| Did We Cross The Line? |
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In an effort to communicate in a unique way, PromoTips occasionally pushes the envelope. Our last e-mail noted that promotional products are going into the toilet…referring to a urinal screens that can be imprinted to convey a message. This is a product I reported on from the PPAI Expo. If you missed that video, click here to see it. Of the 8000 people who opened that e-mail, ONE supplier company was offended. So we ask you, did we cross the line by mentioning that promotional products are going in the toilet…when in fact they are? This product is used to convey a variety of important messages and several of our readers are interested in selling this item. When covering Chinese recalls of unsafe products that affect our industry, we featured a child on a cheese grater slide that most thought was hilarious, but one person said this was “in extremely poor taste.” They added, “The person who approved this concept needs to be reprimanded. (That would be me.) “If this is the extent of the creative capacity of your marketing department then please don't bother sending me anymore of this crap.” Harsh words, but over 100 of our readers commented and most all came to our defense. One of our most outrageous stunts was reporting on a sudden management shakeup at SnugZ. Working with our good friends Brandon Mackay and Charley Johnson, we orchestrated perhaps the greatest gag in the history of the industry. A few folks were offended that we would do such a thing, but for one spring day the industry was buzzing about SnugZ. Isn’t effective marketing about creating awareness for your company?Click here to see the cheese grater slide and SnugZ break up stories in our Industry Commentary section. (Just scroll down to see those articles) |
Comments
Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness. Wash Your Hands!
For Anti-Drunk Driving Campaign In Bars:
If your weaving here, you'll weave on the road. Call A cab!
Our industry has been producing questionable items ever since I can remember - whether it be imprinted toilet paper or condoms inserted into an imprinted matchbook - let's face it. Our manufacturers are creating the "vehicle" to place the advertisement on and if that "vehicle" happens to be an urinal cover and people get the message than so be it.
The people who responded negatively have the choice not the sell the product just like anyone else.
Variety is the spice of life and this is what makes our industry so unique!
Then, out of the blue you sent this email. Now, I can promote this at the right time. This isn't something that you will try to sell to all customers. There are customers that would love to advertise in this way.
Keep up the good work, and to that one person, I think he/she crossed the closed mind line!
In Australia space above Urinals in mens public toilets have in the last year become home to a lot of clever advertising, which play on their location. For example, one advert says "We WANT you to be a little on the short side" - but not what you are thinking, it's an advertisment about the height of bridges on Melbourne (city) roads, aimed at truck drivers with high loads! There are plenty more examples like this, and really it's all just a bit of fun!
Your approach to the various issues of the day and products that show up highlight the creative side of this industry to which we all should strive. On top of that your stuff is funny:-)
Keep it up.
Just read the post on the urinal covers and promotional products going in the toilet...you didn't cross the line.
In a world oversaturated by commercial messages of one type or another, "product placement" has become more critical than ever for targeting your audience where they eat, sleep, and breathe. I applaud the savvy message targeting this product provides and encourage those in need of a sense of humor to "lighten up".
Thanks, also, for your coverage of the PPAI Expo--I couldn't make it this year and all of your videos made me feel like I was right there on the floor!
Kindly,
Thomas Van Zeyl
into their nasty little world.
However, if it will make you feel better, draw a line around your hand, hang it on your wall and run in to it until you care what this
guy said.
No line crossed in my opinion!!!
About a year ago urinal screens came up in the discussion group. I offered some legitimate uses for urinal screens. One person wrote back, "You have a filthy mind. Some things are better left unwritten."
In defiance, I incorporated urinal screens into my PPAI Speech on Creative Problem-Solving.
Bottom Line: Whether it's urinal screens, condoms or toilet paper, any opportunity you deny yourself is an open door for your competitor.
Keep up the good work, Jeff. Continue to "tell it like it is."
Warm Regards,
Crooks
No, you didn't cross the line and so what if you did? No one was hurt. And, it's been done before. Our company was asked to bid on imprinted condoms some years ago and we submitted a bid.
How about screens with logo and contact information and "WE AIM TO PLEASE, YOU AIM TOO, PLEASE!" It just might keep men's room's cleaner.
Any ideas for similar products for the ladies room?
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