blography: 2010

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Does anybody really think that they didn't get what they had because they didn't have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?
-Nelson Mandela

Alicia Bock Photograrphy

I found this photographer awhile ago, and I just absolutely love her work. I am in love with vintage polaroids, I just wish the film was no so EXPENSIVE!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Stupid non profit ads: what I dont want to be!

This is from that blog...

"This one's even weirder. Part of an awareness campaign for the Campaign Against Landmines (New Zealand), it's a ketchup packet with a picture of a kids' legs. When you open the packet, you tear off the kid's right foot. And then it "bleeds" ketchup ... which you proceed to eat. Maybe. Message? Hey! Don't you even think of enjoying those fries, because kids are stepping on landmines, and it's really gross when that happens. Do you feel terrible enough yet? The creative director on the project is laughably quoted as saying, "I defy anyone who sees this communication not to be deeply moved." How about deeply revolted?

Why do some nonprofits insist on entering the world of "clever" (i.e., ineffective) advertising? It's like it's a drug. They just can't stay away from these confusing, off-point, no-action projects. Anyone with more than a few months in nonprofit fundraising could tell them that cleverness doesn't motivate giving. Clarity and emotion do.

But they're just so clever!

Both of these ads were produced by shops owned by Publicis, a large international ad conglomerate. So I'm guessing they were done pro bono for these nonprofits. If that's the case, then at least they aren't paying for this unmitigated crap.

But even if it's free, it's not worth it. Spend your marketing time and money actually speaking to donors! Just say no to pointless cleverness.

(See How to shock donors for more cleverness-victimized nonprofit advertising. And here, where you'll see a nutrition facts label placed on an Atlanta trashcan -- somehow meant to motivate people to help the homeless!)"