Comments on: Men from Uncle pull off spectacular ATM brand hijack

By: Tax Today on Sydney ATMS

Tax Today on Sydney ATMS — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:02:02 +0000

[...] via Mumbrella [...]

By: stu

stu — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:25:24 +0000

i’d never heard of Tax Today until now, had anyone else?

By: greg

greg — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:18:49 +0000

Guerilla advertising?

An expensive flop and waste of money if the reaction, or lack of, by the public is any indication.

Just another PR stunt for a “creative” agency using a client’s name and money to push their “creative credentials”.

You have to worry when the major thrust relies on generating PR for the stunt and not for the product. It appears the only publicity generated is in the advertising sphere, not mass market. Fat lot of good that does for the client.

Let’s get a dose of reality happening here, folks.

By: Jim Waley

Jim Waley — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:51:58 +0000

Watched all the news bulletins last night and weirdly this didn’t make the news.

Checked the newspapers too – couldn’t find anything

The client must be rapt about funding PR for the agency.

By: Matt Balogh

Matt Balogh — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:49:59 +0000

Very creative idea, and a huge money spinner for a flotilla of lawyers too!

By: paul

paul — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:11:02 +0000

so why is the talk about this stunt about the team from uncle. shouldnt it have been about the client. who was the client again, and i’m wondering how much money they wasted on this. does pr within trade titles add value or is it to add to the company that did the stunt

By: Kirsty

Kirsty — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:01:38 +0000

Brilliant idea but there’s one flaw

Did anyone see any of the ATM customers look up and notice the sign around the machine they were using?

I think the boards blended in too well and weren’t noticed.

By: C K Cash

C K Cash — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:51:39 +0000

Now the Chaser boys can copy that idea and use it in a skit?

By: Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:39:47 +0000

ATMs usually mean “grab the cash and run”. A. Not sure how many people are grabbing their cash at 3am. B. Can’t remember the last time I looked at what’s on the window around the ATM C. Haven’t looked at the creative carefully, but for those who had a quick read while they were grabbing their cash, wonder how many thought “great, my bank now offers tax return services….”
I think this one of those great creative ideas that everyone gets excited about, but I would be really interested to see the results in terms of a case study.

By: David

David — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:45:57 +0000

Brilliant creative idea, but I feel it lacks the scale required for meaningful impact on brand or revenue. Still waiting to see it break in mainstream media.

Interesting business model too. Would argue that those who need cash ‘now’ would be more likely to lodge dubious claims. I hope the client is vigilant!

… or has insurance!

By: Simon te Brinke

Simon te Brinke — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:22:12 +0000

1. Re The Stunt – personally I think it was a nice media idea – legal or not – and I wish I’d thought of it.

2. Re the comment by 11:56am “They’re already as popular as…” HILARIOUS. RAOFLMAO

By: Banks Tend To Suck A Lot

Banks Tend To Suck A Lot — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:56:12 +0000

Hard to beat blowing up ATMs as a stunt.

Would a big bully bank prosecute a small agency or bunch of boring tax accountants? Not if they’re smart. They’re already as popular as herpes.

Rather than a slam dunk, the PR value would be gold.

By: Rock Lobster

Rock Lobster — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:55:52 +0000

Ballsy move.
If they had hit EVERY ATM in Sydney, then they’d probably draw too much attention to themselves from the fuzz. A select few in high profile areas was a good choice for awareness, but not saturation.

Nice to see a client trying something new. Especially from the traditionally boring tax department.

Mental note to self. Get tax return sorted.

By: Andy Miller

Andy Miller — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:38:37 +0000

Ho hum.

Jojo: Yes, it’s a ‘clever’ idea, but it takes more than being rebellious or risky to be a really clever idea.

Tim: But what’s “spectacular” about it. Hitting every ATM in the CBD would be spectacular.

Kate: The execution isn’t particularly amusing because it’s not very surprising, doesn’t leave me wanting, and makes me feeling “so what?”

Could be crucified for saying say so at a time when irreverence is still a lingering trend, but don’t you think the copywriter could have tried/worked a bit harder/smarter?

By: Jojo

Jojo — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:04:41 +0000

A clever idea in my book. There’s not too many exciting ways to dress up tax