A question for those of you who have kids..

The problem is that, as a parent, you are continually faced with merchandising of kids characters etc. that drain your funds. You can't go in to Woolworths without being faced with rows of toys and characters drawn from TV and films - and it's a constant battle. Here's another example - I took the kids to Earls Court on Sunday to the Doctor Who exhibition (!?) and paid over £30 to get in. Then you can't get out without passing through a shop selling overpriced tat, designed to appeal directly to kids. There is no other route out of the place - the shop can't be avoided - and you end up arguing with the children and risk ruining the visit. To be honest it's fucking outrageous, and these people should go and make their money elsewhere, rather than preying on parents' reluctance to upset their children. It's verging on the immoral.

Rant over, no offence intended.

No offence taken. I agree with you both, what can I say... my job sucks. But until I get to go back to doing cycling events I am a hired gun and I am doing what pays my bills -- yes marketing is evil.. VERY VERY evil ;)