By Pam HadderIn Bad Taste
Every so often we used to see a print ad, hear a radio spot, or see out-of-home material that made us ask, "Who approved this?" or "What were they thinking?" - we would laugh, gasp and/or shake our heads and move on.
Every so often we used to see a print ad, hear a radio spot, or see out-of-home material that made us ask, "Who approved this?" or "What were they thinking?" - we would laugh, gasp and/or shake our heads and move on.
Shameful & Tawdry
Unfortunately, the scales have tipped to the point where questionable advertising is rampant in our market. Are there too many
Unfortunately, the scales have tipped to the point where questionable advertising is rampant in our market. Are there too many
do-it-yourselfer folks on the loose? In the interest of saving $$$ are companies allowing supplier technicians and sales people to create and manage their marketing message? These are all factors, no doubt, but nothing really can explain or excuse the appalling lack of good taste and professional judgement.
Outward Bound or Out of Bounds?
Outward Bound or Out of Bounds?
Outdoor advertising (also called out-of-home) includes all venues for promoting your message in the outdoor environment: print and electronic billboards; bus wraps and signs; building banners, bus shelters and so on. Due to the 100% public visibility of the message, thought has to be given to the audience in the broadest sense - that is, men, women and children of all backgrounds and ages.
We are an increasingly mobile population, and this adds to the likelihood of more broad audience members interacting with out-of-home messaging. In our local market, this reality has been shockingly ignored. The red and black ad series featured above is part of a Manitoba Government campaign against domestic violence and has been in bus shelters around Winnipeg. Would you want to wait in this bus shelter every day while you took your kids to daycare?
We are an increasingly mobile population, and this adds to the likelihood of more broad audience members interacting with out-of-home messaging. In our local market, this reality has been shockingly ignored. The red and black ad series featured above is part of a Manitoba Government campaign against domestic violence and has been in bus shelters around Winnipeg. Would you want to wait in this bus shelter every day while you took your kids to daycare?
The "Sexy Show" ad beside it was on full-size outdoor board around the city - you are only seeing a snippet of the full-size image of a young woman wedged between hairy male thighs.
How do you feel about the young female in the Sexy Show billboard - bear in mind that you are not seeing the whole image? She appears to be 18-20 years old and she's in her underwear - are you comfortable with your child looking at this, reading the message, or asking what that lady and man are doing, while you wait at a red light? One of these was positioned right by a Toys R Us location, by the way...
Responsible advertising and marketing professionals know where to draw the line. The bottom line - advertising should not be vulgar and potentially exploitative or offensive, and certain messages are not intended for broad appeal. If you want professional, effective results, steer clear of the amateurs.
Responsible advertising and marketing professionals know where to draw the line. The bottom line - advertising should not be vulgar and potentially exploitative or offensive, and certain messages are not intended for broad appeal. If you want professional, effective results, steer clear of the amateurs.
