Tesla exploits followers for free content in seedy ad contest
Going for Gold With Tesla's Latest Sleazy Scheme
Tesla, the iconic electric vehicle company, is back at it again, asking for free creative work through its latest contest, TeslaVision. This time around, they're challenging fans to whip up their own 90-second ad and stand a chance to snag a fresh Model Y and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 'Gigafactory.'
But, here's the catch—instead of proper compensation, Tesla is offering a Dhal-esque golden ticket, a.k.a., a chance to win the swanky ride and a factory tour. Is the electric vehicle juggernaut pulling a fast one on its passionate fanbase? It sure seems so.
The TeslaVision contest, marketed as a "globe-trotting celebration," is simply a cunning tactic to save some bucks on ad agency fees. Worried about appearing tacky? Tesla spins it as an opportunity for "true believers" to shine, showcasing the brand's influence on their lives. Tesla enthusiasts are invited to highlight how the brand brings "unparalleled freedom, safety, excitement, and utility" into their lives.
No doubt, Tesla has managed to tap into deep sentiments among its fanbase, turning them into willing cheerleaders. But it's disheartening to see a brand the size of Tesla resort to such tactics—using its supporters as promoters and profiting off their creativity under the guise of a "competition."
Although the TeslaVision contest has humble roots, inspired by a fan letter back in 2017, it's no secret that this time around, it's all about Tesla dipping its toes in the exploitation pool. Entrants are led to believe that they're getting their 15 minutes of fame and a shot at a never-before-seen Model Y. But the fine print is a little less glamorous. To quote the terms and conditions, entrants "hereby agree to release rights to their submitted content and allow Tesla to utilize content for commercial purposes." In other words, Tesla gets to profit off anyone's hard work, even if they don't bag the big prize.
While the TeslaVision contest seems like a sweet deal at first glance, scratch the surface, and you'll uncover a sleazy scheme that exploits its dedicated supporters' creativity and goodwill.
Looking for more Tesla news? Feast your eyes on the Cybertruck's design debacle that just keeps snowballing or the Tesla Logo Cover-Up Trend.
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- Tesla's latest contest, TeslaVision, asks fans to create a 90-second ad for a chance to win a Model Y and a factory tour, but instead of payment, offers a golden ticket reminiscent of Dhal's.
- The TeslaVision contest, a 'globe-trotting celebration' according to Tesla, is a cunning tactic to save on ad agency fees, disguising it as an opportunity for fans to showcase their creativity and the brand's influence on their lives.
- Entrants are led to believe they're getting 15 minutes of fame and a shot at a never-before-seen Model Y, but the fine print allows Tesla to utilize submitted content for commercial purposes, profiting off anyone's hard work.
- In the midst of Tesla's latest sleazy scheme, opportunities for branding and design are still surfacing, such as the Cybertruck's design debacle and the Tesla Logo Cover-Up Trend.
- Artists and designers interested in staying updated on design news, reviews, and tutorials can sign up for Creative Bloq's Newsletter for a regular dose of creative inspiration, or simply click the X in the top right corner to skip the ad.
- From the TeslaVision contest's questionable tactics to the Cybertruck's design disputes, electric vehicles and the creative world continue to intersect, influencing lifestyles, UX, UI, and even the artistic representation of gadgets and technology.
- As cars and electric vehicles evolve, so too does the need for innovative and sustainable design solutions, pushing creatives to embrace bold colors, new layouts, and fresh ideas that reflect the future of transportation and our lives.
