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‘Come see for yourself,’ says New Jersey New Jersey has selected its new advertising slogan, and despite the best efforts of AdFreak readers, the state is going with “New Jersey. Come see for yourself.” The winner was chosen after a public vote. Among our readers’ inspired contributions: “New Jersey. What smells like feet?” “New Jersey. Oooh, livin’ on a prayer.” And one from Rob Mortimer that could be used as a follow-up to the one chosen: “New Jersey: Now d’ya see?” “Come see for yourself” is OK, we suppose, although it could be taken the wrong way. (Think it ain’t that bad? Come see for yourself.) On the plus side, it certainly doesn’t overpromise. —Posted by Tim Nudd

January 13, 2006 | Permalink

Comments

And so, the unfolding drama as to what New Jersey's new state motto will be has come to an end. The winner: "New Jersey....come see for yourself." Now, let's see... should I come see for myself the gas tank farms that blight the NJ Turnpike, the bumper-to-bumper traffic outside the Lincoln Tunnel at rush hour or, perhaps, the unprecedented number of toxic waste sites?
Regardless of the unintended double meaning, NJ's new motto got me to thinking about other taglines from hell. Who can forget:
"We want you to live" (Mobil Oil)
"Why fool around with anyone else?" (FedEx)
"Eat Jimmy Dean" (Jimmy Dean Sausage)
Double entendres serve as great taglines when they're clever and communicate a double positive. Sadly, though, NJ's new moniker only reinforces an already horrific reputation and leaves the state open to further ridicule. Sad as it may be New Jersey's reputation as a dump is well earned and until they begin to clean things up, the most clever words in the world won't make any difference.

Posted by: Steve Cody | Jan 13, 2006 12:25:26 PM

And let's not forget the toothless hicks that live in South Jersey.
Soooooeeeeee!!!

Posted by: Bruce Springsteen | Jan 13, 2006 12:34:08 PM

:D

Im glad someone liked it!!

Posted by: Rob Mortimer | Jan 13, 2006 1:14:54 PM

While I can't defend the new tagline, I have to stick up for my home state - I'll always be a Jersey Girl at Heart :)

Posted by: Katie Frost | Jan 13, 2006 3:25:42 PM

i have to say i love new jersey. now that i live in north dakota i realize how much i really miss nj

Posted by: rick | Jan 3, 2007 8:40:36 PM

i am so glad to be rid of the hussle and bussle, the crime, the rude people, not to mention the property taxes!! im glad i'm to be gone from there.

Posted by: michelle | Jan 9, 2007 9:44:36 AM

NJ living beats out LONG ISLAND any day.

Posted by: pete | Jan 12, 2007 4:58:51 PM

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