harley says screw it

Influx Insights — 2008-05-02T16:52:21Z

Picking up a copy of USA Today this morning it was easy to be struck by the negativity of the content.

- Nelson Mandela is a terrorist

- Jet fuel prices set to make air travel a luxury item

- Fed rate cut does nothing to change Wall St. sentiment

Basically, doom and gloom all around.

Then there was this Harley ad, which offered a contrary point of view.

It reminded us that America is a strong nation and it's bounced back from tough times before.

It took the long view and reminded us not to be fearful with the simple statement:

"We don't do fear"

Some might say this irresponsible, but I say it's brilliant to seize on the moment and offer a counter point that's so true to the brand and its ridership.

It's brave and gutsy, just like the brand.

I don't have the ad, but there's a taste of it on the Harley web site.

Posted by Ed Cotton

a marriage hand crafted in hell

Influx Insights — 2007-09-25T17:20:35Z

How can something feel so wrong and so right?

"Building on a relationship between two Milwaukee neighbors that dates to Harley-Davidson's 90th anniversary celebration in 1993, Miller Lite will be the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of next year's Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration. The only light beer to win four gold medals in the bi-annual World Beer Cup's American-style Light Lager category, Miller Lite will feature a national summer promotion highlighting the Harley-Davidson affiliation."

It makes perfect sense, but then you think again and you are not so certain.

Of course, the partnership involves lots of safe driving activities, but the desired message Miller clearly wants to communicate is "rebel beer" and that's a little bit of a conflict.

Perhaps, this is a win-win for Miller because the more negative press they get the more rebellious the brand will seem.

Posted by Ed Cotton

Influx Insights Tag Feed: harley

harley says screw it

a marriage hand crafted in hell