Adbuster's Anti-advertising techniques

So for my first post, I figured I would start out with something near and dear to my heart.  An organization that uses rather genius, innovative techniques that could be characterized as the complex PR effort that is the antithesis of advertising.  This organization is Adbusters.

Adbusters is a Canadian, grassroots, not-for-profit, anti-advertisement magazine.  It is one of a kind in its concept and techniques for transforming our ever-globalizing culture--specifically American culture.  It uses donations, money from subscriptions, and profits from the sale of their non-sweatshop made shoes (Blackspot).
Adbusters is part of

The magazine features extremely professional graphic design, shocking and attention-getting ad spoofs, guerrilla PR and anti-advertising techniques, and hard-hitting investigative journalism on politics, globalization, human rights, corporate accountability, media manipulation, vast technology growth...everything about contemporary culture that crunches your cranium.

And guess what?  Adbusters now has its own PR arm, fondly known as the Powershift Advocacy Advertising Agency.  (I know; it's a mouthful, right?)

Unfortunately, there's not much outside information to be found about Powershift.  Especially with the annual environmental event in Washington, DC also known as Powershift, which is much more publicized.  However, that won't stop me from acknowledging their PR efforts!  HA!

So here's the low-down on why I find Adbusters to be a unique media phenomenon.

1. They use contemporary, controversial art that grabs your attention and appeals to ethos, while being aesthetically awe-inspiring.  Not to mention, they're extremely witty.
2. They appeal to the audience of progressive thinking young adults--those who have the most power to mobilize and start a cultural revolution
3. They follow through with their persuasion by giving options to actually participate in this revolution.  This can be seen through their street teams of guerilla anti-advertising, Buy Nothing Day (on Black Friday), Digital Detox Week, and open magazine submissions--articles, visual art, and poetry.  To me, I consider this the most important.
4. They stick to their ethics.  They aid in efforts ranging from anti-sweatshop labor, to corporate justice.  These guys are smart, and they are very careful to not to go against their goals.
5. They are a not for profit organization--these people are devoted.  They have to be devoted to the cause to work for no pay!  Plus, when there's no profits at stake...there's nothing to lose...right?

I could go on and on, but I won't.  For more information, go to their website HERE.