General Business: Weird idea...does it suck or not?

I don't know where this came from, but I was thinking about that million dollar homepage guy that sold off pixels and how that was a fad that came and went very quickly.

What if you did something similar to that, but instead of just selling the space online, you get a big ass van and people submit graphics to you that are suitable for the space they bought on the van. When it's all said and done you have a van plastered with ads/urls. I think it'd get press, not to mention extra exposure from the van being out and about.

I know it's a stupid idea, but stupid ideas are sometimes very lucrative. Perhaps 1 pixel would be equivelent to 5 square inches on the van. I'm just winging this off the top of my head, so bare with me.

What do you think?

I'm going to give it some more thought at lunch and come back with a clear head. I think it's crazy enough to work too.

BTW - the difference is the buzz.

Regarding your "the difference is the buzz" - It sparked a thought.

Perhaps the surface intention shows that someone is selling space on their vehicle for ads. But underlying is the buzz intention, hopefully mainstream buzz, that could be generated for the van selling space. Making an enourmous amount of impressions off of something so simple. It'd be a high enough impression count to warrant a higher price per square inch on the van.

Also, in regards to pricing. I would think some spots on the van would have to be worth plenty more than others. Obviously the roof is seen the least and the rear is seen the most when driving. Plus the rear gets added exposure at stop lights and such.

Haha, I'm actually starting to rationalize this idea Eric. Probably the same thing YouTube kids were thinking.

This is similar to the million dollar facade project: http://www.kineda.com/?p=984

Except it was for a building instead of a car.

That's exactly what i'm talking about. I don't think that the smash my viper thing is anything like this. And when I mentioned pixels, that wasn't really the basis, that was just a way of comparing what I wanted to do with something else that sparked buzz and sold out SOLELY on buzz.

What if PS3 gets to put a demo system in the back and the van gets parked in Pike Place market in Seattle and you can try the new PS3 for free. What if that gets XBOX wanting to buy into it, etc. etc.

I think it's buzzworthy and if you work it right, it could generate the necessary buzz to command attention from the big boys at a premium price.

I'm thinking it needs to be scheduled to tour the US, or at least have a van on each coast, touring its respective area. Network with other entrepreneurs or interested parties in different cities and have a schedule of appearences starting in Seattle, then portland, then San Francisco, etc. etc. - photos of the van will be taken and posted in front of special monuments. The list goes on.

Hey it's just an idea, I think it's just wild enough to work if it's played right.

LOL - Dammit! OK, scrap it.

Yeah...You're right. He is actually planning on driving from Philidelphia to LA (or something like that) and take pictures along the way. Again, the key is buzz, and his website and 6" stickers are hardly buzzworthy, and how would any big player get to take part when all they get is a 6" sticker?

True true...I think the idea needs something extra...something to make it a bit more buzzworthy...

Yeah I already thought you could probably get the van donated, or at least have one loaned to you (if the decal is removable).

Hey Guys, don't beat up on my ideas because you had the same one. You should be thinking "hey great minds think alike" lol
Anyway, just to answer a few questions - no this is not a get rich quick scheme because the van can't hold enough $99 Vinyls Decals (not just "stickers") to make a milion. I know this. You speak of Buzz - we'll this site was specifically made to create buzz for the real site coming shortly -- www.theadvans.com where many people can get involved and make some money.
You better believe i'm fishing for some big name advertisers and yes I am rethinking the 6" ad. It will probably be more like for every 6" the cost is $99 so customers may get larger ads if they so choose.
I know the van will create buzz, news coverage, turn heads and stand out quite well. I am a graphic designer by profession so I will be able to create these ads easily or accept their pre-made ads, so the van will look AWESOME!
By the way the 10,000 portraits was more of a challenge and to hand draw 10,000 is no easy process, I dare any other artist to try it.

Posted By: artdropsHey Guys, don't beat up on my ideas because you had the same one. You should be thinking "hey great minds think alike" lol
Anyway, just to answer a few questions - no this is not a get rich quick scheme because the van can't hold enough $99 Vinyls Decals (not just "stickers") to make a milion. I know this. You speak of Buzz - we'll this site was specifically made to create buzz for the real site coming shortly -- www.theadvans.com where many people can get involved and make some money.
You better believe i'm fishing for some big name advertisers and yes I am rethinking the 6" ad. It will probably be more like for every 6" the cost is $99 so customers may get larger ads if they so choose.
I know the van will create buzz, news coverage, turn heads and stand out quite well. I am a graphic designer by profession so I will be able to create these ads easily or accept their pre-made ads, so the van will look AWESOME!
By the way the 10,000 portraits was more of a challenge and to hand draw 10,000 is no easy process, I dare any other artist to try it.www.artdrops.com

Good idea making bigger presences available on the vans. I just can't see any big names being enticed to use 6" stickers. Maybe you could approach PS3, like I had mentioned before, and let them setup a demo in the van while you travel around and let people use it. I don't know...just a thought!

Probably true...

Travis, that is a decent idea as well but not really what I'm going for. I envision people all around the world (U.S. to start) submitting their van space for ads. They will post their ad space (vehicles) on the website - www.theadvans.com.
Once this happens larger corporations will be able to pick and choose the areas in which to launch their ad van campaigns.
The advertisers will choose ad size, amount of vehicles they wish to utilize for their campaign and the length of their campaign. The vehicle owners will have to show travel routes/ with population and other important info.
When I thought of this MDHP really wasn't a factor in my plans. Yes the same advertisers that sign for the ad campaigns will be featured on the website with their links but not as pixel ads, just for promotional purposes.
As far as ideas go many people said that the MDHP was a stupid idea and would never work, but look what happened. Never underestimate the power of an advertising niche. This just might work!

Posted By: artdropsEric - interested in teaming up with this idea? You sound like you have some good ideas and motivationwww.artdrops.com

So are you saying you're trying to get people from all over to donate their van's for ad space?

Yes, but are payed a percentage portion of the ad that will be placed on their vehicle. The Advans.com will work as a median between the advertiser and the ad space (vehicle owner) will be compensated for it. If we took a smaller percentage of every ad placed we would do very well. No, I'm not motivated by money only, i'm motivated more by industry, entrepreneurship and the thrill of running business'es. Taking them from idea to successful ventures. I think this buisness is a win/ win/ win situation for the advertiser, the vehicle owner (can help pay their car note) and me.

You mean you would rather have an ad on ONE big van at ONE time instead of MANY vans EVERYWHERE for longer and probably cheaper, going to many high congested places and to their homes spreading word of mouth. My money would go to the MANY ad vans, really think about.

Oh, but there is a business agreement between me and the vehicle owner, definately. Think of it in a sense as this will become someones extra part time job with contractual obligations.

Your losing what i said earlier. The 6" inch ads only pertained to my van and "The Million Dollar Ad Van.com". Remember when I said that this website is only to create a BUZZ about the true site www.theadvans.com - which does not have 6" ads. I think you just mixed them up a bit. Again no 6" inch ads.