Entertaining or lacking in taste?

[Harbel]

I came across this banned advert on a forum a few weeks ago and there was rather a mixed reaction. Initially I though it was cute and entertaining, however, some people were rather upset about the message and thought it was in very bad taste.

I've uploaded it to my website so you can view it. I'd love to hear your thoughts:

http://www.cracker.co.za/video/125/suicidal-labrador

[Dave A]

Where was it banned?

[garthu]

Don't know.... its ok, but must admit i find it a little out of taste.. Not loads, the dogs ok, but just the connotation is a bit rough

[Harbel]

It was banned in the US apparently.

[Dave A]

Thought about it a bit more - the only redeeming feature of the ad is the cute appeal factor by using dogs.

This ad is not even vaguely entertaining and does not deserve to go viral. Nando's "Julius" ad is entertaining. This isn't.

In fact it's so bad it didn't deserve to be banned. It would have been more punishing on the advertisier if it had been left to run.

And I can't even remember the brand of the tyre company being advertised a mere hour or so later...

[Harbel]

I agree with you Dave that you don't remember the advertiser at all. I think it appeals to dog lovers with the "cuteness" of the stars of the ad (I'm a dog lover), but other than that, from a marketing/advertising point of view, it's rather pointless.

[Debbiedle]

I find it quite repulsive.