This is Citibank’s logo …
… and in true corporate toady style, their ad agency have incorporated the arc into all executions.
They’ve made it represent a bridge between where you [the customer] are, and where you can be with Citibank’s expert help.
Of course it’s as cliched as hell – like all those ‘we care’ and ‘partnership’ ads the banks have been churning out for decades – however the reason I’m writing about this is because I’ve just seen a new execution of this campaign that if I didn’t know better, I’d swear had been done as a pisstake by some cheeky creatives.
Dreams to realities.
Who the hell are they trying to kid?
The World is in economic hell – of which Citibank are one of the guilty parties – and they are still putting out ads claiming their expertise can help people achieve their dreams.
Well I tell you what Mr Citibank, I think a lot of people’s dreams were to not lose their savings, pension or houses – but you haven’t exactly crowned yourself in glory with ‘promise’ have you?
Wankers.
I actually believe it’s a really good time for a bank to advertise – however this sort of mindless shit just pisses people off – just like reading about bankers who say they are economising by buying $100 dollar bottles of wine instead of $1,000 and/or only buying 2nd hand FIVE FIGURE WATCHES instead of brand new.
Give me a gun and a few of their addresses and I’ll do the World a favour.
Anyway, getting back to the ad …
Why on earth didn’t the agency point out how this ad could alienate the public?
As I said, maybe it was the agencies way of having a little dig – but I doubt it.
The only thing I can hope for is this is Citibank’s way of apologising for being naughty little boys and girls.
What do I mean?
Well maybe Citibank are admitting they sold people “DREAMS” but could only give them a horrible reality?
I guess we’ll know for sure if the next ads feature …
High Interest Rate becomes Homeless
Savings becomes Debt
Bank becomes Building For Sale
Funnily enough, a very conservative bank that we pitched for last year [and lost] approached us a few days ago because they now realise our proposed core idea [Sometimes It’s Good To Be A Little Slower] would be incredibly attractive to members of the public who are desperately looking for security rather than growth . What a shame they went with an agency who told them what they wanted to hear [Dynamic partnership. Hahahaha!] rather than make a call that could have had massive benefits for them today.
As I have said many times before – corporate ego is one of the most dangerous things in business today.
Ooooh I’m pissy today – a perfect Monday mood, ha!