I just noticed one of the Geoxpat banner ads by PPC using bin Laden, Bush and Bernie Madoff. That has to be one of the most creative uses I have ever seen of humour in advertising since Richmond Savings used those Humungous Bank ads to position their credit union as not being a bank back in 1993.
http://www.cassies.ca/caselibrary/wi...ondSavings.pdf
Richmond Savings has got so big they are now Coast Capital and larger than Richmond but their ads where incredible back in the early 90s and their "We are not a bank. We're better" so angered the banks that they fought them for some 6 years until the banks lost.
These were on radio during prime time and everyone was talking about them. Granted banks in Canada do have 1 contact now so this is dated but was funny then.
The banks actually took them to the Trademarks Opposition Board which didn't make its ruling until after the CEO of Richmond Savings Kirk Lawrie (who become a folk hero on this) had passed away at a youthful age. He spoke at a conference about how he loved how this drove the banks absolutely apoplectic while driving up their business.
A sample from that document:
SFX: Phone ring. Pickup
TELLER: Humungous Bank. Your money is our money.
MAN: Hi. Who should I talk to get some advice,
please?
TELLER: Have you tried the psychic hotline?
MAN: No, no, I want to talk to someone about
financial advice
TELLER: If it's about a loan or a mortgage, that would be
Mr. Noway.
MAN: I've already talked to him. And I talked to
someone else about term deposits.
TELLER: Then who do you want to speak to sir?
MAN: I don't know! Someone who can help me with
an overall plan.
TELLER: We don't sell overalls, sir. This is a bank
MAN: Ah, that's very funny. See, I already talked to
three different people from three different
departments. I just don't think they've talked to
each other. Ever.
TELLER: They're on separate floors, sir.
-------------------------------
:ANNOUNCER: At Richmond Saving, we believe you should be
able to get financial advice from your financial
institution. That's why all our customers have
their very own Financial Adviser. One person
to help you sort everything out.
MAN: Look, I need some advice. Should I pay down
my mortgage? Or add to my RRSP? I mean,
don't you have someone who understands the
big picture?
TELLER: You mean one man who offers you advice base
on an intimate knowledge of your financial
situation?
MAN Yes?
TELLER: No.
MAN: Okay. Thank you very much for your time.