Volkswagon Complaint - Advertising

Posted by memoryx57 on 2010-06-23:

This is just a newer version of an old game that we played when I was a kid. When we traveled, my siblings and I played " punch bug " every time we saw a VW..it helped pass the time. I really don't think they're trying to promote violence, just trying to sell cars.

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

SLUGBUGS the OP!

Posted by shayen on 2010-06-23:

Good grief. I thought everyone knew about the harmless game punch bug, that helps pass the time when you are on a trip. I agree with memoryx57.

Posted by biomajor on 2010-06-23:

We called it Pee Wee Punch :) Although even now we only do it with the Beetles, not any of the other VW's

Posted by Stew on 2010-06-23:

Well if somebody slugs me in the arm I'm pressing charges.

Just because there's a volkswagon in sight does not give anybody the right to punch me or violate my space. What the bloody hell are these Madison Avenue pencil-necks thinking anyway?

Posted by MRM on 2010-06-23:

I thought the term was "punch buggy."

Posted by Dryad on 2010-06-23:

LMAO! sweet, MRM, me too..

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

My Nieces and Nephews call it "slugbug".

Posted by FlShopper on 2010-06-23:

My kids would yell "Punch Buggy" and the color of the car.

The game has been around a lot longer than the ad. I guess the OP doesn't realize that.

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

I know for a fact that the game was around in the late 90's.

Posted by FlShopper on 2010-06-23:

It's a good campaign, if you think about it. A lot of the kids that played the Punch Buggy game are now of driving age. Sparking fond memories is a good way to get these same kids to consider VW when buying their first car (or persuading their parents to help them buy it).

Posted by Slimjim on 2010-06-23:

The game was invented and popularized by the craze of the VW Beetles running around, probably as early back as the 60s or at the latest, the 70s..

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

Some of the best things in life came around in the 60's and 70's.
The filet of fish sandwich (1971) and Catalina Salad Dressing from that same period of time.

Posted by Stew on 2010-06-23:

Kisha, You forgot one -- Stew.

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

Puh-leeeeze.
How about the bikini? Mini skirts?

Posted by Stew on 2010-06-23:

I certainly got the legs for it Kisha but I don't see myself in a bikini or mini skirt anytime soon. Thanks for the fashion tips all the same.

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

My pleasure. Do you remember Twiggy from that era? Tiny Tim?

Posted by Stew on 2010-06-23:

Twiggy is a little before my time. And Tiny Tim??? What are you going back to the 19th century now? What the dickens clicked in your mind to bring Dickens into the conversation, Kisha?

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

I saw Tiny Tim on some Laugh-In reruns from that era.
Oh wow, I didn't know that he got his name from a Charles Dickens character! Nice one Stew.

Posted by biomajor on 2010-06-23:

I've been playing the game for a long time. I was born in 1969 :) My children are 18 and 20 and we played too :)

Posted by clutzycook on 2010-06-23:

I think the commercial is harmless. It's not like they're punching each other in the face. It's a little bump on the arm!

Posted by lakisha j on 2010-06-23:

Those old guys are throwing haymakers! j/k

Posted by Obsfucation on 2010-06-23:

Maybe they are just miffed that you didn't spell their name correctly, and are ignoring you.

Posted by rrigsb on 2010-06-23:

I'm a Disabled Vietnam Vet. and so you are saying that you condone violence with and for children?

Posted by biomajor on 2010-06-23:

rrigsb, I'm just a Vet, but I think it's harmless fun and it does help pass the time, and this same game has helped pass the time for 30-40 years.

Posted by jktshff1 on 2010-06-23:

Good God that brings back memories, punch bug was just one of the games that allowed you to belt someone next to ya!

Posted by old fart on 2010-06-23:

I'm 70 and I never heard of "punch bug".... Must be a '70's thing..

Posted by jktshff1 on 2010-06-25:

nope, goes back to at least the late 50's.

Posted by FlShopper on 2010-06-25:

I'd never heard of it until the 90's. I guess I was out of the loop.