Let's Talk About Ads

Run for the Border

I saw an ad for lower mortgage rates the other day. While these ads usually don't get a rise out of me (I deal with enough of them coming into my spam mailbox that they usually don't phase me anymore), I couldn't help but do a double take when I saw this one.

A blank surface does not translate into "a good place to put an ad." There are some places where ads don't belong. The Vietnam wall would not be a good place to put an ad. No, I didn't see an ad on the side of the Vietnam wall, but I did see this mortgage ad on the side of a yellow school bus. That just seems really inappropriate to me. Whoever did the media buy for that ad should be fired. I can't imagine anyone appreciating an ad on the side of a school bus.

I only hope that that practice doesn't become commonplace. No one should have to get used to ads placed on the sides of school buses. This is not about impressionable children (though they may be affected), just public policy. I can't imagine an ad on the side of a school bus helping anyone.

posted by Sarah @ 10:05 AM