Telecom CEO speaks out about 'abstain' RWC campaign

It's not because it was un PC. Its because it was lame. It was just too lame to laugh at and a total embarrassment for a sport that is quite manly. Telecom got publicity, sure, but who cares when everyone is laughing at the stupidity of the campaign. Did sales skyrocket? Telecom doesn't need to make a donation, the shame of such a stupid advertising concept is punishment enough. Lucky it was leaked. Call it free screen testing, something that perhaps should have happened before the oh so smarty smarts at Saatchi and Saatchi signed off on it. Perhaps the leather chair inhabitants up on the top of floor of Saatchis might like to pop down and see what NZ thinks next time. What I can't get my head around is the concept of supporting our national team because they are simply our national team - creatives get a little to smart for their own good sometimes, nothing beats a good heart felt national anthem and a few tear jerking images of our boys in black. .or what about some cute merekats playing a game of footie. (Disclaimer...I am in no way saying either of those would make a great campaign...just simple ideas is all.)

no colvin you don't get it, it was simply a piece of humour, something people would of had a good laugh at had they not been so pc and stuck up. go grow a sense of humour your fool. tlecom does not need to make a donation to a charity they already give substantially to Nz charities, however you need to grow up

I am afraid Paul Reynolds just doesn't get it. It wasn't a malicious leak by some irresponsible staff member. It was a leak that had to happen to stop this ridiculous campaign. Frankly the leak probably saved his job. I am sure Reynolds is now aware of the complete embarrassment this has caused NZ worldwide. He needs to apologise and not defend it in any way. Telecom needs to make a major donation to charity in NZ as a form of apology to the people of NZ.

Whats all the fuzz? Some people are so pathetic and hypocrite. The ad surely serves its purpose, earning more publicity for the company, thats all it matters. so whats the big deal? Is it because the so-called unspoken word SEX is spelt out? Common people? this is nothing in comparison to so many other TV ads where people actually acts some very sexual arousing moves, and yet people just love staring at and admire the promoting products. So this Telecom ad is no difference. except maybe now Mums and Dads are having hard times explaining to the kids what the ad really says about SEX. So to me, just leave the ad as it is. Its not a command for everyone, it maybe states as a joke, but man, look carefully beyond the message. If NZ people truly want to win the World Cup esp the AllBlack boys who will fight for it, then there are so many sacrifices we need to make so that the whole focus in on the preps for the game. And if that calls for our personal gratification to be in any less considered, then so be it.

that's silly fish face. And in advertising, we certainly dont say "there is no such thing as bad publicity, only publicity".
Besides, advertising and publicity arent the same thing.

This ad was a success. It got people talking about Telecom didn't it? The message of the ad is irrelevant, in advertising its all about brand promotion. As they say in advertising, there is no such thing as bad publicity, only publicity!!!

Good on Reynolds. The campaign was hi jacacked. It's a shame that Campbell Live finished there broadcast with a negative. But that's the pressure of media I guess.

Good on Reynolds. The campaign was hi jacacked. It's a shame that Campbell Live finished there broadcast with a negative. But that's the pressure of media I guess.