I have just been sent an invite to join this group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=89699099089 on Facebook.
Apparantly Phones 4 U, a mobile phone store are running an advertisement showing a Scout leader (in an old style Scout uniform I’d like to add – I hate the colour of that shirt) with the caption “Scout Masters you might be good with knots, might be good with children but you won’t have 50 friends in your phone”.
Now as a fairly media savy Scout, I am aware that it is an image that we have been trying to shake off for years. However a lot of Scouters seem to be taking it rather personally. I wonder if it has struck a nerve about their own personal self image and popularity. Personally I’m not that bothered.
And for Phones 4 U’s information: I have well over 100 numbers in my phone, 180 contacts on MSN, and 700 friends on Facebook. So it definetly does not play into any of my insecurities.
Update:
Phones 4 U have now pulled said ad due to a flood of complaints from Scouts, and the BBC have started reporting on it. Reportedly the Scout Associations lawyers are involved. By tomorrow said story will probably also be in all the national newspapers. Wish people had let the PR team at Gilwell handle this rather than write angry letters. It’s a joke! Might not be a very funny one, but now you’ve all lived up to it and have given Phones 4 U more publicity. Good going chaps.
Jon
Though I must confess I do like this:
(Credit goes to ASL Chris on Escouts)