What's Wrong With This Picture: Texas Hold 'Em Edition
The background on this billboard: AutoInc owns/owned the two Dodge dealerships in Amarillo, and the single Chrysler/Jeep dealership. Under the influence of Chrysler, they split the stock from the Chrysler/Jeep store, closed it, and turned both Dodge stores into Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep stores. Of course, since nobody knows for sure what’s happening with Chrysler, the dealer is not gonna spend a dime on redoing their signage. Their compromise was to update a nearby billboard they lease just a block away from their I-40 fronting store.
Apparently, somebody didn’t bother to think past how clever they were trying to be: to realize that dodge ball is played by knocking out your opponents by hitting them with a ball. I’m not sure what “dodge ball” has to do with selling cars, or even why “having a ball” would be a good thing if you buy a Dodge (or Chrysler or Jeep). The negative connotations are so riveting I just can’t wrap my mind around why anybody would have greenlighted this.
Sadly, I know EXACTLY what happened since I used to work for the in-house ad agency that handles this dealership. In fact, I did that billboard for the dealership a couple of years ago. The entire agency functions like a camel (a horse designed by committee).
I'm a marketing guy, who loves cars - but hates most automobile advertising. I'm also a writer, graphic designer, animator, musician, and stand-up philosopher.
More by Brad Kozak
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I think Will Ferrell will take care of our youth knowing about dodgeball. The only really bad thing about the billboard is the layout. Text should not have your eyes bouncing up and down like that.
Nothing wrong with the billboard, actually. Furniture Row, however, is very wrong indeed.
The thought of having a ball while owning any Dodge (Chrysler or Jeep)is preposterous!
Maybe you get a free "eight ball" with every purchase? Billiards, Drugs, or Toys, something's gotta move the metal.