IN ADVERTISING AGE, a shocking message to advertisers: “Bashing Fathers and Husbands Isn’t the Right Way for Marketers to Sell Products.” Go figure.

UPDATE: Reader Rick Maxey emails that advertisers might want to listen: “I’ve stopped using several products and changed my phone company because of insulting commercials. It’s like the whole world became the Lifetime channel!” Now there’s a frightening thought.

And Tom Kazazes emails: “I have said for some time that I am tired of the way men are depicted in ad campaigns – clearly, I am not alone. While any single commercial with goofy guys or clueless dads may get a laugh or two, there is a long-term cost at the subconscious level. Personally, given a choice, I would steer my purchasing to advertisers who present a depiction of men/fathers that I can relate to rather than those who see us as future candidates for the Darwin Awards or ridicule on America’s Funniest Videos.”