16 Comments

"a brilliant collection of notes pushed threateningly across counters in banks around the world – all juxtaposed with photos of their authors."

How edgy and hip!

I'm really not sure that we should celebrate the talents of people who threaten other people with guns, violence and death for their concise ability to write great copy. What's next on the agenda? Okay, the Nazis killed six million Jews but they made great flags.

A little bit of a reality check needed here I think.
Michael Preston
2009-11-02 09:34:27

Are you likening bank robbers many of whom act from positions of poverty to the nazis?
Bob
2009-11-02 10:56:10

Michael Preston. I think you need a laugh. A hearty laugh. One that's almost hurts. I say almost because if it did actually hurt, then it wouldn't be funny would it. And that won' help you.
a copywriter who robs banks
2009-11-02 11:19:12

Godwin's Law: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law

For the record, I do agree that robbing banks and killing people is wrong. Maybe the article should have mentioned that.
Nick Asbury
2009-11-02 11:40:32

Brilliant! Where do I sign for my shooter?
Larner
2009-11-02 11:47:29

How about, deposit your money, we will invest it for you. Oops.
Sundeep
2009-11-02 12:33:37

Tongue, meet cheek.

Works for me.
Katy McDevitt
2009-11-02 13:16:31

Love it. Good manners clearly go a long way!
Edd Lee
2009-11-02 16:18:13

To clarify, 'Bank Notes 365' does not cover armed bank robbery (even if a note was used). It's a whole other class of crime. Although, when a robber puts 'I have a gun' on their demand note they are usually prosecuted as if they had used a gun. It's the 'implied threat' in the note which gets a lot of robbers into more trouble than if they had just put 'robbery' or 'give me the money'.
Ken Habarta
2009-11-02 18:45:32

I agree with Michael Preston. And I laugh all the time.
Robin
2009-11-02 20:09:31

Firstly: killing people is horrific, and obviously I do not agree with that.

but. How nice, bank robbers are secretly polite? Now, bank robbing is wrong and, obviously, illegal, but using your p's and q's might get you one step closer to wherever it is your going (jail, probably). I wonder if there's a graph somewhere of what's more successful? Aggresive notes or polite ones?
Luci
2009-11-03 10:18:20

Hiya,

The kingpin thought this was quite a good first attempt, but isn't quite sure the note fits in with the new TOV. Remember the note has to read like it was written by an inspiring friend. Perhaps add in a few suggestive questions that invite engagement: 'Like life?'; 'Want to see your husband/wife/children again?'; etc.

Also, is it obvious what the note is for? Perhaps consider adding a welcome message like this:

Welcome to the demand for money

Welcome to the demand for money page for this bank robbery.

I've requested a few hours of your time today, but really the sooner the better. The dev team are booked in for the getaway car tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks!

:)
nothingelseis
2009-11-03 11:11:19

This is a fascinating look into the copywriting talents of bank robbers, and how we, as designer can learn from their persuasive attitude.

Last time I checked we all live on planet earth and are fully aware that 'KILLING IS WRONG' and robbing banks might 'GET YOU IN TROUBLE'.

Thanks for the interesting post guys, I for one am able to learn without being needlessly offended.

FYI My girlfriend was actually involved in an attempted bank robbery, she was the one handed the note ... thats not a joke, it really happened; now move along please naysayers.
n
2009-11-03 12:07:56

It's smart, using 'research' as a way to write and formulate the perfectly scripted note. "When" and "Where" you going to do it, Doug? Do tell us!
Peter Wharton
2009-11-03 16:04:53

My Copy would be as follows :: THIS IS SERIOUS - I'M ROBBING THIS BANK - KEEP CALM AND VALUE YOUR LIFE - GET MONEY- PUT IN BAGS - DONT LOOK AT ME - YOU WILL LIVE.
Paul Hames
2009-11-03 17:49:40

This is all very poetic! It reminds me of the good ol days of kissing kate, ned kelly et al, getting a reputation for being a nasty piece of work with a touch of humanity.

I dare say there's some robbers who aren't as apt with the pen. I think this article may be celebrating coincidence between 2 seemingly distant things
adam Smith
2009-11-03 22:43:55

Tell us what you think

Your comment: What happens with my feedback?

What happens with my feedback?

We no longer require you to register and have a password in order to comment, simply fill in the form below. All comments are moderated so you may experience a short delay before your comment appears. CR encourages comments to be short and to the point. As a general rule, they should not run longer than the original post. Comments should show a courteous regard for the presence of other voices in the discussion. We reserve the right to edit or delete comments that do not adhere to this standard.

Name: (required)

Title:

e-Mail: (required)

URL