The subtitle— Tighten Your Abs, Make Millions —perfectly captures the two pillars of the infomercial dream: . We are a culture obsessed with the "too-good-to-be-true" deal, whether it’s a revolutionary ab-cruncher or a "get-rich-quick" real estate system. Stern treats this not just as a business history, but as a "muckraking exposé" that explores our collective consumerist habits. Why We Can't Look Away
The true genius of the infomercial isn't just the product; it's the . They identify a problem you didn't know you had (like a dull kitchen knife) and provide an immediate, "limited-time" solution. Stern’s book ensures that the next time you see a "buy one, get one free" offer, you’ll see the sophisticated machinery working behind that "Set it and forget it!" catchphrase.
If so, you aren't alone. In his book, , journalist Remy Stern explores how one out of every three Americans has succumbed to the siren song of the television infomercial. Far from just being "cheesy late-night TV," this is a $100 billion industry that has mastered the art of the sell. More Than Just Kitschy Commercials But Wait ... There's More!: Tighten Your Abs, M...
How the industry rose from simple product demos to a dominant force in modern American consumer culture. The Quest for Perfect Abs (and Millions)
Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 2 AM, mesmerized by a man in a neon shirt screaming about the miracle powers of a waterproof sealant? Or perhaps you’ve been tempted by the promise of "perfect abs" in just five minutes a day? The subtitle— Tighten Your Abs, Make Millions —perfectly
You can find But Wait . . . There’s More! at Amazon for an in-depth look at how these pitchmen conquered our living rooms. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. But Wait ... There'S More!
But Wait… There’s More! The Wild World of the $100 Billion Infomercial Industry Why We Can't Look Away The true genius
Here is a blog post exploring the fascinating world of the infomercial industry through the lens of Stern’s investigative work.