative property is a balancing act between evolution and “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, but the best advice I can give is “Never try to be cool“.

Even if it’s just advertising, “to thine own self be true”.

And now for something completely different:

Yes, this was the original Grimace.  While he’s changed a lot since, apparently his intellect didn’t go up any, considering he stole the empty cups from McDonald’s.

You think that’s bad?  Ronald’s first appearance is about 100 times creepier.

There’s no way an ad like this would fly today, although not for any objectionable content (nightmare-fuel E. Grimace aside)  It’s simply not permissible to direct advertising at kids.

Personally though, I think there’s a major advertising opportunity to create a movie called “Return to McDonald Land”.  Just have a bunch of kids return to McDonald Land as adults.  It’d be advertising and cinematic gold even if (or especially if) it’s horrible.

As the long weekend is coming up, no polls this Friday.  (Unless we get a lot of comments, in which case expect an edit.)  Happy Valentine’s Day!