Jesus - Out Of The Grave And Ready To Sell!
Okay, so your brand isn’t selling. Could be the copywriting. Could be the marketing strategy that’s not hitting the target audience.
Or, it could be because you brand doesn’t have the blessing of the Almighty.
During my nightly surfing, I stumbled upon Christvertising.
I consider myself a Christian, but there’s something that just feels icky about the whole concept of a Jesus centered advertising agency. I’ve no doubt that Mr. van Pelt is sincere in his beliefs, and generally wants to do well, but I’ve always been a little uncomfortable using Jesus - or any other deity - as a way to make money. Maybe I’m just a cranky, old cynic. (Okay, I AM a cranky, old cynic).
What do you think? Put aside any beliefs or dis-beliefs you might have for a minute and tell me if you’re down with this or not. Is it a brilliant marketing strategy that’s going after a niche audience? Or is it just a little on the icky side?
Thanks to Copyranter for the link.
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Monday, March 17th, 2008 at 6:10 pm under
[…] Nollywood Watch wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptJesus. Out Of The Grave And Ready To Sell! Okay, so your brand isn’t selling. Could be the copywriting. Could be the marketing strategy that’s not hitting the target audience. Or, it could be because you brand doesn’t have the blessing of the Almighty. During my nightly surfing, I stumbled upon Christvertising. Now I’ll admit that I’m a Christian. However, there’s something that just feels icky about the whole concept of a Jesus centered advertising agency. I’ve no doubt that Mr. van Pelt i […]
March 17th, 2008 at 6:17 pmNice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
March 17th, 2008 at 6:33 pmThanks Chris. And you’ve got a great blog there yourself. Come back again soon.
March 17th, 2008 at 6:36 pmI’m leaning a lot toward icky. In fact, consider me dipped in that icky feeling. So basically, this guy takes your money in order to have others pray for your brand? He figures capitalism isn’t rampant enough - now we have to pray for more money? Um, I’m a Christian too, but I wonder - if I’m Catholic and I’m asking Nondenominationals or Fundamentalists to pray, are they praying for my brand or my heathen soul? Which would be more important? How is he able to cross religious sects without coming across those who would wish me harm because I’m not of their breed?
This has to be one of the more elaborate schemes using God as a guilt trip I’ve seen. My opinion - the only reason this guy isn’t a televangelist is because he hasn’t raised enough money yet. Give him a week.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:02 amWell said, Lori. I agree that the whole ‘getting others to pray for your brand’ is bothersome. It’s just that, when you think about what God and spirituality are supposed to represent for humanity, growing your brand doesn’t seem to ever enter the picture - until now of course.
Also, I wonder if I’m understanding his method. Is he suggesting that if you sign with his agency he’ll get people to petition God to look favorably on your marketing efforts?
Yeah, it’s just icky.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:23 amI would feel better launching a site called “Marketing with Satan.”
At least it’d be honest.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:56 amIs there an Addy award for “Most Likely to be Taken for a Saturday Night Live Skit?”
March 19th, 2008 at 5:55 amYou know, Despina, it took awhile to be convinced that this site WASN’T satire. It would make a great SNL skit though.
March 19th, 2008 at 5:58 amI’m a Christian, and it’s icky to me. I find it very distasteful to use the name of Christ to make money. (Money changers in the temple, anyone?) As Christians I don’t think we should be so concerned about attracting other Christians to do business with us; rather, we should do a great job and let the way we conduct business speak for itself.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:41 amCouldn’t agree with you more, Eileen. Thanks for stopping by.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:45 am