I haven't been into the Dawkins Scarlet A campaign that much. Partially because it seems to be primarily a branding exercise for Dawkins' website. And much as I admire Dawkins and all he's done, I'm not into advertising him. It kind of smacks of hero worship. Blech.
But mainly I hate the campaign because the merchandise doesn't actually say ATHEIST anywhere on it. As a former marketing veep, I think it's a great idea poorly executed.
Now someone has addressed the visual problem, so if you're into advertising your Atheistness on your clothing with a scarlet A, here's one over at Dorid Designs that actually gets the message across.
She has lots of other nifty atheist and science-themed gear. Check it out.
14 salacious statements:
Ah, Dawkins... The man's like an ego built upon an ego.
I don't agree. I think his reputation is earned.
I simply think the campaign was poorly conceived. If you're going to actually come out as an atheist, then COME OUT.
Pussyfooting about with a cryptic symbol (with associations in rather poor taste) is just imbecilic.
Hi Slut,
If anyone needed further proof the "A" symbol is confusing enter Criss Angel.
http://cliquemerch.sparkart.com/crissangel/category.php?merchcat_id=1886&mode=collapse
That's unfortunate.
I hate "subtle" in advertising. My idea of a great campaign is one with an annoying jingle that you can't get out of your head.
Maybe that's what we atheists need: catchy tunes.
Does this mean that we agnostics have to wear a pink A?
Yeah, I had pretty much the same reaction to the Dawkins "A" campaign as you did, Slut. These new, more explicit atheist items are certainly are an improvement in that regard, but... but, what happened to the oh-so-sexy Zapfino font? No one's going to want to engage in adultery with a blocky, ill-proportioned sans-serif.
Religions have many trinkets used in enforcing the halfbaked follow crackpot beliefs,then of course always the profits be made,from stupidity of others..two bottles of holly water being sold at price of one,if atheist to follow same path then suggestion not an A on badge rather M for moron... .. .
Another one of my blog friends came up with his own t-shirt as well: here.
I like my friend's idea too, for basically the same reasons you've outlined.
Thanks, for the link, CL. That's a pretty nice one.
I'd prefer something like a black G or J with a red strike through it.
Jacob, I designed the blocky letter to look more like a letter like you'd have on your old letterman jacket. Yeah, it's blocky...
BTW, Slut, Thanks for the recognition of my shop :)
I'm perfectly OK with the "A" campaign, though I certainly agree with Slut's marketing genius. It needs clarity.
This cat is willing to be herded - as long as it's in the direction I planned on going anyway. I'm confident enough in my independence not to have to make a point of it.
I've worn my A on my coat and people have asked me about it, so in that respect it does help introduce the subject. Although I do agree having the actual word atheist on it would be better.
Post a Comment