I think the Blog Ads have a ways to go. I have no idea how effective they are in terms of generating hits and donations, but any critique on aesthetic quality or just plain reasonableness can surely find things to question.
For example, Doug Haines. What the heck is he smoking? A huge blunt? Maybe that's not him - maybe that is the Georgia aristocrat. I don't know about you, but when I think "Georgia aristocrat," I think of a white-haired, cigar-smoking dandy with a mint julep on the porch of a big house. And who wears a baby-blue suit jacket? Haines or the aristocrat? I admire the use of a cartoonish graphics - I think this could be very effective - but this is the most confusing of all the ads.
Chandler for Congress. When I read the text of this ad, I don't feel compelled to donate. Why should I give Chandler $25 if the election is tomorrow? Also, it looks like he has a pretty comfortable lead. One last thing - why would a Democrat use a red background? I thought that was reserved for Republicans and Democrats who don't want to be too bold about the fact that they are Democrats. I like the blue yard-sign looking banner that shows up for a second before blinking red.
Morris Meyer for Congress. I am against asthma and pollution, so this catches my eye. But again, what's up with the red background? I want the blue team to win. Also, the cartoon of Joe Barton is horrifying. Who the hell is Joe Barton? I don't know Joe Barton from Adam. Same thing for Morris Meyer. (Isn't he a character in the Great Gatsby - you know, the guy with human teeth cufflinks?) Obviously this isn't a regionally targeted ad since I don't live anywhere near Texas. If Meyer wants my money, I think he might do better if he lays off the heavy scare stuff. Also blinking is annoying.
Brad Carson tells us that the Senate is "what it's all about." What's next, Oklahoma is "where it's at"? Is he going for the Beck-listening crowd? And yet again a candidate is telling us that he's already kicking ass. My funds are scarce, Brad, and I'd rather put it in a neck-and-neck contest. On the other hand, thanks for reminding me that Oklahoma is plenty Southern Comfort southern these days.
Act for Love: What is Venus Interrupted running for? Is this Vermin Supreme's running mate? I don't "get it." (BWA-ha-ha - get it? "get it"? Oh, nevermind.)
Click the extended text (yes! there's more!) to see my summary.
Summary: I think whoever designs these ads should make up their mind if they are for a national or a regional audience. I'm assuming that all of these ads were designed for a national audience, and with that in mind, here are the rules: (1) Use blue, the color of the Good Guys. (2) Try not to blink. Think Ho Ho in early TV appearances: blinking = nervous, and nervous is not strong politically. You aren't hawking Bush action figures on Drudge. Visually stable ads are more becoming for political candidates. (3) Cartoons are OK, but if you do some kind of cartoon image of your candidate, make sure that is clear. How about a pin on the baby-blue lapel with the candidate's name? Also, why not "strong" cartoonish - as with Dean's bat-man? Labor union people go bonkers for that stuff. (4) Mentioning issues makes sense, but mentioning opponents doesn't. Sorry, I don't give a damn about who is Tom DeLay's crony and I'm not so motivated by DeLay hatred. (5) Nothing gross or disgusting or horrifying. Try to stay sunny and positive. How about a picture of candidate and charming toddler daughter? "Help this father win in an upset." Or of candidate and charming toddler son? "Help this mother fight for her son's future." Maybe I'm a sucker, but I think that would play better than "Oh my God! A Giant Head is spewing smoke in the forest!" (6) Above all, make sure the ad locates the contest in a national viewer's sketchy mental geography. Provide (a) your name, (b) the place of the election, and (c) the date of the election. Consider using a map of your district or some other visual icon representing your part of the country. We all love maps, but there are other ways to create or reference an association some out-of-stater might have with your district or place. What cities does your district or state include? Since Democrats tend to be more cosmopolitan than Republicans these days, why not run a blogad that says something like, "Like [insert name of city]? Help give [insert name of city] the Democrat it deserves! [or needs, etc.]" As with the issue ads - e.g., against pollution? support Freshair for Congress - linking a Congressman to a district or a region or a city would do something to hook a national viewer to the cause. (7) Finally, more young women candidates that look like Stephanie Herseth. I expect the Act for Love ad will poll well. If we had a kind photo of Ms. Herseth on the site, I'd rather look that way than at pretty Ms. Riot Grrl. It's good to use your smiling mug in your ad - look at Smoky Haines - and just because your candidate is young and pretty, that doesn't mean it's wrong. More pretty women please!
Finally, vote for your favorite of the blogads.