We Don't Drive for Jones

Our trip is about more than corporate sponsorship damnit, we are doing this for the love of the road! Well actually no, the reason we aren't going to get involved with the Jones Soda Road Trip promotion is nothing as magnanimous as that, it is because 'the prizes' are pathetic. We've never drank the hip trendy top-shelf Jones soda before, I'm sure it's good stuff. I doubt it is any better than Hansen's however which is another sugar water (not corn-syrup water) at half the price.

Jones Soda are big sponsors of several World Top 16 Snooker players as a matter of fact, and I'm a big Snooker fan. Though Allie Carter, who is my favorite cueist, doesn't wear their logo on his vest. Maybe they didn't offer him another Sterling to advertise for them, it wouldn't surprise me considering what the Seattle company is offering photographers whose photos they use on their pop bottles.

So if they select your photo for their label which is distributed around the country what do you get for it? Apparently just the kudos of being associated with their hip trendy pop. They are also giving away some overpriced iPod car accessory which apparently broadcasts your ipod over your car's FM radio. Sounds a bit complicated when you can just get one of those cassette deck adapter deals on ebay for $1.75. I guess the latest cars don't have cassette decks, but what is some liberal White college kid (Jones Soda's #1 market I assume) doing with a brand new car anyway? Besides most new car stereos have one of those mini type input plugs, you can get a mini-to-mini cord at any dollar store.

I suppose having them use your photo would give you some publicity and you could put it on your resume, but personally I like cold hard cash for my work(or hot soft cash). I hear twitter is the new hot marketing tool to get your propaganda out to the younger set who aren't set in their ways. Maybe the kids get all worked up when you throw a few beads into the crowd but I suppose I'm over 30 and old now and won't bend over backwards to give somebody free advertising. The humble ads on this page will help provide a few pennies towards our gas, which is more than Jones is willing to do.

Welcome to ZAP Xebra Road Trip 2009, sponsored by . . . whoever gives us the best price.