9 Comments

Sometimes - as an art director I am tempted by using this kind of 'Trojan Horse' approach. Don't you think however people end up feeling a bit fooled by the front and left with a negative feeling?
Mark M
2009-05-18 11:28:30

PEOPLE READ HEADLINES, especially in a huge outdoor. They drive around in their cars, the last thing on the billboard is going to be the "LAST" thing they will read (if they even go up that far reading it).

So, i think its a nice idea (but not a SHAZZAAM one).

They should have went straight to the point of giving the benefit to the consumer...
Filipe
2009-05-18 11:35:12

I'd go so far as to say that it's irresponsible - clearly a roadside billboard, I just hope no-one kills themselves trying to read it.
Husk
2009-05-18 13:25:33

The Chaser's War on Everything is a TV show in Australia renowned for controversy and for playing jokes on political figures as well as the public. They have a kind of rascal-ish image here and this billboard sums them up perfectly. It's not irresponsible because their reputation allows them to get away with it.
S
2009-05-19 02:29:52

A not very imaginative variation on "Sex! Right, now we've got you're attention..." except joking about a lethal disease that's killed people all over the world. And ugly. And illegible. Just what the world needs - more ill-conceived ugly marketing messages entirely lacking in respect or dignity. No wonder advertising revenues are up!
Ricardo
2009-05-19 16:17:26

Lowest common denominator appeal. Advertising aimed at the people that watch this type of mind numbing, spirit crushing television. Not funny, not clever, absolutely no craft or wit. Appalling!


*Looks for new career
Dave
2009-05-20 10:00:34

Looks like the OZ Government needs a new designer/rebrand.
John Amy
2009-05-20 16:42:27

the chaser is definitely not mind numbing Dave. I had a conversation just this evening where I was talking about the Chaser and then this billboard only to realise I had been tricked! I didn't resent it at all
dan
2009-05-27 14:50:48

This is great and like all great advertising gets people talking. Yep you could argue the execution is vulgar, but it has to be like this to work. Hazard signs by their nature are ugly and no thrills. It has to be believable to hook you in!

M Mark the success of this ad is that it fools people. The feeling most people will take away with them is a positive one, that they discovered the joke, now they are 'in on the joke' they feel engaged. Like solving a puzzle! It’s satisfying. I say if you have been tempted to do something similar go for it!
David Williams
2009-06-19 13:23:25

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