Struggling automotive manufactuer chevy is planning on shaving some skin off the top of their advertising budget by hiring college students. The company is holding a contest for college students in which they ask them to submit their commercial ideas for the company’s new lineup of vehicles. The top 5 entries and their creators will be flown to Detroit, Michigan to meet with Chevrolet’s executives and their affiliated ad agencies. The winner will receive the benefit of being involved in the final production of a 30 second television commercial to air during the 2007 Super Bowl.

To me, this seems a little too much like American Idol without the American involvement or vote. If Chevrolet is truely an “american revolution” as their tag line says, then perhaps they should’ve done this a little different. Perhaps they could have aired a commercial to promote the marketing stunt and encourage viewers to visit a website to vote on their favorite. Viewers could go to the website to view the various entries and vote for their favorite. If you’re going to create a commercial by the people for the people, then let them choose!