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Mets launch broken-windshield campaign The new-look New York Mets are actually following through on their plans for funkier marketing. A fun new portion of the team’s campaign launches today. In Queens, Manhattan and Long Island, the windshields of parked cars will look like they’ve been shattered, as though errant baseballs have crashed through them—thanks to realistic-looking Ogilvy & Mather decals. Attached to the windshields are what look like hand-written notes from Mets sluggers. Says the one from Carlos Beltran: “I’m new here, and that left-field wall at Shea is shorter than I thought. Again, my apologies. See you at the ballpark.” (The New York Post has the scoop on this story, and you can read it here, but first you have to fill out an annoying new free-registration form.) —Posted by Tim Nudd

May 18, 2005 | Permalink

Comments

That's awesome. Wish I could see the ads, but I'm not in New York.

Posted by: Matthom | May 18, 2005 9:55:54 AM

Awesome? Try obnoxious. Invasive. Intrusive.

Isn't it bad enough having a flyer for every local tanning salon or Cambodian restuarant in a 50-mile radius left on your windshield? Now this?

As the equally late Bill Bernbach once so eloquently put it, "Sheeeesh!"

I admit, the cracked windshield is a pretty clever idea. But how thrilled do you think the owners of those cars are going to be? Do you think they will be amused - or annoyed?

We all know it's getting tougher and tougher to reach consumers these days. But maybe - just maybe - it's because they are tired of being sold to all the time. Maybe they can see through all this "under the radar" stuff, no matter how "clever" or "creative" it is.

Here's a thought, ADWEEK: Instead of your usual journalism by press release, why not probe deeper and examine the ethics and implications of these guerilla marketing tactics? Instead of uncritically and unquestioningly praising your favorite agencies, why not have an honest debate on how far is too far?

It would make for far more provocative reading than the umpteenth article kissing Crispin Porter's ass.

Posted by: The Late David Ogilvy | May 18, 2005 11:17:30 AM

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