As someone who works in the Australian tourism industry, my heart sank when I saw the latest NZ tourism ad.
It was smart, funny and showcased NZ's natural beauty and friendly locals in a clean 30 second broadcast.
The ad was based in a ski hire shop with two people offering the customers so much more than just skis.ie great accommodation, wild adventure, spa treatments etc.
It offered subtle contrasts: sophistication and natural beauty, excitement and refinement, and fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The way the ad starred a Maori and a whitey, showed how the NZ can appeal to everyone.
Tourism NZ actually understand that they need to tailor their ads to specific markets.
And then we have Australia's most recent effort. Baz Luhrman's 90 second wank which is completely meaningless if you haven't seen his film. This of course came after the shambolic "Where the bloody hell are ya" campaign.
Then there was the get lost in Melbourne shite which looked like it was written by an abstract artist whacked out on magic mushrooms, LSD and a tranquilizer that should only be given to really sick horses.
Who the fuck basis a commercial on a negative idea like "getting lost"?
Here's an idea. Lets just get rid of fifth rate white elephants, understand that the world's people aren't all high-stressed US tossers like those in Baz's pile of vomit, and start plugging the fact that Australia is a damn good country to visit because we've got great sites, plenty to do, and friendly people.
I know Baz got $40 million for his ideas on how to sell Australia, how about Tourism Australia send me $1 mil for stating the fucking obvious?
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
This is really cheap.
When the "King of Pop" kicked the bucket, a certain funeral home in Melbourne's east decided to make the most of the occasion.
They decided to sponsor a ceremony to "honour" Jackson as part of the most nauseating marketing campaign since Maccas decided to flog their junk food by linking it to ANZACs.
Here is how it worked. Set up a cheap-arse ceremony to get the punters in the door. Call all the newspapers, radio and TV stations to announce the event. Get a bunch of free advertising.
Under normal circumstances the chief of staffs at every TV news units should have told the organisers of this promo to fuck off, but, it's so cheap to send out a team to cover this utterly unnewsworthy event.
Hang your heads in shame Channel 9 The Hun and 10. At least Channel 10 didn't mention to company by name.
New Idea doesn't pretend to be anything other than a low rent rag for vacuumous ninnies. At least that makes them slightly more honest than the rest of the tabloid media.
They decided to sponsor a ceremony to "honour" Jackson as part of the most nauseating marketing campaign since Maccas decided to flog their junk food by linking it to ANZACs.
Here is how it worked. Set up a cheap-arse ceremony to get the punters in the door. Call all the newspapers, radio and TV stations to announce the event. Get a bunch of free advertising.
Under normal circumstances the chief of staffs at every TV news units should have told the organisers of this promo to fuck off, but, it's so cheap to send out a team to cover this utterly unnewsworthy event.
Hang your heads in shame Channel 9 The Hun and 10. At least Channel 10 didn't mention to company by name.
New Idea doesn't pretend to be anything other than a low rent rag for vacuumous ninnies. At least that makes them slightly more honest than the rest of the tabloid media.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
White, bitter, and conservative.
When it comes to playing race politics, Australians (since the demise of John Howard) play race politics in a much more subtle fashion than their European counterparts.
While Europeans have organised far right groups that march around in gangs, Australia's redneck fringe is fractured, aging, bitter, and marginalised.
A common argument against multiculturalism is that "teh left" are PC and have caved in to immigrants in exchange for votes.
When the Liverpool council approved an Islamic School at Roxton Park, this" immigrant block of votes" theory came out again.
This theory can (and is) applied to virtually any political situation which involves minority groups.
Think of all the votes in accepting refugees, letting in Hilaly, being a Vietnamese candidate in Cabramatta, and remember howMaxine McKew targeted Asians.
Personally I love this theory. It is merely an extension of Howard's divide and conquer attitude.
In 1996 Howard won "for all of us". At this stage he'd already pissed off the Asians, but that wasn't a fatal political mistake.
His narrative needed to be constantly re-enforced so Howard started cutting off the Aboriginals, then it was the Muslims, gays, elites, doctors wives, environmentalist, etc etc etc.
Eventually in 2007 the "all of us" majority had become a minority and Howard had cut off more votes than he could afford.
Those who mouth off about politicians making decisions to gain the ethnic vote are doing us all a favour. They a repeating and re-enforcing the conservative mistakes from the past, and doing it from a weakened position. In other words, they are digging in a hole to get themselves out of trouble.
Australia's demographic has fundamentally shifted. Why would anyone want to be associated with the angry bitter, white conservative? Especially when their bitterness is tinged by racism.
Labor has nothing to fear from the redneck vote anymore. This mob already vote conservative, and they don't have the influence, growth in numbers, or power to change governments at this point in time.
We have come to a point in time where refugee boats are now an advantage to the ALP. Labor just has to hold their nerve, ignore Alan Jones and his flock, and appeal to decency.
While Europeans have organised far right groups that march around in gangs, Australia's redneck fringe is fractured, aging, bitter, and marginalised.
A common argument against multiculturalism is that "teh left" are PC and have caved in to immigrants in exchange for votes.
When the Liverpool council approved an Islamic School at Roxton Park, this" immigrant block of votes" theory came out again.
Liverpool's Islamic society now accounts for 10% of the population. What is it that makes this area so popular to these people? No wonder the council approved this application, number count in elections.
This theory can (and is) applied to virtually any political situation which involves minority groups.
Think of all the votes in accepting refugees, letting in Hilaly, being a Vietnamese candidate in Cabramatta, and remember howMaxine McKew targeted Asians.
Personally I love this theory. It is merely an extension of Howard's divide and conquer attitude.
In 1996 Howard won "for all of us". At this stage he'd already pissed off the Asians, but that wasn't a fatal political mistake.
His narrative needed to be constantly re-enforced so Howard started cutting off the Aboriginals, then it was the Muslims, gays, elites, doctors wives, environmentalist, etc etc etc.
Eventually in 2007 the "all of us" majority had become a minority and Howard had cut off more votes than he could afford.
Those who mouth off about politicians making decisions to gain the ethnic vote are doing us all a favour. They a repeating and re-enforcing the conservative mistakes from the past, and doing it from a weakened position. In other words, they are digging in a hole to get themselves out of trouble.
Australia's demographic has fundamentally shifted. Why would anyone want to be associated with the angry bitter, white conservative? Especially when their bitterness is tinged by racism.
Labor has nothing to fear from the redneck vote anymore. This mob already vote conservative, and they don't have the influence, growth in numbers, or power to change governments at this point in time.
We have come to a point in time where refugee boats are now an advantage to the ALP. Labor just has to hold their nerve, ignore Alan Jones and his flock, and appeal to decency.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Herald KKK
With Facebook pulling the racist "Fuck off we're full" group of the internet, it's a pity someone doesn't do the same with the Hun.
I've repeated posted about their laxed moderating in their feedback forums, but this post sets a new low point
Aahh the Hun. Where messages from hard core racists who incite violence are welcome on the paper's web page.
I've repeated posted about their laxed moderating in their feedback forums, but this post sets a new low point
Any illegal boat in our waters should be mandatory target practice for our navy and air force. No questions asked. And the only "Asylum Policy" Australia should have is shoot on sight. Whites made this country what it was, the rest have made it what it is.
Posted by: Mister Master of Australia 9:21am today
Aahh the Hun. Where messages from hard core racists who incite violence are welcome on the paper's web page.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Guess who doesn't have their paperwork up to date?
Last July, a merry band of conservatives from Geelong had a shindig to raise money for the tories.
This merry band of very busy fundraises is called the Geelong 500 Club.
The First question is who are they? It's kind of a regional version of the 500 Club formed by arse-wipe rape apologist crook John Elliot. But of course most of their members remain quietly anonymous.
A bit of digging revealed that Kate Bullen from Prosperity Legal was the Geelong 500 Club's financial officer.
Kate signs the AEC disclosure statements using the Prosperity Legal Address so we can assume they play a major role in the Geelong 500 Club's activities.
Kate is a known Liberal mover and shaker, but I'm tipping she isn't the sole donor to the Geelong 500 Club. They of course remain blissfully anonymous due to the laxed disclosure laws in this country.
The next question is, how much money do these guys raise?
Here is a breakdown of recent figures disclosed to the AEC.
2002/3 75K
2003/4 46K
2005/6 29K
2006/7 43K
Please note, this is only the amounts the Geelong 500 Club admit too. In the shonky world of campaign fundraising these figures should be considered as a absolute base.
It's a substantial amount and you would expect that some of the money would have gone to Stuart McArthur's unsuccessful defence of Corangamite in the 2007 election. But of course you couldn't confirm anything because Stewie lodged a nil return (ie no disclosed donors) and the Geelong 500 Club failed to lodge their returns on time.
Perhaps one of our more enterprising professional journos would like to have a look at this story. I'm too busy at work at the moment.
This merry band of very busy fundraises is called the Geelong 500 Club.
The First question is who are they? It's kind of a regional version of the 500 Club formed by arse-wipe rape apologist crook John Elliot. But of course most of their members remain quietly anonymous.
A bit of digging revealed that Kate Bullen from Prosperity Legal was the Geelong 500 Club's financial officer.
Kate signs the AEC disclosure statements using the Prosperity Legal Address so we can assume they play a major role in the Geelong 500 Club's activities.
Kate is a known Liberal mover and shaker, but I'm tipping she isn't the sole donor to the Geelong 500 Club. They of course remain blissfully anonymous due to the laxed disclosure laws in this country.
The next question is, how much money do these guys raise?
Here is a breakdown of recent figures disclosed to the AEC.
2002/3 75K
2003/4 46K
2005/6 29K
2006/7 43K
Please note, this is only the amounts the Geelong 500 Club admit too. In the shonky world of campaign fundraising these figures should be considered as a absolute base.
It's a substantial amount and you would expect that some of the money would have gone to Stuart McArthur's unsuccessful defence of Corangamite in the 2007 election. But of course you couldn't confirm anything because Stewie lodged a nil return (ie no disclosed donors) and the Geelong 500 Club failed to lodge their returns on time.
Perhaps one of our more enterprising professional journos would like to have a look at this story. I'm too busy at work at the moment.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Who's next?
I had wanted to post a poll about who would lead the Liberals to an inevitable defeat in 2010, but that vile swine Scott from Grods has got in first. Instead, I will just have to outline the reasons why the Libs are a complete rabble at the moment.
There is one overriding reason for the Libs current position, disunity.
The coalitions main problem is a total lack of discipline on the Back Bench. Basically the coalition back bench is filled with veteran slack-jawed climate change denialists so far out of touch with every Australian (other than rich pasturalists and miners) it's not funny.
This ugly mob have numerous media sluts in their ranks, and they are already actively undermining Turnbull. Make no mistake, the fact Turnbull believes in AGW, gay marriage, and is a rich banker means he is the enemy for the likes of Tuckey, Mirrabella, Boswell et al.
There are also so many issues before parliament at the moment that highlight this massive division between small "l" Libs and the wackjob conservatives in the Liberal Party.
Labor are also smart enough, and have the numbers to bring in other wedge issues when needed.
The Libs will eat their own, and Turnbull will not be able to keep the tribes from squabbling.
The Wentworth branch-stacker is too impatient and too moderate to counter the 1950s dreamers in his party. He will eventually be dumped as the polls inevitably fail to improve or fall. That leaves a cast of thoroughly unelectable candidates to take his place. Joe Hockey being the most likely replacement.
If the coalition was a dog, you'd have it put down by now.
There is one overriding reason for the Libs current position, disunity.
The coalitions main problem is a total lack of discipline on the Back Bench. Basically the coalition back bench is filled with veteran slack-jawed climate change denialists so far out of touch with every Australian (other than rich pasturalists and miners) it's not funny.
This ugly mob have numerous media sluts in their ranks, and they are already actively undermining Turnbull. Make no mistake, the fact Turnbull believes in AGW, gay marriage, and is a rich banker means he is the enemy for the likes of Tuckey, Mirrabella, Boswell et al.
There are also so many issues before parliament at the moment that highlight this massive division between small "l" Libs and the wackjob conservatives in the Liberal Party.
Labor are also smart enough, and have the numbers to bring in other wedge issues when needed.
The Libs will eat their own, and Turnbull will not be able to keep the tribes from squabbling.
The Wentworth branch-stacker is too impatient and too moderate to counter the 1950s dreamers in his party. He will eventually be dumped as the polls inevitably fail to improve or fall. That leaves a cast of thoroughly unelectable candidates to take his place. Joe Hockey being the most likely replacement.
If the coalition was a dog, you'd have it put down by now.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Party time
Had a quick discussion with the boy (aged 2 and 3/4) on the way home from creche today.
BLL: Do you want Eamon to come to your party?
The boy: Yes.
BLL: How about Maxxie?
The Boy: Yes
BLL:Anyone else from creche?
The Boy: Everyone.
BLL: How about we invite the whole town?
The Boy: Yes
BLL: Even that bloke dressed in camo pants and black boots, with a shaved head. (walking along the footpath)
The Boy: Yes.
BLL: But he looks like a Nazi.
The Boy: That Nazi's just a big girl. He can't come.
BLL: Do you want Eamon to come to your party?
The boy: Yes.
BLL: How about Maxxie?
The Boy: Yes
BLL:Anyone else from creche?
The Boy: Everyone.
BLL: How about we invite the whole town?
The Boy: Yes
BLL: Even that bloke dressed in camo pants and black boots, with a shaved head. (walking along the footpath)
The Boy: Yes.
BLL: But he looks like a Nazi.
The Boy: That Nazi's just a big girl. He can't come.
Utegate's other big question
email? fake email? who cares.
I want to know why taxpayers are bailing out a bunch of third rate businessmen who own car yards?
Bloated inventory. Stock nobody wants, massive overheads, wasted water, shonky deals.
Why should I be paying taxes to support that?
Why can't you just avoid useless middle-men car dealers and pick up your new vehicle at the factory or port?
Other than the shonks, who would suffer if we used tax dollars for schools rather than bailing out 20th century businesses?
Utegate is just a meaningless sideshow. $500 mil of taxpayers money going to a totally outdated business model that ensures people pay way too much for cars, now that's a story.
I want to know why taxpayers are bailing out a bunch of third rate businessmen who own car yards?
Bloated inventory. Stock nobody wants, massive overheads, wasted water, shonky deals.
Why should I be paying taxes to support that?
Why can't you just avoid useless middle-men car dealers and pick up your new vehicle at the factory or port?
Other than the shonks, who would suffer if we used tax dollars for schools rather than bailing out 20th century businesses?
Utegate is just a meaningless sideshow. $500 mil of taxpayers money going to a totally outdated business model that ensures people pay way too much for cars, now that's a story.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Can I touch your boobs.
Dear Ms Mirabella,
Since you need a new media advisor, I have one word for you...
Prodos
Since you need a new media advisor, I have one word for you...
Prodos
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Where the bloody hell are you?
Just been watching the international news in a South East Asian country.
We've had five stories involving Australia this week.
1. Pissed Andrew Symonds
2. Qualification for world cup 2010.
3. Swine flu epidemic
4. Indian bashings
5. Muslim bashing facebook site taken down.
If you listen very carefully, you can actually hear the NZ tourism board clicking champagne glasses whenever Australia gets mentioned on BBC Asia.
We've had five stories involving Australia this week.
1. Pissed Andrew Symonds
2. Qualification for world cup 2010.
3. Swine flu epidemic
4. Indian bashings
5. Muslim bashing facebook site taken down.
If you listen very carefully, you can actually hear the NZ tourism board clicking champagne glasses whenever Australia gets mentioned on BBC Asia.
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