WebProNews

It's only been a day since ESPN started selling their cute "This is Sports Center" Ads on iTunes, but already they are getting a big thumbs down from consumers.

So far 23 reviewers have weighed in and the collection has amassed a piddly one-star rating out of a possible five.

Honestly, I don't blame them. Are they fun? Yes, when you watch them on TV. But they are certainly not worth $1.99 each. Worst of all, most of these ads are 30 seconds in length. This means you can more or less watch the entire ad by simply previewing it for free in the store! Save your money! The only value in buying the ad is that you gain ability to take them with you.

Advertisers better think twice before selling TV ads on iTunes. Instead, go outside the box. Create innovative free video podcasts that take us behind the scenes of an ad campaign or, even better, release branded entertainment shorts.

Steve Rubel is a PR strategist with nearly 16 years of public relations, marketing, journalism and communications experience. He currently serves as a Senior Vice President with Edelman, the largest independent global PR firm.He authors the Micro Persuasion weblog, which tracks how blogs and participatory journalism are changing the public relations practice.