TAC ad produces some fierce debate
Lots of feedback to the Bikesales NetworkThis one's stirred up a hornet's nest. I speak of the latest TAC motorcycle "safety" advertisement in Victoria, which has already been condemned by a number of motorcycle organisations such as the MRA.
In a recent news story, we ran the TAC advertisement, as well as another safety message currently going to air in South Australia, and also an alternative to the TAC effort produced by the editorial team at Motorcycle Trader.
No other issue has received as much editorial feedback as this one in my 12 months as the editor at the Bikesales Network, so I though I'd just reproduce some of the comments by readers - the very people the TAC is targeting.
The comments are as follows:
"My 10-year-old twins were freaked out by the original TAC ad, as they feared for my well being. And thought I might get killed while riding. Luckily they haven't comprehended that they ride on the back and are also at risk. I have been riding for 37 years, 15 of which I was as an instructor, so I too am disgusted at the portrayal that we are all hoons and irresponsible. TAC needs to be made to apologise for the trauma caused to people like my kids."
"It helps if these ads are put together by someone who knows what they are doing." - Boofhead.
"The SA advertisement is everything the TAC ad is not: good! It speaks directly to me and is a great wake-up call. Very clever and challenging. This really shows up the TAC ad for what it is. Poorly thought out, poorly researched and badly executed. What are we paying these guys hundreds of millions for?" - Ric.
"Your Bikepoint (Ed: Motorcycle Trader) version is excellent, but it is not a shock ad, is it? I know from other riders comments that they were shocked by the original. I suspect that riders who display the behaviour in the original video will not respond to a 'responsible and intelligent ' ad such as you have produced. Perhaps, just perhaps, they will respond to the original 'shock' ad. I think it was worth trying but I would like to know how it's effectiveness is to be measured." - Andy
"I don't need to waste words. This (Ed: the alternative) is in my opinion the better of the two ads. Shock and awe are not always the way to get through, as most don't believe what they see and shut off. But show me something new or worth while and you have my attention." -- Greg
"Yes I have seen the video TAC made before it showed up on here and thought what a load of bull as it makes those of us who do the right thing look bad. As for the other two videos well they do make a lot more sense." -- Tiny
"Apart from the sheer ugliness of the group at the end, the "What they should have done" ad was pretty good." -- Tony
"I agree your (Ed: Motorcycle Trader) version is much better, more positive and more informative. It puts motorcycling in a responsible mode, rather than a hoon mode. It would be a much better use of our registration surcharge. Shock tactics work for short periods of time but positive, educational methods will work for longer, and will give car drivers a better impression of motorcyclists." -- Phil
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