Embracing the ‘Ho Bag’ Within: Cities Find that Sex Sells

We all knew that sex sells. I mean, duh. They could have just asked the More Cowbell Posse, or anyone who’s ever watched the Super Bowl. Seattle and Tucson have found out that sex sells public transportation REALLY well.

The City of Tucson launched a new streetcar over the weekend that will always and ever be referred to as The C.L.I.T.T., thanks to some brilliant social media marketing by a guy named David Aguirre. (The new transport is actually called the Sun Link, but who’s gonna remember that now?)

His article on the launch:

Aguirre’s (brilliant) spoofed article

A few weeks back, Aguirre put up a spoofed Facebook page to “raise awareness about the new streetcar.” It’s working in spades (more than 4300 Likes vs 2500+ for the real page), and Tucson city officials are taking the entire prank badly.

What I don’t understand is why they’re not rolling with it. While “Keep Tucson CLITTY” might not have been the marketing slogan they were dreaming of, all this disapproval is just going to make people “embrace The C.L.I.T.T.” further. (Yes, I giggled while I typed that.)

My advice (not that they care):

Take a chill pill, Tucson officials. Enjoy the buzz from all of us dirty-minded folks who are laughing our guts out over Aguirre’s observation that, “Ridership was unexpectedly high as Tucson residents, and visitors, got on, then got off.”

The Sun Link is sure to get extra traffic from those who are hoping for some extra stimulation from riding the C.L.I.T.T. if you know what I mean.

Who wouldn’t want one of THESE?

Seattle went through this with the “Ride the S.L.U.T” campaign around their South Lake Union Trolley. They took it in stride, guzzling up the extra publicity like a triple shot latte. The “Ride the S.L.U.T.” campaign was even on Ellen.

Note: Y’all can get one of these snappy t-shirts on Amazon in black, brown, navy, purple or green if you’re really interested in embracing your inner slut.

The product description reads:

The Original Ride the S.L.U.T. shirt from the Cascade neighborhood in Seattle, home of the South Lake Union Trolley.

You may wonder: can a funny t-shirt really make you more beautiful or handsome? This one can!* Join us in celebrating one of Seattle’s most enduring and endearing jokes, makes a great souvenir or gift. (*results may vary)

You can bet I’ll be sending that shirt to a few of my pals. After all, when I went to New Orleans, I brought home t-shirts that said “Suck the Heads and Pinch the Tails.” That city knows how to market their crawfish!

What’s the best slogan or acronym y’all have seen in your travels? Do you agree with the Tucson officials, or feel like they need to relax? What’s your favorite line in that spoofed article? Enquiring minds always love to know these things here at More Cowbell!

~ Jenny