I got this rather random idea today, but it struck me as having a lot of potential, though perhaps its time may have passed.
Sponsored copy paper for schools.
The idea is pretty much as it sounds – copy paper provided to schools (K-12, community colleges, universities, etc) would have sponsored messages on it, either on one side or perhaps just on the lower margin.
The idea may be past its time as many people are aware of and rebelling against the idea of ads *everywhere* all the time. However, given the choice of donated paper for schools or principled stands against corporate encroachment on the minds of impressionable students, many schools might still opt for the paper. I was a bit shocked to learn a few years ago about how many high schools had loads of vending machines. This was having a direct negative impact on their health, yet many schools “needed the money”. Well, sponsored copy paper wouldn’t be as bad for the health of students, and would help out many cash strapped districts.
Sponsor messages could have coupons on them, or just generic messages. Sponsors might be local businesses, but I’m sure companies like McDonald’s would love to get their message in front of students’ eyeballs on a daily basis.
What do you think? Too insidious? Too over the top?
Sadly, in today’s world, this is a reasonable idea. I don’t like the idea of companies like McDonald’s since they are a horrible influence on youth, and, frankly, should be kept as far away from our kids as possible. But, the reality of the situation is that they are there to stay. And, ads from McDonald’s on copy paper would be better than the crap they sell them through the vending machines.