The first instalment of our new advertising review column, from the folks at Hawkblocker.
Client: WikiLeaks
Campaign: What Does It Cost to Change the World?
Agency: Undisclosed/Internal
Releasing video ad on YouTube to shame credit card companies’ reprehensible financial blockade of WikiLeaks: Free.
Harnessing the very power of open media that allowed you to operate WikiLeaks in the first place, in order to circumvent said blockade: Smart.
Complaining about legal costs after having yourself threatened to sue the Guardian should it unilaterally release the US Embassy Cables – cables that you also say you should not be sued for unilaterally releasing: Somewhat hypocritical.
Indirectly (and very dubiously) claiming credit for spurring the uprisings of the Arab Spring, by including video footage of unidentified protest: A bit slimy.
Confirming your colleagues’ assessment of your “delusional grandeur” by staring smugly at the camera while your own advertisement—your OWN ADVERTISEMENT—claims you’ve changed the world: Priceless.
Cross-posted on Hawkblocker — a website of unbiased advertising reviews for men and women and other demographics. Hawkblocker.com: Ad reviews by the prey.
