Call Tone Advertisements

Having now seen the preview for Greg Kinnear’s new film “Flash of Genius” several times, I am convinced that I ought not pursue nor pitch this idea to my clients (It’s hard to capitalize on an idea that’s perfect for a big nasty corporation - and I’m not prepared to wait 30 years for a sweet movie deal).  Although I work in the advertising industry, the existing mechanisms of privately consolidated technological innovation prevent “any man” from developing the next big thing.  

Call Tone Advertisements

Telecommunications giants have in recent years begun to offer subscribers the option to customize their call tones.  This is the sound that people hear while waiting for those whom they have dialed to pick up.  This is prime space for marketing communications.  The subscriber could fill out a profile describing their inner circle, or those most likely to call most often.  Telecommunications companies can then sell this inventory to relevant advertisers and kick back a portion to the subscriber in the form of a reduced monthly bill, free ringtones, screen savers, or applications.   Now, I admit that this idea is no intermittent windshield wiper, but it is an interesting way to lift a brand above the clutter, at least temporarily.  

EDIT

After having seen the effort exerted by these fellows, it is clear that inventions ought to be left up to ‘inventors’.  They had a similar idea, yet it was for inserting advertisements where the dial tone usually is heard.