I don't dismiss TV ads at all. Advertising certainly has it's place. However I think it is a mistake to base one's investing decisions on TV advertising
How does one tell whether the ads are by a successfull company with advertising as an essential part of their ongoing marketing strategy (McDonalds) or by a company having the last throw of the dice to get some market share (OneTel).
I don't know where you got the idea that I am from the West.