Last week I told you about the billboard campaign that is coming. Well, it’s about to begin! Maybe even as early as today. These are huge, bright, digital displays. They measure 14′ x 25′ and are being provided for free.
Yesterday I approved three layouts:
The billboards will be in two high-traffic areas. It doesn’t get better than being on Main Street! One is along a major corridor in southwest Virginia. The other is in downtown Atlanta. If I’m not mistaken, both are viewable from the interstate.
Next up… finding a billboard in and/or around Newark, Delaware. This is the hometown of the attackers, Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May. I think the anniversary of their horrific beating, November 7, might be a fine day to bring Ryan’s story there. Other possible days would be on the attacker’s birthdays and the eventual day Austin Vantrease is released from prison (Currently in state prison at the St. Mary’s Correctional Center in West Virginia).
St. Marys Correctional Center’s mission is to provide for the custody, control and care of convicted, adult, male felons who have been convicted of severe crimes against man or nature. [Source: WV Dept. of Corrections]
I’m kicking around a few designs that I’d want to run past several lawyers beforehand. I just need to come up with a powerful tagline; like I believe I did for the ones above (“One Tragic Night. Lives Forever Changed.”). Oh, sure, I could always go with the ever-funny “Mean Violent People Suck” and slap the (publicly available) mug shots up with it, but I’m trying for something better. I guess that’ll be my fallback line.
If you can think of a better one then I’d love to hear it. Heck, maybe we could even have some fun with it. I could pick several that are catchy and we could put out a vote to select it. Yeah, that would be fun.
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I think the middle billboard catches your eye … For the simple fact that he is the only one in the picture. If you pass the others whole goings 75 -80 mph … It would be more difficult to catch your eye – trying to look at all the people and website. Does that make sense ? Love the billboard ideas ! And also … I hate the idea of the attackers getting a photo on a billboard …that whole family already likes publicity …even bad publicity … And they don’t have one ounce of pride ! They would probably see it as free advertising to tell their twisted ridiculous side of the story ! With that said…. Keeping ryan relevant in Alabama! Can’t wait to see the billboards in Atlanta !!
I love your billboards…especially the one with a pic of your whole family. I see that and want to know more info about such a good looking family.
How about the line…” Wrong Place….Wrong Time
“Boys will be Boys”
for the felons….That line reminds me of Jon May and Austin. Don’t forget Dewey beach during the summer just to drum up some small talk at the bars amongst friends and locals.
The quality of the billboard material is very good. Very well done.
and the billboard campaign will spread to other states and, if possible, across the country?
The billboards will introduce Ryan to a whole new group of people who will hopefully feel moved to become a part of Team Diviney. This is great news!!
Thank you so much to the wonderful person who made this happen!!!
Amazing!!
could you explain the purpose of placing the billboards?
Yes. To keep Ryan relevant. So people won’t forget.
I second Jaimi Dean Franus!!!!!! 🙂
I love the idea of rolling billboards. You get tons more people to see it that way.
Great idea Ken! You have probably already thought of this, but have you seen the mobile (ie rolling) billboards? I insure a party who does this. He drives along the Capital Beltway with the rolling advertisement/billboard on display.
I agree with Gloria, I always like to see the photo of Kari and Ryan at the WVU game!
Glad to know this! I would also like to see some trucking companies get involved by emblazoning this on. their over-the-road trailers.
Awesome!! I’m all up for public shaming. And the awesome perk of more people being made aware of Ryan, following his life and keeping him relevant!! Bring it on.
Ken, those are great pics for a billboard. The ideas you come up with are just amazing. Another picture that always makes me happy when I see it is the picture of Ryan & Kari with those huge beautiful smiles, just enjoying each others company(I believe they were at a WV football game).