As anticipation for the Super Bowl builds around our office, we decided to poll our staff for the top 10 examples of wasted ad dollars (and lost opportunities). With the current economic situation, let’s hope we don’t see any repeats of these dire performances on Sunday.
Drum roll please…
10. The New Dodge (1995) — Can we say snooze fest? This one-minute ad starts with a flying red mini-van. Somehow we don’t think that’s going to keep the attention of football fans anywhere — or get them talking over their guacamole.
9. Amp Energy’s Tow Truck Driver Jumper Cables (2008) — While it may get a few uncomfortable chuckles, it’s really just gross.
8. Computer.com (2000) — We think RealClear Sports sums this one up the best: “Just 10 months after launching Computer.com, and pinning the hopes of nearly the entire company on a couple of Super Bowl ads, the site was sold to Office Depot.”
7. GoDaddy (2007) — Now, a staple in the Super Bowl, GoDaddy just doesn’t get it. We hate to burst your bubble. We work in marketing. Life’s not like that.
6. Ourbeginning.com (2000) — The target market is brides — duh. Unfortunately, the truth is harsh. There are bridezillas out there. But no bride wants to see herself portrayed that way.
