I do agree that many of the most annoying ads are the most effective, but I haven't figured out how to bring FTL to you without ads.
My critiques are coming from someone who is totally jaded on any form of advertising. I get lost in the production quality of ads, can't hear the message because I'm busy thinking about how poor the quality is, or simply how cheesy the attempt to sell is.. it's a result of having worked in media and advertising. I'm sick of all of it, but occasionally I'll see or hear an ad that's clever, or at least not annoying. Usually these ads are video- a medium that gives you much more to work with.
I'm also an online listener who doesn't tune in to many radio talk shows at all.. that whole scene is pretty wacky, dated.. stuck in the 80's somehow. You'd think that with all the vitamins, miracle cures & devices, gold, survival supplies, etc. that this target audience snaps up that they'd be the most healthy, wealthy, happy & prepared segment of the population.. but somehow that ain't the mental image I have of them.
So you have a good sized audience who is hip/up to date with technology, etc. which means they're familiar with clever ads and media on the same level as the Southpark show (first reference that comes to mind)- mixed in with the old school listeners who collect huntin' knives, flags and military paraphernalia.. it's a weird combo. The former group is just the sort to poke fun at the latter, that goes for the type of advertising that works on the latter group too.
I guess that's so.. I might be completely off, but I can't see a whole lot of your younger listeners rushing out to buy vitamins after hearing the Nature Bee ad.
If it's ad contains a hint of an emotional appeal, I ain't buying it. Production quality is low, I can't even pay attention since the attempt immediately becomes humorous - the "Ted Anderson Silver Dollar in Every Book" ad comes to mind- what the hell is that guy saying in that ad? All the words run together.
If any ad is making you money, I'm happy about it and hope that any comments poking fun at the advertisers doesn't impact your profits.