Jul
1
Corvettroversy (originally Posted on Talentzoo.com)
Filed Under corvette | Comments Off
Dan Goldgeier asked:
Last week, GM pulled a Corvette ad off the air. The ad depicted a young boy staring at a parked Corvette and dreaming of cruising through New York City so fast he gets the car airborne.
Now, I’m sure most people who drive in Manhattan think that even reaching 30 MPH is an unattainable dream. So this spot was obviously not grounded in reality, just another car ad with some cool-looking footage.
There was even a prominent disclaimer on the bottom of the screen that said, “This is a dream. Do not drive without a license.” Still, several auto safety and child advocacy groups complained to GM. And GM acquiesced.
Is it bad business to do creative work that garners complaints? Is it so irresponsible that it’s construed as a form of malpractice? And if it costs the client extra time and money to deal with the trouble, should agencies be held liable?
I think it’s too flip to just say “Oh, those spineless GM corporate weasels bent over because of a few paranoid soccer moms.” Or “GM planned to get all this controversy and they love all the free publicity.” The issue is a little more complicated than that.
I can speak from experience here. I’ve written 2 radio spots that actually generated complaints. We certainly didn’t set out to get that kind of response, nevertheless I received copies of the letters and tacked them up in my cubicle as a sort-of badge of honor. Our client dismissed it as “well, at least the spots are getting remembered.” However, our client was in the gambling business, and there’s not a lot of moral high ground there.
No matter what business our clients are in, we have to live with the notion that advertising simply can’t win a popularity contest. Like music, movies, books and other forms of pop culture, we always run the risk of pissing off somebody. And since most advertising is unsolicited, people are most disdainful of ads they don’t like.
But here’s the paradox: In advertising, there is always a constant stream of new ideas and concepts. That’s where the reward—and the risk—lies.
New ideas are always controversial simply because they’re new. We have no prior history to judge them against. And new ideas seek to alter the status quo, which means someone’s current position of power, wealth and status gets challenged. Or, if an idea challenges conventional wisdom, someone will perceive it as a threat, and try to muzzle it. Just ask Salman Rushdie or Mel Gibson.
Every piece of advertising has some consequence and influence—be it positive or negative. The only alternative would be to produce ideas that are completely milquetoast. In other words, guaranteed non-offensive. Tried-and-true. Safe. Dull. Which will lead to messages that are roundly ignored. And creating advertising that’s roundly ignored is a waste of our client’s money.
You’ll have to draw your own conclusions about whether showing an 8 year-old dreaming of speeding in a Corvette is a dangerous idea that may encourage reckless or copycat behavior. To paraphrase William Hurt in ‘Broadcast News,’ “It’s hard not to cross the line. They keep moving the little sucker, don’t they?”
Maybe GM knew the risks when they approved the spot. Perhaps they thought that the disclaimer was legally correct and nothing else needed to be done. (The spot, by the way, was directed by Guy Ritchie, who’s married to Madonna–who Pepsi dropped after seeing her “Like a Prayer” video. Guess it runs in the family.)
There will always be controversy over ads. There will always be resistance to new, unfamili ar or risky ideas. We simply have to keep doing them, and ad agencies have to provide a framework to encourage them. Because the moment we stop, that’s when the ad industry will truly be dead.
Lillie
Last week, GM pulled a Corvette ad off the air. The ad depicted a young boy staring at a parked Corvette and dreaming of cruising through New York City so fast he gets the car airborne.
Now, I’m sure most people who drive in Manhattan think that even reaching 30 MPH is an unattainable dream. So this spot was obviously not grounded in reality, just another car ad with some cool-looking footage.
There was even a prominent disclaimer on the bottom of the screen that said, “This is a dream. Do not drive without a license.” Still, several auto safety and child advocacy groups complained to GM. And GM acquiesced.
Is it bad business to do creative work that garners complaints? Is it so irresponsible that it’s construed as a form of malpractice? And if it costs the client extra time and money to deal with the trouble, should agencies be held liable?
I think it’s too flip to just say “Oh, those spineless GM corporate weasels bent over because of a few paranoid soccer moms.” Or “GM planned to get all this controversy and they love all the free publicity.” The issue is a little more complicated than that.
I can speak from experience here. I’ve written 2 radio spots that actually generated complaints. We certainly didn’t set out to get that kind of response, nevertheless I received copies of the letters and tacked them up in my cubicle as a sort-of badge of honor. Our client dismissed it as “well, at least the spots are getting remembered.” However, our client was in the gambling business, and there’s not a lot of moral high ground there.
No matter what business our clients are in, we have to live with the notion that advertising simply can’t win a popularity contest. Like music, movies, books and other forms of pop culture, we always run the risk of pissing off somebody. And since most advertising is unsolicited, people are most disdainful of ads they don’t like.
But here’s the paradox: In advertising, there is always a constant stream of new ideas and concepts. That’s where the reward—and the risk—lies.
New ideas are always controversial simply because they’re new. We have no prior history to judge them against. And new ideas seek to alter the status quo, which means someone’s current position of power, wealth and status gets challenged. Or, if an idea challenges conventional wisdom, someone will perceive it as a threat, and try to muzzle it. Just ask Salman Rushdie or Mel Gibson.
Every piece of advertising has some consequence and influence—be it positive or negative. The only alternative would be to produce ideas that are completely milquetoast. In other words, guaranteed non-offensive. Tried-and-true. Safe. Dull. Which will lead to messages that are roundly ignored. And creating advertising that’s roundly ignored is a waste of our client’s money.
You’ll have to draw your own conclusions about whether showing an 8 year-old dreaming of speeding in a Corvette is a dangerous idea that may encourage reckless or copycat behavior. To paraphrase William Hurt in ‘Broadcast News,’ “It’s hard not to cross the line. They keep moving the little sucker, don’t they?”
Maybe GM knew the risks when they approved the spot. Perhaps they thought that the disclaimer was legally correct and nothing else needed to be done. (The spot, by the way, was directed by Guy Ritchie, who’s married to Madonna–who Pepsi dropped after seeing her “Like a Prayer” video. Guess it runs in the family.)
There will always be controversy over ads. There will always be resistance to new, unfamili ar or risky ideas. We simply have to keep doing them, and ad agencies have to provide a framework to encourage them. Because the moment we stop, that’s when the ad industry will truly be dead.
Lillie
Jul
1
1985 corvette battery keeps going dead any help you be greatfully appreciated?
Filed Under corvette | Comments Off
Bullet asked:
My 1985 corvette is going through batteries like crazy, I have had the car for about 4 months has anyone elese experienced this and please tell me what to look for to repair it. Thanking you in advance for your much needed HELP
Christina
My 1985 corvette is going through batteries like crazy, I have had the car for about 4 months has anyone elese experienced this and please tell me what to look for to repair it. Thanking you in advance for your much needed HELP
Christina
Jun
21
what horsepower did the 1972 corvette 350 engine have with a 4 speed transmission?
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Jun
21
2009 Cadillac Cts-v: on Sale Now
Filed Under corvette | Comments Off
Thomas Rosquin asked:
Chicagoland Cadillac, the leading dealer for new and certified used Cadillac cars in the greater Chicago area, has received the first shipment of 2009 Cadillac CTS-V’s.
The CTS-V is available as a luxury sedan. Cadillac has grabbed the attention of the Automobile world by utilizing parts from the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. Gone is the old drive train, and in its place lies a detuned version of the LSA engine. Pumping out over 550 horsepower through a six-speed transmission, this car is the fastest Cadillac has ever produced, and is a far cry from the cars of old. Also taken from the new ZR-1 are the magnetically controlled shocks and suspension, and huge Brembo brakes. This Cadillac will also receive specialized Recaro racing seats and huge 19-inch alloy wheels sporting Michelin rubber.
Cadillac’s aim with the new CTS-V is to dethrone the BMW M5, which has been the best performing luxury sedan for many years. While the BMW costs upwards of $80,000; Cadillac has ingeniously brought the starting cost of the CTS-V down to $60,000. This makes the CTS-V relatively affordable and a great bargain for the performance oriented consumer. And performance wise the CTS-V beats not only the M5 in most categories; but the Mercedes E63 AMG. Both of which cost over $20k more than the CTS-V. In fact the CTS-V posted the fastest time ever by a production sedan at the famed Nurburgring Test track in Germany.
To view information on the CTS-V including specifications, a video review, and the MSRP price, visit the website, http://www.chicagolandcadillacdealers.com/.
Leslie
Chicagoland Cadillac, the leading dealer for new and certified used Cadillac cars in the greater Chicago area, has received the first shipment of 2009 Cadillac CTS-V’s.
The CTS-V is available as a luxury sedan. Cadillac has grabbed the attention of the Automobile world by utilizing parts from the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. Gone is the old drive train, and in its place lies a detuned version of the LSA engine. Pumping out over 550 horsepower through a six-speed transmission, this car is the fastest Cadillac has ever produced, and is a far cry from the cars of old. Also taken from the new ZR-1 are the magnetically controlled shocks and suspension, and huge Brembo brakes. This Cadillac will also receive specialized Recaro racing seats and huge 19-inch alloy wheels sporting Michelin rubber.
Cadillac’s aim with the new CTS-V is to dethrone the BMW M5, which has been the best performing luxury sedan for many years. While the BMW costs upwards of $80,000; Cadillac has ingeniously brought the starting cost of the CTS-V down to $60,000. This makes the CTS-V relatively affordable and a great bargain for the performance oriented consumer. And performance wise the CTS-V beats not only the M5 in most categories; but the Mercedes E63 AMG. Both of which cost over $20k more than the CTS-V. In fact the CTS-V posted the fastest time ever by a production sedan at the famed Nurburgring Test track in Germany.
To view information on the CTS-V including specifications, a video review, and the MSRP price, visit the website, http://www.chicagolandcadillacdealers.com/.
Leslie
Jun
18
How My Car Helped Me Kick My Gambling Habit
Filed Under corvette | Comments Off
Jimmy Plant asked:
I am a very logical person and I really dislike anything supernatural or metaphysical. I am more into things I can see and touch, such as car parts and engines. My roomate Joe on the other hand, is the exact opposite. While I’ll be restoring my latest beloved muscle car, Joe will be researching some new mystical art or ancient mystery.
His latest obsession was stage magic and he began practicing it with gusto. Last week, he tried to impress me with his newest tricks.
“Take note, oh simpleminded audience,” he said flourishing his arms, “that there is nothing up my sleeves.”
“What about that pulley system?” I pointed out after noticing some suspicious wires. “And that hidden deck of cards, and… my god! Is that a dove?”
“Squeaky!” screamed Joe, and he shook his sleeve until the body of his dove fell out with a thud. Unfortunately, poor Squeaky had suffocated in Joe’s armpit—not a good way to go by any means…
Joe was feeling remorseful, so after the funeral, we decided to go to see a real magic show in Squeaky’s honor.
“It’s what he would’ve wanted,” said Joe, “After all, he lay down his life in service to the craft.”
We hopped into my restored ’65 Corvette Stingray and moseyed down to the magical theatre. Inside, it was dark and packed with people. They had all come to see the Great Magnifico, who was in town for one night only.
Magnifico stepped onstage, dressed in a flowing cape and top hat. He began his act by pulling a mile of colored scarves out of his throat.
“Yawn!,” I shouted, “It’s been done!”
Magnifico scowled and moved on to his next trick, the Chinese linking rinks.
“You suck!” I bellowed, “Boo! Boo!”
Magnifico scowled harder at me and announced that it was time for his final act. He clapped his hands and a lion appeared onstage, prowling around. Magnifico covered the beast with a cloth and shouted the magic word. There was a huge puff of smoke and lights. When the smoked cleared, the audience cheered loudly, for there, onstage, was a ’65 Corvette Stingray—my Stingray! And the lion was in the driver’s seat, revving the engine!
Magnifico clapped his hands again and the lion floored the gas, driving around the stage madly and roaring in triumph.
“Magnifico!” I shouted, “This time you’ve gone too far!” And I raced out of my seat and toward the stage.
But Magnifico was one step ahead of me, and he called out to the lion. “Simba, attack!”
I took a flying leap onto the stage while the lion flew at me. We met in mid air and fought fiercely. But, we finally agreed to a draw and went our separate ways…
As we drove home, Joe said it was the greatest magic show he had ever witnessed. I was still not impressed with the magical arts, but I was glad to get my Corvette back.
Alice
I am a very logical person and I really dislike anything supernatural or metaphysical. I am more into things I can see and touch, such as car parts and engines. My roomate Joe on the other hand, is the exact opposite. While I’ll be restoring my latest beloved muscle car, Joe will be researching some new mystical art or ancient mystery.
His latest obsession was stage magic and he began practicing it with gusto. Last week, he tried to impress me with his newest tricks.
“Take note, oh simpleminded audience,” he said flourishing his arms, “that there is nothing up my sleeves.”
“What about that pulley system?” I pointed out after noticing some suspicious wires. “And that hidden deck of cards, and… my god! Is that a dove?”
“Squeaky!” screamed Joe, and he shook his sleeve until the body of his dove fell out with a thud. Unfortunately, poor Squeaky had suffocated in Joe’s armpit—not a good way to go by any means…
Joe was feeling remorseful, so after the funeral, we decided to go to see a real magic show in Squeaky’s honor.
“It’s what he would’ve wanted,” said Joe, “After all, he lay down his life in service to the craft.”
We hopped into my restored ’65 Corvette Stingray and moseyed down to the magical theatre. Inside, it was dark and packed with people. They had all come to see the Great Magnifico, who was in town for one night only.
Magnifico stepped onstage, dressed in a flowing cape and top hat. He began his act by pulling a mile of colored scarves out of his throat.
“Yawn!,” I shouted, “It’s been done!”
Magnifico scowled and moved on to his next trick, the Chinese linking rinks.
“You suck!” I bellowed, “Boo! Boo!”
Magnifico scowled harder at me and announced that it was time for his final act. He clapped his hands and a lion appeared onstage, prowling around. Magnifico covered the beast with a cloth and shouted the magic word. There was a huge puff of smoke and lights. When the smoked cleared, the audience cheered loudly, for there, onstage, was a ’65 Corvette Stingray—my Stingray! And the lion was in the driver’s seat, revving the engine!
Magnifico clapped his hands again and the lion floored the gas, driving around the stage madly and roaring in triumph.
“Magnifico!” I shouted, “This time you’ve gone too far!” And I raced out of my seat and toward the stage.
But Magnifico was one step ahead of me, and he called out to the lion. “Simba, attack!”
I took a flying leap onto the stage while the lion flew at me. We met in mid air and fought fiercely. But, we finally agreed to a draw and went our separate ways…
As we drove home, Joe said it was the greatest magic show he had ever witnessed. I was still not impressed with the magical arts, but I was glad to get my Corvette back.
Alice
Jun
17
How do the headlights work on a 1976 corvette?
Filed Under corvette | Comments Off
shadowvid asked:
I just bought my wife one. The headlights work but they seem to be stuck open…….How do you close them?
Rodney
I just bought my wife one. The headlights work but they seem to be stuck open…….How do you close them?
Rodney
Jun
16
What is the annual maintenance cost for a corvette? What is the annual cost for a 350z?
Filed Under corvette | Comments Off
womnut a asked:
Considering buying one of them probably the Z because it is cheaper to fix, I would think.
Lisa
Considering buying one of them probably the Z because it is cheaper to fix, I would think.
Lisa
Jun
10
Corvette Show on the O.C. Boardwalk
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Brenda Williams asked:
Each and every September there is a Corvette show held on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk. Hundreds of Corvettes show up for the event, which is usually held on a Sunday afternoon and brings plenty of tourists to the Jersey Shore. Come late September the Ocean City boardwalk is packed with day trippers and anyone trying to get in that final rendezvous with summertime.
The Corvette show on the Ocean City boardwalk begins around 11am as the cars parade from the regional Airport on Bay Avenue towards the boardwalk. The Corvettes then parade down the boardwalk to the stopping point on 6th Street in front of Wonderland. There are plenty of people on the boards that are there specifically to watch the Corvette show.
Before the Corvettes leave the Airport, there are plenty of stands to browse through for souvenirs like model Corvettes and t-shirts commemorating that year’s Corvette show. Once on the boardwalk, the people attending the show can walk up and down the two lines of Corvettes and speak with each car’s owners to find out information regarding each Corvette.
There are Corvettes of all different types at the show; from the original model to the most recent model available on the market. Many Corvettes contain superior sound systems, come as convertibles, and some even have a die-cast model of the car sitting on the dashboard inside. Almost every single Corvette at the show is well kept and rarely driven, as evidenced by the mile counter.
The Corvette has been manufactured by Chevrolet since 1953 and is now produced in a plant in Kentucky. There is a National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the same place that the cars are manufactured in today. The three models that are out now are the Corvette C6, the Corvette Z06, and the Corvette ZR1. The ZR1 will make its debut in 2009 and will remain in production until 2010 along with the other two previously mentioned models.
The C5 was manufactured from 1997-2004 and is one of the most popular models out there today. The Corvette, all models, comes in the 2-door coupe and the 2-door convertible. All models of the Corvette are popular, especially the original model, which is hard to find. That’s why Corvette shows are great to attend if you are a car lover. The Ocean City, NJ Corvette show is one of the largest Corvette shows at the Jersey Shore, with close to 500 cars participating, and the number rises each September.
There are Corvette shows all over the country where proud owners display their beloved cars to the adoring public that is infatuated with one of the most popular cars in American history. It is easy to see why people are so infatuated with the Corvette. It has the sleek look that a sports car should have, beautiful colors to choose from, and purrs like a kitten when the engine is revved. The Corvette is also one of the most reliable vehicles when it comes to service or technical problems. The Corvette is a stable vehicle and a staple of American culture.
Stephanie
Each and every September there is a Corvette show held on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk. Hundreds of Corvettes show up for the event, which is usually held on a Sunday afternoon and brings plenty of tourists to the Jersey Shore. Come late September the Ocean City boardwalk is packed with day trippers and anyone trying to get in that final rendezvous with summertime.
The Corvette show on the Ocean City boardwalk begins around 11am as the cars parade from the regional Airport on Bay Avenue towards the boardwalk. The Corvettes then parade down the boardwalk to the stopping point on 6th Street in front of Wonderland. There are plenty of people on the boards that are there specifically to watch the Corvette show.
Before the Corvettes leave the Airport, there are plenty of stands to browse through for souvenirs like model Corvettes and t-shirts commemorating that year’s Corvette show. Once on the boardwalk, the people attending the show can walk up and down the two lines of Corvettes and speak with each car’s owners to find out information regarding each Corvette.
There are Corvettes of all different types at the show; from the original model to the most recent model available on the market. Many Corvettes contain superior sound systems, come as convertibles, and some even have a die-cast model of the car sitting on the dashboard inside. Almost every single Corvette at the show is well kept and rarely driven, as evidenced by the mile counter.
The Corvette has been manufactured by Chevrolet since 1953 and is now produced in a plant in Kentucky. There is a National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the same place that the cars are manufactured in today. The three models that are out now are the Corvette C6, the Corvette Z06, and the Corvette ZR1. The ZR1 will make its debut in 2009 and will remain in production until 2010 along with the other two previously mentioned models.
The C5 was manufactured from 1997-2004 and is one of the most popular models out there today. The Corvette, all models, comes in the 2-door coupe and the 2-door convertible. All models of the Corvette are popular, especially the original model, which is hard to find. That’s why Corvette shows are great to attend if you are a car lover. The Ocean City, NJ Corvette show is one of the largest Corvette shows at the Jersey Shore, with close to 500 cars participating, and the number rises each September.
There are Corvette shows all over the country where proud owners display their beloved cars to the adoring public that is infatuated with one of the most popular cars in American history. It is easy to see why people are so infatuated with the Corvette. It has the sleek look that a sports car should have, beautiful colors to choose from, and purrs like a kitten when the engine is revved. The Corvette is also one of the most reliable vehicles when it comes to service or technical problems. The Corvette is a stable vehicle and a staple of American culture.
Stephanie
Jun
10
What good is putting a carb on an ls1 corvette engine and what good is making it 4 barrel over 2?
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KtH asked:
Why would you put a carb on an ls1 corvette engine and what is the difference between 4 barrel and 2? Horse power? gas mileage? torque? or just looks?
Edward
Why would you put a carb on an ls1 corvette engine and what is the difference between 4 barrel and 2? Horse power? gas mileage? torque? or just looks?
Edward
Jun
7
is classic car insurance better for a 1984 corvette or regular car insurance?
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joe america asked:
im planning on getting a 1984 corvette but the insurance for it is a little too high.i just found out about classic car insurance but i really don’t know much about it.but for classic car insurance,am i limited to a certain number of things like how far i can drive my car,when i can drive,etc?will the insurance actually be less or more for classic car insurance?and what is the best classic car insurance company i should go with?
Jose
im planning on getting a 1984 corvette but the insurance for it is a little too high.i just found out about classic car insurance but i really don’t know much about it.but for classic car insurance,am i limited to a certain number of things like how far i can drive my car,when i can drive,etc?will the insurance actually be less or more for classic car insurance?and what is the best classic car insurance company i should go with?
Jose