“A free gift”? What kind of phrase is that?

Retro Shapes Photoshop Brushes set
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“A free gift”? What kind of phrase is that?

I was browsing the net, minding my own business the other day, when I ran into one more commercial that uses the stupidest phrase ever used in marketing copy: “Free gift inside!“. Again and again and again they insult us consumers with this nonsense phrase! There are variations – as you know. Sometimes it’s “We’ll send you a free gift” of “Free bonus!“.

The word bonus implies that it’s free otherwise it would not be a bonus. It would be just a normal payable product or service. Gee!

Free gift. Hey! C’mon!? What’s this? Are we, consumers, so foolish? Are marketers trying to convince us that gifts should usually be payed for? Like: “Yo, dad, c’mon buy me a gift for birthday, I’ll pay you for that.” How silly is that???

But, no! Marketing copywriters are constantly emphasizing the “Free gift inside!” phrase. Wow! A gift? And it’s free??? Hey!

Can’t they just say: “Buy this and we’ll send you a gift.” Why to they need to push the “free” word, like, just about everywhere??? Soon, in restaurants we’ll hear: “Order a soup and we’ll rent you a spoon and the plate – for free!” Just for the sake of pushing the word “free” in the sentence.

It’s just so annoying. I had to share it with you. And I’ll make a promise. I will never never offer a “free gift” when you buy Photoshop brushes or vectors, or scrapbook kits from me. I will present you with a gift. Normal gift. We all know what the word “gift” means. I don’t know about you, but I hate the BS.

P.S.
Gift – something given voluntarily without payment in return (dictionary.reference.com).

P.P.S.
Ha! You just thought there will be no gift for you. Haven’t you?

Let me present you with a Gift – Retro Shapes Photoshop Brushes set

FREE Retro Shapes Photoshop Brushes set

Preview:

Brushes are compatible with Photoshop 7.0, CS, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5… (and new versions), but also with the Photoshop Elements 6.0.

I hope you’ll like it and – have fun creating!

P.S.: Last week, I shared an article titled “Make Your Own Custom Wedding Album,” where I offer access to over 300 diverse Photoshop brushes, all available for free use. Be sure to explore that article for some valuable resources. And as long as you’re here, why not take a moment to peruse my Etsy shop as well? Thank you for your visit!

Join Our Creative Family: Discover the Art of Design with bsilvia, Your Friend in Photography and Graphic Design From Art Director to UX/UI Designer and now your guide since 2007, I'm here to share 25 years of passion and expertise to make your creative journey a joyous one!

26 thoughts on ““A free gift”? What kind of phrase is that?

  1. Thank you!! I’ve had so many comments about my new blog design! Hope lots more people have found their way here as a result!

    Maria

  2. I agree with the whole free gift business. Silly people! I love the preview of your brushes. Wondering if you would consider doing them as png for those of us not using photoshop? Thanks for all your hard work. Patty

  3. I love my “gift that is free because I don’t have to pay for it” – BUT WAIT!!! Because it’s free and I really, really do like it, I am going to say “thanks so much” ’cause it could have been $19.95 + S&H and I could have gotten another one “free” if I just paid S&H (if you have to pay anything then I guess it really isn’t “free”, is it?) I’m so glad you have a “BS-free” site and I really do sincerely thank you for this great brush set!

  4. OMG! I love this community. I just learned how to convert the ABR file to pngs! I found the tut at the CU Freebie Site quite by accident, and was so excited that I have already changed two sets into pngs, and came back here to get your really great brushes, and I see that you were sweet enough to lead me to the answer also. My only regret is the many brushes I have deleted because I didn’t know how to convert them….. Won’t happen anymore though. Yay! Patty

  5. Silvia dearest, you a such a HOOT to read, but you speak THE TRUTH!!!

    Thank you SO much for this LOVELY gift and I appreciate ALL that you are doing for ALL of us in SCRAPLAND!!!

    I just caught Maria’s comment above and just checked in at Digi Free and saw her new attire, but did not make the connection in that she has used your brushes!!! It is WAY past my bedtime and I’m not REAL alert at the moment!!!

    Have a GORGEOUS day darlin’!

    Hugs,
    Linda 🙂

  6. Love the retro brushes, thanks! And your commentary on ‘free gift inside’ was right on the money! ha ha it must work though because so many marketing companies use it. We are a silly bunch of creatures! lol

  7. These brushes are great! Thank you so much for the wonderful gift. I enjoyed your commentary about “free gifts”.

  8. Thank you for these wonderful GIFTS! Loved the cats brushes too, i’m having fun with PS now! ^_^

  9. Thanks Silvia, especially for the comment – you made my day today! :))) These marketing frases are really annoying, but apparently catchy 😉 Thanks for the gift, too

  10. Hi. I just wanted to chime in to show my appreciation for the info. Please keep up the nice effort and the awesome posts rolling in!

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