Proaction instead of Reaction.

[Finch]

I often look at Oleg gallery. I find many of the images there inspiring and irrefutable. It is hard to argue with pictures like these:

http://www.olegvolk.net/gallery/technology/arms/TRUST1665.jpg.html
http://www.olegvolk.net/gallery/technology/arms/30of32-2.jpg.html

I often find myself wishing that there was a way to expose not only these images, but the ideals they promote, to as many people as possible. I think about the Brady Center and their campaign when Florida introduced the castle doctrine. The billboards they posted at the state lines. I think the time has come to start using advertising to further our cause. Billboards and other forms of advertising at strategic locations around the country could spark debate and attention. organizations like the NRA and GOA focus so much on politicans that they forget that changing the minds of the masses trumps all.

Before I start to invest some time into this option, I wanted to get the opinion of some folks on here. What do you think about starting a coalition in an effort to not so much do what the NRA of GOA does in a lobbying sense, but spread the word regarding the Second Amendment and its need to be protected and practiced. I just think about the impact that Oleg's (and others) images would have if they could be displayed to a large populous.

I also want to suggest an interforum alliance to possibly gain more support and possible funding for such a thing. Let me know what you all think.

 

[Chad]

Any kind of advertising can be useful, and billboards in the right locations could do some good.

Unfortunately the costs make it impractical for all but the largest well-funded organizations.

A quick Google shows that individual billboards can cost from $500-$2500 per month.
Better rates can be had for larger quantities, but 50 billboards at $15,000-$25,000 per month is tough to fund.

You're right that exposure is important...and it would probably have a positive impact, if widespread and long-term.

 

[NukemJim]

Besides the financial aspect I'm not sure how many sign owners will rent for such a campaign. I know the major broadcasters will not air certain types of commercials does the same thing apply for large billboards?

NukemJim

 

[Finch]

I know here in Vegas there were a few billboards that were against illegal immigration. There was a bit of controversy over them, but the billboard owners let them stay on and continue to to this day. I recently saw a post that U.S. News put an ad in their magazine for Henry firearms. Further proof that money talks.

 

[Autolycus]

I agree with Finch. Money talks and there is nothing that can really silence it.

I dont think bill boards would be the most effective universally but posting them after a particularly heinous crime or incident would possibly have an impact. Imagine a pro-gun image directly outside the VT campus after the VT Massacre.

 

[JLStorm]

Yes a billboard campaign would definitely get people thinking, but the only organization that has the bank role to do it would be the NRA. And as much as I like and support the NRA, they rarely do anything that doesnt directly support NRA membership when it comes to advertising. Besides the minute a large organization like the NRA does an advertising campaign like that, you can be sure the city or state government will find a way to pass a law that bans it.

 

[Justin]

Billboard campaigns are hardly prohibitively expensive. There have been a number of pro-gun billboard campaigns undertaken in the past, usually by state-level pro-gun organization.

 

[cambeul41]

Home-printed photocopies on bullitan boards?