Last time on Rate the Ad, we looked at an interactive craft project to get parents to talk to their kids about drugs. Los Angeles-based agency Ground Zero, for The Sound Advice Project, created a site where parents could record a personal message for their child and create a bracelet from the audio visualized in 3D. For $18, parents can purchase the bracelet for their kids as a physical embodiment of their presumably supportive words. We wanted to know how teens would respond to such a gift and if you think the Livestrong wristband phenomenon was inspiration.
Overwhelmingly, Rate the Adsters were fans of the campaign—some made requests for their own bracelets fashioned in silver, while others wanted the bracelet to come with audio playback. One commenter, "dhard," wondered if Ground Zero bought the technology—or ripped it off—from an
artist already making sound wave jewelry.
On the issue of originality, commenter "johnboone" thinks the campaign is successful not for novel technology, but for its intent: "I think this is one of the coolest ideas I've seen in a while. Yes, it's using existing technology but, with a great concept and for a good cause. I think many teens will wear it as long as the message is positive not preachy. Kids, now more than ever, need to know they are loved and valued."