Starbucks, please...

If you've run out of things to tell us about your coffee, perhaps you should just stop advertising.

Starbucks hopes for "good coffee karma" vs. McDonald's.

The recession makes companies do strange things.
First Harley wings a desperate Hail Mary ad (see April's posting), and now Starbucks is feeling the heat of an aggressive McDonald's and their McCafe offerings.

So, here's a full page ad from The Wall Street Journal where Starbucks reminds folks just why their coffee is a little more expensive.

It's a thoughtful, well-written piece, but there are two problems: one, Starbucks' core audience already knows the company's commitment to "fair trade" practices, health insurance, and cozy atmospheres. It could be a good reminder, but I think they're preaching to the choir.

Secondly, will anyone in Attention Deficit Disordered America take time to read all these words? I doubt it. Even with a good cup of joe in hand.

Finally, let me say that Starbucks gets a lot of grief in the media for selling a $4 cup of coffee to the public. But the truth is, if you just want coffee (not a cappuccino or such), you can get a big cup for under 2 bucks. And it's good, too.

Not a bad deal for saving the planet, promoting health care, and hearing good music...