$1.6 mil to run the MoveOn ad during the Super Bowl?

[Guaranteed]

Does anyone else think that that's a waste of money? That's a LOT of dough, that probably took a long time to raise. That kind of money could go a long way in the campaign against Bush.

I don't think this is a good idea. Super Bowl ads are for show- they're not meant to be effective for "sales." And while it would get a good amount of publicity for MoveOn, what with being the first time a political ad has run during the Super Bowl, I just can't believe these guys are going to blow $1.6 mil on 30 seconds of air.

It seems irresponsible to me. Does anyone else feel the same?

[rumguy]

1. I think it could be worth it.

It is such a good ad, and so many are focused on the super bowl ads...

It could be the best way to take the message direct to the people.

And then, there's the added bonus that it will piss off the freepers!

[SoCalDem]

2. Pissing off the fundies is the best part.. It's about time SOMEONE

spoke up and pointed out the their little emperor is NAKED :)

[Guaranteed]

4. Maybe I should watch the ad again.

I'm really disappointed that they didn't pick "What Are We Teaching Our Children?" I think if they'd picked that one I would have been more behind this idea. I'm not that proud of "Child's Pay." It's too heavy, and it's just going to reinforce the idea that liberals are just being negative and melodramatic against Bush. And it doesn't cover enough ground, either.

Anyway...I really don't think I agree with this.

[rumguy]

10. I see the ad as tasteful and understated

and something that can't be argued with...no matter what you think about Iraq, the fact is Bush has wracked up a huge, mind-boggling deficit...

But then again, I never saw the "What are we teaching our children" ad...

[K8-EEE]

46. I Liked Child Pay

It's simple and hard-hitting --- a dramatic rendering of the truth of Bushnomics. There is no arguing with it, really....I LOVE THE IDEA OF PISSING OFF THE FREEPERS DURING THE GAME, GREAT! Nothing pisses them off like the truth.

In fact I'm gonna go send them some money right NOW....hey the winner of the funniest ad is right from my neighborhood, how cool, I will have to go find him and shake his hand!

[POed_Ex_Repub]

3. Democracy is expensive...

Isn't it?

[Guaranteed]

6. I'm just saying that $1.6 mil would go a long way

in a lower profile campaign.

This seems more like a "stunt" than a real campaign.

These Super Bowl ads....it's all about one-upsmanship. And entertainment. Buying a Super Bowl spot is like buying a 10 karat diamond ring. Do you know what I mean?

[POed_Ex_Repub]

11. Yeah.. I know what you mean...

I was just making a social commentary on it.. You know, the way it's been argued in congress that money=Free speech. I guess the more money you have the more free speech you have. An uphill battle when you consider coporate interests are against us. Frustrating isn't it?

:mad:

[blondeatlast]

25. "If you have to ask, you can't afford it" should not apply to freedom,

but sadly, it does in contemporary US.

:puke:

[blondeatlast]

23. But that's the point--how much time is spent post-SB discussing the

damn ads? The extraordinary costs is not just for that one ad; it's spread out over the weeks following as people discuss the damn ads.

Rest assured, the MoveOn ad will get LOADS of publicity besides just it's airing time.

I believe it is a great PR strategy, even though the cost is exorbitant.

[Guaranteed]

24. Read the rest of my posts. nt

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

32. yet, it is a publicity stunt

that's the point. The fact that it will air during the superbowl gives it even more *free* airtime because it's a "story".

Don't worry, George Soros is paying for it, and there is plenty more where that came from. Just watch out - he's obviously going to expect something in return (privatization of Social Security?)

[MercutioATC]

5. Super Bowl ads gain you creds. A LOT of people will see that ad, and

the media will show it hundreds of more times simply because somebody chose to pay a ton of money for a political statement when they'd be sure a LOT of people would be watching.

This is HUGE.

[Guaranteed]

9. Right, that would be the upside.

It would attract a lot of attention from the media whores.

I still think they picked the wrong ad, though. If we want to attract a lot of attention, they should have gone with the runner up. That would have been a MUCH better ad to run.....

I really don't like this. I think that this is going to backfire. Someone's making a bad decision, here.

They either need to switch the ad, or spread the money out on a lower-profile, but more steady and effective type of campaign.

[MercutioATC]

15. I agree about the selection...I DO think SuperBowl time is great, though..

.

[blondeatlast]

26. It's the BEST ad, but NOT the most effective one, I would agree.

When I did my voting, I tried to see it from a "swing voter" perspective.

My own favorite was "Bring It On." I hope it's played ad infinitum on MTV and such.

[Guaranteed]

27. I like Bring it On, too...

The whole Denis Leary thing was cool. That's the kind of ad you have to make sure people see a few times, though, cuz the guy was talking so damned fast. :)

On edit: Or was that Bring it On? Which one was Bring it On?

[Anaxamander]

43. An OT question...

...Does anyone have links to the videos in any formats other than QuickTime? I can't install it on my comp at work.

[blondeatlast]

49. B/W ad--you're discussing the same one. I thought it was

great from both an artistic AND marketing viewpoint.

But kids ALWAYS make for effective advertising.

[JackDragna]

7. Even if people don't see the ad that Sunday..

..people will talk about the ad later because of its mere existence. I think it's worth the cash.

[Wonco_the_Sane]

8. Could generate more support for moveon

It is a lot of money. Heck, it's a LOT of money! But, I too think it would be worth it. Just think of the huge audience, and the free publicity that will ensue. They have already gotten some free press just from how unique and on message they can be. Even more would be fantastic, as well as well earned. It will get people talking for days after. Wow, come to think of it, this may be comparatively cheap!!!!

[nyrnyr1994]

12. What station is showing the Super Bowl this year?

n/t

[ClintonTyree]

21. CBS

eom

[Room101]

13. It will reach the masses it is worth it.

In our Brave new world the Super Bowl is the biggest audience it is well worth the money.

[Guaranteed]

14. But does the ad "Child's Pay" fit in...

with the other commercials during the Super Bowl?

I don't think this is going to turn out how people are expecting. I imagine what it's going to be like, and it doesn't feel right. And I don't think that the publicity afterwards is going to be good. Spending THIS much money on THAT feeling....

I think that we've got a real opportunity, here, but that money's going to be wasted on that particular ad running during the Super Bowl. A different ad would work well during the Super Bowl, and THAT ad would work well in a different ad campaign.

These Super Bowl ads are supposed to be lighthearted. People are supposed to enjoy watching them. No one watches the Super Bowl looking to get dumped on like that ad does!

This is a mistake....I'm telling you guys. Someone needs to talk to the guys at MoveOn.................

[pa28]

18. They should run "What are we teaching"

It fits in better with the feeling of the super bowl.

[Guaranteed]

20. Totally agreed.

That was exactly what I was thinking, if they really want to do this. They ought to do it right, otherwise they're just throwing away $1.6 million.

[worldgonekrazy]

59. I think they should run BOTH!

Because Child's Pay won fair and square, they ought to air that one. But if they aired a second one it would stick in people's minds as more of a theme versus a one time thing. Then when they see more ads during the week it will really sink in.

[piece sine]

48. here's the problem...

the soft-focus ad with the little kids toiling in adult jobs could be selling ANYTHING. I was shocked to the point of gulping when it was chosen as the "best" ad in the competition. Most people seeing that ad will NOT get it unless they pay very close attention. A casual football viewer will see far flashier, funnier and more lavishly produced material (with glizty special effects) and the passive, almost poetic little "mystery" ad with little kids and a tag line about future budget deficits -- will be totally out of context with the stunning computer, car and Pepsi-Cola ads.

Don't count on a lot of post-game media attention because the marketing press only looks at the ads that score well or are remarkably unique. But if that's how George Soros wants to spread around his dough, I'll admit it won't hurt..it's just that it doubtful it will really help, either.

[oasis]

52. You're right. Most viewers won't be in a political mood. It could backfire

if it's considered as intrusive as a telemarketing interuption.

[Bundbuster]

16. They showed the entire ad

on the local Denver CBS station tonight - I was shocked but pleased at the "free play".

[pa28]

17. 34% Still believe in WMD

34% watch the Super Bowl.

[Paragon]

19. Great - let's put it on during the "Lingerie Bowl"

Think, people - when's the last time you saw a political ad during the Super Bowl?

It is NOT the time. The money can and will be spent better elsewhere.

[blondeatlast]

28. Not just football fans watch the SB, though.

It's become a major social event--just imagine the reaction as it's played in the bars across America--I foresee stunned silence . . .

I wish we could find out when it will play; I despise football, but there will be at least 10 people at my house, mostly lefties like me and hubby, but at least 2 wingnuts.

I wanna see their faces--but otherwise, I don't wanna be near the TV.

[Guaranteed]

29. I don't foresee a good response with

the ad that they're going to run. The Super Bowl is supposed to be fun.

There's nothing wrong with being political, per se, but the depressing music and kids and just the pure negativity to it, with NO charm, does not make this a good ad to be running during the Super Bowl.

In fact, I'm worried that running that ad and contrasting it with the fun of the rest of the SB experience is going to make us look really, really bad. $1.6 mil to look bad to America.

But, hey, at least people will be talking about it for weeks.

[magnolia]

31. I have to disagree with you....

...on almost every point. This thread is a perfect example of why Democrats lose...they over analize and talk things to death.

Do you know how many people out there have their heads stuck in the sand regarding Bush and politics???? This is an opportunity to give a kernal of information to people who have been in the dark.

Having worked in advertising for 20 years...I can tell you that it DOES work...it sells and it sells big. Many people watch the Super Bowl for the commercials.

Quite frankly, I don't care which commercial they show...one kernal of "Bush is NOT perfect" to masses of people will be effective.

If you are worried about criticism...have the dems ever done anything WITHOUT getting criticized! We have to go with our gut and stop worrying what people think. I believe this is one of the primary reasons we don't have a President Gore...trying too hard to please the public.

You think this money can be spent better? I don't see how. In due time there will be so many political commercials on TV that they will all blur into one and people will stop paying attention. When did you ever watch TV, see a commercial against Dems and think..."oh, maybe they're right!" For me it's NEVER! I bet for them it's never. This is an opportunity to get information to people who still have a clean slate in their minds regarding politics.

One thing that I have noticed living in a primarily Repub area is that "Bush love" is on a very slippery slope. Once the most hardened Bush supporter has the slightest doubt in his mind...Bush himself has provided him with enough stuff to slide right off the slope. I see the commercial at the Super Bowl as having the potential of a massive avalanche! Let's all hold that vision instead of talking this thing to death.

[Guaranteed]

57. I think we could put out a better message, though

in both the method and the content.

[GiovanniC]

35. I Know a Lot of People

Who watch the Superbowl JUST for the commercials. But that's usually because the Superbowl ads are creative and FUNNY.

[ClintonTyree]

22. What do people talk about the day AFTER.......

the Super Bowl? Not the game so much, but the commercials. I think it's a great idea. It gets the hamster wheel turning in a lot of people's minds, people that usually don't participate in political discourse.

[cryofan]

30. what ad are they running? --eom

[mainer]

33. Hits just the right demographic

Men who love sports -- NASCAR dads -- the same segment of the population that likes Bush. It could shake them up.

[sybylla]

34. Love the idea, bring it on

The biggest problem we have been experiencing since before the selection has been getting a rational message into the media. A powerful commercial during the superbowl does that and does it for so many more people than ads in minor markets scattered across the country which will in the end cost more.

Move On has the perfect ad and the superbowl is the perfect place to spend $1.6 M in my book.

[Paulie]

36. It's an awesome ad

I showed it to a couple of people in the office, and it didn't hit them till the end. All they could say was WOW, they didn't expect that.

The famous Apple Computer "1984" ad was played ONCE on paid TV, during the SB. That ad is still memorable from being aired ONCE. :cool:

Keep in mind that they could still use other ads in the future, but I believe Child's Play will be money well spent, especially after the SB.

[David__77]

37. Not irresponsible... not my favorite ad though.

I thought there were others that would really get people's attention. This one reminds me of an ad from another political age. I'm unsure as to its effectiveness.

[efhmc]

40. Agree. Too soft, too subtle, only one issue. I am not giving money to

help run this ad. If I did not know the organization and judges involved, I'd say that they were "got". I'm very disappointed.

[xray s]

38. I think it is an effective ad

It speaks to the nagging worries that both liberal and consevatives have over Bush's reckless fiscal policies.

The success of airing it during the superbowl will be measured in the amount of new moveon members and donations it generates. I suspect it may get in more than enough donations to pay for itself.

Overall, it is far more effective to run an ad over and over than just one time. I think this superbowl ad is just an attempt to raise the 'brand image' of moveon.

That's is a good thing.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

39. The power of a Superbowl ad...

is incredible.

Apple did one back in the day -- it aired just the one time, during the super bowl. It wasn't funny, it wasn't about beer, it didn't have any hot chicks, and it was high concept. And it was all anybody talked about for weeks after the bowl.

To this very day it is considered to be one of the pivotal moments in advertising.

Yes, it's a lot of money, but they would have easily used the same amount in running many smaller ad campaigns across the country.

You cannot beat the bang for the buck with the Super Bowl.

[RSR]

41. Dumb idea

Super Bowl Sunday has become the biggest party day of the year, surpassing even New Year's Eve. The Super Bowl is where the heaviest hitters in the advertising industry bring out their best and funniest ads. A political commercial isn't going to play well in that kind of environment.

[Demonaut]

42. No, by showing during the SuperBowl it reaches far more people

than if it were shown on any other event or program, the State of the Union address would be great too......but that's too much to ask

[ShaneGR]

44. VERY worth it, that ad will be seen by 1 billion people

1.6 million divided by 1 billion.... do the math.... good investment

[spindoctor]

45. I think it is brilliant

EVERYBODY will be talking about it.
Superbowls ads get analyzed after the game. Last year they had Mo Rocco and ummm...can't remember. Can you imagine how much fun they would have with this ad?

I think it is very well spend.

[Schmendrick54]

47. My thoughts, ... since you asked.

Hi BullGooseLoony,

That's a great question - I will offer my assessment and suggest we talk about this again after the Superbowl.

I have a Superbowl watching party every year at my home, and sometimes one of the teams involved offers us a rooting interest, but most years the focus is on watching the commercials. We all know how expensive the air time is, so we come to expect some real entertainment to get our attention. Usually the most memorable ads are the ones which are humorous. That being said, I expect that the "Child's Pay" ad, which is not at all funny, will be very memorable and be the focus of much discussion on Monday. The big question in my mind is what the nature of that disucssion will be.

I think this ad is a good choice, because it raises the issue that the highly skewed to favor the wealthy tax-shifts championed by Bush just shifted the burden to future taxpayers. I think it makes it hard to label Move-on and supporters as Bush-haters.

I understand your concern that this ad will seem out of place in the party atmosphere of the SB, and it therefore may not have the dramatic effect we hope for. You may well be correct. My feeling is that it will create a huge buzz which will be worth the $1.6Mil.

Let's revisit this topic on GroundHog's Day to discuss our perceptions of the reaction.

Regards from a fellow denizen of the Cuckoo's Nest,
Schmendrick

[bobbieinok]

50. but wil CBS accept it

...

[ElementaryPenguin]

51. It's worth at least TWICE that price!!

And MoveOn should consider offering more if CBS turns them down!

[Clark4VotingRights]

53. I think it's worth it. A damn good plan. Get it in people's faces.

Wish I could afford to donate to everyone I want to donate to...
like them.

[Skittles]

54. It's worth it. It will MAKE A F***ING STATEMENT

and for a great percentage of the country who get ALL their news from corporate America IT WILL BE A GIANT WAKE-UP CALL that hey, guess what? THEY ARE LYING TO YOU.

[Polemonium]

55. Sounds great to me

How else would you plan to reach out to folks?

[0rganism]

56. Don't count your chickens before they get through "standards & practices"

Looks like CBS is rolling out the red tape for this particular advertisement.

[worldgonekrazy]

60. I wonder if MoveOn didn't plan this just for the publicity

They had to know that CBS would resist airing it and in the end probably would not allow it. But this might give them some more publicity anyway and stir up interest. "The ad that got banned from the Superbowl." People would be interested in it and thus would pay more attention when it DOES air during the week.

[Kenneth ken]

58. $.02

I haven't seen any of the Moveon ads, so I can't say which is best.

Not having a tv, that campaign didn't interest me much, as I figured whatever ads were chosen I most likely wouldn't see.

I have read a bit about the Child's Pay ad (or Child's Play? - I dunno the correct name)

I think it might be the best choice precisely because it isn't glitzy/flashy stuff. It sounds like it would be more attention-grabbing due to its somber aspects.

I also think the SB is a good place to air it because many people do watch primarily for the ads. That is the one show/event on broadcast television that any significant numbers of people do try to pay attention to the ads.

Having said all that, my fear would be that the ad get "glitched" by the network. Anyone who has watched much tv knows that sometimes weird things happen with the signal. Freeze-frame or stop-motion type stuff.
I don't know that a signal being broadcast over such a wide spectrum could be tampered with, but I don't see any reason why it couldn't. It is originating in one location.