There are ads, and there are ads.
And then there’s this (warning: explosive content — literally):
Awwww this video is so inspiring! http://t.co/jiFIltIn3V
— Parker Tyler (@parkeratyler) January 30, 2014
“Set Yourself Free” was produced by a pair of Aussie filmmakers for the “Learn for Life Foundation of Western Australia,” which, according to its website, is “a non-profit organisation promoting the importance of education for people of all ages.” Now, it’s worth noting that there’s not much to the website at all; it’s entirely image-based. There’s nowhere to click for more information. Which means it’s entirely possible that “Set Yourself Free” is just a genius PR stunt. In any event, it’s definitely captured people’s attention:
Hey slackers! Stay in school http://t.co/NEgXfV9TSB
— Al Jachimiak (@aljachimiak) January 30, 2014
I don't want to spoil it with a description or hyperbole, so just watch my new favorite ad – http://t.co/OxZPTbjRQL
— Look at the parking lot, Larry! (@refocusedmedia) January 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/ThoMass3630/status/428970247253540864
The lesson here is to always stay in school. HAHAHAHAH http://t.co/XAvjL3nLbV
— jasmin (@jasminnnliaw) January 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/JakeVK/status/428958445715206144
Such a good advert http://t.co/SRdSZ10WZs
— Daniel Wainwright (@Wainwright95) January 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/Simple_Sam1/status/428956637861146624
Wtf did I just watch? http://t.co/9sQKIRUUKU
— Austin ⚜ (@Dat_Saintsfan) January 30, 2014
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That's crazy! MT @MMM: WHOA! RT @acroll Man, the Australians take their public service announcements pretty seriously http://t.co/xOOj1AgTGQ
— M. Saleh Esmaeili (@salehsmaeili) January 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/kydalrymple/status/428967152641527808
should I be laughing at this? http://t.co/cCxzfNf1ew <- a bit bloody
— TheRealMirCat (@TRMirCat) January 30, 2014
Stay in school kids. http://t.co/mel4bgCOwc (Or you know, read the signs. :P)
— Rat (@ThoughtfulRat) January 30, 2014
Holy crap RT @logantittle This 'stay in school' ad has a shocking ending. And that's an understatement. http://t.co/3hods5AN5S
— JT Terán (@jt_teran) January 30, 2014
Crappy viral marketing attempt at its finest! Yay marketing! https://t.co/71FrIslm1x (I'm sure @unmarketing has an opinion on this)
— Marc Ensign (@MarcEnsign) January 30, 2014
https://twitter.com/davechensky/status/428924485341679616
The message seems to have convinced at least one guy to change his ways:
https://twitter.com/MattRestrepo95/status/428925822704312320