11070: Southwest Launches Bullshit.

This new Southwest Airlines commercial makes you hate the advertising industry—and feel a little embarrassed about being in it. The spot is likely a re-creation of the rip-o-matic TBWA\Chiat\Day cobbled together to pitch the business. It’s bad enough that the agency would present such ass-kissing bullshit; however, it’s even more shocking, pathetic and narcissistic for Southwest to approve its production and airing. It appears that the iconic Southwest brand has been ditched in favor of a stereotypical carrier mantra—right down to depicting model-quality crewmembers.

There are people who find their own path. Chart their own course. Who never stop moving forward, and never, ever back down. Entrepreneurs; journeymen; mavericks; and pioneers who believe the American Dream doesn’t just happen—it’s something you have to work for. We’re for those kinds of people, because we're that kind of airline.

Um, it’s more like there are middle-class folks with limited budgets and business people getting squeezed by accounting departments. Just pass the fucking advertising-covered bag of peanuts, you self-absorbed douchebags.

9927: Plane Bullshit.

Adweek reported Southwest Airlines has at least eight advertising agencies vying for its billings and advancing to the visitation round. Wonder how many of the bigwig ad people will actually fly Southwest to meet the prospective client.

Southwest’s Semifinalists’ List is Long

At least 8 shops advance in creative review

By Andrew McMains

Southwest Airlines isn’t lacking in choice for agencies. At least eight agencies have advanced to the visitation round of the airline’s search for a lead creative agency.

Airline marketing executives chose the shops based on their replies to an initial request for proposals.

Each agency will visit Southwest at its Dallas headquarters over the next two weeks, and based on those meetings, the airline will select three or four finalists to compete for the assignment. Sources estimate revenue on the account at $4-5 million.

Beyond incumbent GSD&M, the participating agencies include Deutsch LA in Marina del Rey, Calif.; BBDO in New York; DDB in Chicago; The Martin Agency in Richmond, Va.; TBWA\Chiat\Day in Playa del Rey, Calif.; Arnold in Boston; and Leo Burnett in Chicago, according to sources.

The airline spends about $200 million annually on media.

Regardless of the outcome, GSD&M will remain on the roster. Southwest plans to complete its search by the end of May. Select Resources International in Santa Monica, Calif., is managing the process.

8680: Airhead & Airline Announcements.

Hating Mondays in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• James Franco predicted the end of Twitter and Facebook. “Social media is over. Still up there. Going down,” declared Franco. “You heard it here first.” Keep in mind, Franco also believes he did a decent job as co-host of the Academy Awards.

• Southwest Airlines cancelled more flights after discovering three jets with cracks similar to the damage that led to a fuselage tear on another company plane. Suddenly, “Bags Fly Free” doesn’t sound like such a great deal. Hell, passengers are more likely to lose luggage stored in the overhead compartment.