COORS STAGES VIDEO CONTEST -- MANY RULES

The difficulties an advertising agency encounters in producing commercials for beer companies were illustrated in a New York Times article today (Thursday) about a contest being staged by Coors Brewing Co. in which consumers are being encouraged to submit video clips for a chance to win Super Bowl tickets. Contest rules, the Times observed, prohibit: any depiction of of Santa Claus because he appeals to those under the drinking age of 21; any famous person; references to football teams, players, coaches or owners; political themes; depictions of drinking while driving; drinking games; drinking excessively; religious references; gambling; explicit sexual activity; violence; any other beer brands; and dangerous situations. Commented Times advertising columnist Stuart Elliott: "Such is the price of a beer brand getting into user-generated content."

10/01/2008