Gateway just launched a new ad campaign with the tagline, "Humanology". This is another one of those account planning, creative jam session, pontificatingly meaningless creations that too often find their way into actual ad campaigns. Here's what one detractor had to say:
From the campaign: "A fundamental belief. The hybrid of technological savvy and human understanding. The heart of Humanology" Know what Humanology is? Not making up stupid names like Humanology and just giving good products at good prices with good service.
I have to agree. While creating a brand that really means something to consumers is important, simply saying what the product is and does is far more powerful than the marketing blather that finds its way into most advertising.
Smoke Weed Have Sex
Marijuana, sex, taxes and kids are the themes of an advertising campaign launched this week in Washington, D.C. by Change the Climate, a non-profit organization that uses outdoor advertising to educate people about marijuana issues.
Change the Climate has purchased 600 bus shelter posters, bus ads and Metro billboards in the Capitol during the months of September and October. This campaign is one of two that Change the Climate has launched this September as part of its "Legalize Marijuana" advertising effort. The other campaign is in Boston, Mass.
One advertisement displayed on 40 bus shelters and 50 Metro buses highlights the connection between marijuana and sex -- historical research shows that marijuana can enhance sexual pleasure for some people and assist with impotence. The ad directs people to the organization's website where there is more information on sex and marijuana. "We couldn't resist the marijuana and sex connection given the special interest President Bush and Attorney General Ashcroft have in the private bedroom activity of adults. Plus, every advertiser knows that sex sells," says Change the Climate founder and Executive Director Joseph White.
A second ad on the inside of 500 buses features pictures of citizens with the headline "Save Our Taxes. Legalize and Tax Marijuana." White continues, "Every year American taxpayers are bilked for over $7 billion to cover marijuana arrests, prosecutions and discredited anti-marijuana advertising. Our campaigns give voice to this colossal waste of money."
Campaign Hopes to Reduce Kids Smoking Weed
The third ad that begins in October on 10 subway station platforms shows a teenager with the caption "Protect Our Kids. Legalize and Tax Marijuana." "The government's war on marijuana uses kids as the excuse for harsh marijuana laws, but these laws actually put our children in harm's way, including denying student loans to the most needy students," White continues.
Here's a campaign that hopes to legalize marijuana smoking like cigarette smoking in order to prevent kids from smoking weed. And how many kids have stopped smoking because smoking cigarettes is "legal"?
If you are going to snoop around someone else's computer, you should do it with your pants on.
