I really love the webpage "Themes" here at AQ. I think they are a lot of fun. I was wondering if Ryan has ever used them for promotional purposes? Like has anybody ever "commisioned" a theme, such as promoting Stampeaz or Dixiegraphics or Chevy? I have searched around and don't see any indication that this has happened, but maybe some of you that have been around a while would know. I have sent an email to Ryan about it, but for obvious reasons, he can be a bit hard to get hold of! Thanks for all your help, people, you are a GREAT resource!

McBoxer

That's one of the benefits of Premium membership—no ads to clutter up the space.

Yes, but in this case it wouldn't be any more cluttered than any other theme! I am not talking necessarily about taking up MORE screen real estate, but just using, say, the already existing graphic element across the top as a promotional tool. No extra space, just more PRODUCTIVE use of the space! Face it, running a site like this is not free, so it might make sense for allowing something like this if it means it will allow the site to thrive and grow.

McBoxer

Since you mentioned Chevy, I assume you must have seen or heard about the ad they ran last year.

Yes, I am VERY familiar with the Chevy campaign. In fact, I spoke with several of the marketing people associated with the campaign about it.

I have to agree, I think it was very poorly implemented. The problem with the Chevy tie-in was that they just didn't do their research. They didn't bother to get involved with the community, to learn the finer points of the hobby, and to ASK QUESTIONS. And the association between letterboxing and the Chevy was weak at best. They missed what I thought was one of the key aspects of letterboxing, and that is the family-friendly angle.

In order for a tie in to really work well, a campaign needs to PROMOTE letterboxing, as opposed to EXPLOITING it, which is the way the Chevy ad came across.

Thanks for the input!
McBoxer

letterboxing shouldnt be associated with any company for ANY commercial reason.

As much as I understand and can even appreciate the sentiment, it IS a rather narrow and unrealistic view. Not that letterboxing should be OWNED or controlled by corporate america, but let's face it, money talks, and not all "commercialism" is evil or even necessarily negative. Much good can come of deep pockets, especially if approached judiciously and with the proper respect for the hobby.

McBoxer

What's the deal with logos????

A few people were concerned about commercialization of the hobby (unduly, in my opinion). But the discussion mutated from the original intent of "promoting letterboxing through promotional tie-ins" into "corporate logos on letterboxing gear". Not exactly the same thing.
McBoxer