It was a coin-flip, really, between her and the Coppertone Girl. But does Miss Coppertone really think her "wardrobe malfunction" gimmick is enough to compete against Little Debbie's famous Swiss Cake Rolls?

I'm talking about the Favorite Advertising Icon contest, part of Advertising Week 2007:

Advertising Week 2007 is September 24th-28th in New York City. But the fun begins right now. Cast your vote for America's Favorite Advertising Icon and Slogan now through September 24th. That's right. You have the power to triple the Doublemint Twins' lead, crown the Burger King or sing the praises of the California Raisins.

Past inductees to the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame include such greats as Colonel Sanders, Mr. Peanut and the Pillsbury Doughboy.

I'm finding it hard to believe that Juan Valdez was voted into the Walk of Fame before Captain Crunch -- does Juan even have a green card?

As much as we love our favorite advertising icons, there is a serious point to make about ads. Advertising makes consumers aware of product brands but, it is important to note, ads do not create demand. You cannot sell a lousy product simply by hyping it up with lots of advertising. This was the lesson Ford learned 50 years ago with the Edsel.

A product that doesn't live up to the hype won't get word-of-mouth recommendations, which are the most valuable advertising in the world. Now, go buy some of those Little Debbies -- trust me.

(TRIVIA TIME: Both the Coppertone Girl and Little Debbie were based on real children. The Coppertone Girl was modeled after Cheri Brand, daughter of advertising illustrator Joyce Brand. Little Debbie was inspired by Debbie McKee, granddaughter of McKee Foods founder O.D. McKee.)

--Robert Stacy McCain, assistant national editor, The Washington Times