I've always loved refrigerator poetry kits, but a set given out by TransUnion touting its Target Marketing Database presents an interesting challenge – and opportunity.
Put aside my usual complaint about promotional items winding up in the targets' homes, or with their kids. At first blush, the words in TransUnion's poetry kit don't lend themselves to re-arrangement. Or do they?
Let's put some fun into this rather dry premium. I invite readers to mix and match the words and create new poetry reflecting either direct marketing or the world at large. I've included the full text of the TransUnion magnet pack below. The word tiles came pre-arranged to read:
The database built to segment, profile, model and select your best prospects. Filled with the most relevant demographic selects, it's ideal for generating highly targeted lists or enriching existing customer databases to help them really perform. And when you are ready to tailor a new list for your latest marketing program, count on TransUnion names, addresses and selection criteria for a solid foundation. TransUnion. Whatever your customer acquisition, customer relationship management or channel management strategies, TransUnion is the single information and analytical resource for cost-effective direct marketing. Call 1.800.626.2341 or visit www.TransUnion.com
So now I offer my readers a challenge. Can these words be re-arranged to make poetry? Send in your best efforts.
Rules for entry:
1. In the spirit of refrigerator magnet poetry both sentences and fragments are acceptable, as are funky line breaks.
2. Only words contained in the paragraph may be used. Words may be used only as often as they are represented in the paragraph, and in the exact form they appear. For example, both "database" and "databases" may be used once apiece, but "database" cannot be used twice.
3. Punctuation may be added freely.
4. Contestants may provide a brief introductory phrase for their entries (see below).
5. Entries will be rejected (although appreciated) on the basis of being content inappropriate to a family-friendly direct response marketing newsletter.
6. While entries may refer to TransUnion (hey, it's part of the word set) the company may not be denigrated. Judges' ruling on what constitutes denigration will be arbitrary and final.
7. Multiple entries from a single source are permitted.
8. Deadline for entry is Thursday, August 8, at 5:00 pm EST.
9. The winner (and honorable mentions) will receive fame for themselves and glory for their companies. The top winner will also receive a package of randomly selected (commercially available) magnetic poetry kits valued at roughly $20. Remember to include 'em on your taxes, folks: This is what sunk WorldCom.
Examples:
An Ellis Island inspired take:
A new name for a tailor is ideal for enriching a demographic segment.
From FOX-TV's fall lineup:
Are you ready for a new program? Single model prospects for lists of customer names to help them perform.
Send entries, or responses to the opinions in this column, to rlevey@primediabusiness.com
