Saturday 25 August 2007

Truth in advertising

I've talked about Hell before. And why not? They make damn good pizza (or good pizza that damns you, your choice). They certainly like to create controversies, and they say there's no such thing as bad publicity... but I'm not here to talk about them.

One of their ads recently featured Hilter, arm out in salute, holding a piece of pizza, saying that heaven in HELL. Fine and good, but then three complaints from Jews later and the poster was deemed inappropriate and pulled. What exactly is the fine line between sensitivity and kowtowing to the slightest suggestion that you are offending people? Remember, there is no right to not be offended. This is the sort of thing that eventually leads to not even daring to publish cartoons of certain religious figures. But I'm not here to talk about that.

I am here to talk about the ad agency behind this promotion. This is either a brilliant piece of reverse psychology, or the winner of the Stupidest Saying This Week award. (Emphasis mine.)

"MacGibbon said the agency did not set out to offend or generate publicity with its advertising."

I'm sure the Hell people would be glad to get that cleared up. :)

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