Today, Intuit announced the 20 finalists who moved on to Round 3 of their “Small Business, Big Game” contest. Despite finishing first in the initial round of public voting (Intuit removed the ability to sort by vote popularity during the second round) and generating hundreds of media hits through Round 2, Intuit, for reasons not communicated to NORML, decided not to advance our entry to the latest round in the contest.
(NOTE: Intuit had opened the contest up to non-profit organizations, which NORML is. We also met their requirements in both staff and budget for being a “small business”)
“It is unfortunate that Intuit seems to be relying more on outdated political values instead of overwhelming public opinion when it comes to selecting which entries advanced in their contest,” noted NORML Communications Director Erik Altieri, “As demonstrated by the outpouring of support and positive media coverage for our entry, the country was ready and eager to see an ad for sensible marijuana law reforms during the most watched TV program of the year. This could’ve been a win for all groups involved, but instead Intuit will likely have only generated ill will for itself amongst the 58% of Americans who now support ending our country’s war on marijuana.”
Though NORML has been excluded from Round 3 of the contest, our entry was covered by countless media outlets across the country. You can view a list of some of these media stories below:
AOL (video also aired on local news stations)
WHAS11 (Broadcast Channel Kentucky)
NORML would like to thank all of those who supported us in this effort. Thanks to your passion, Super Bowl Ad or not, we still took the message of legalization across the country and generated substantial conversation on this important issue. As PR expert Peter Madden stated on our entry to USA Today, even without an ultimate victory in the contest, NORML already won big. “This isn’t PR gold,” Madden stated, “It’s PR platinum.”
What a shame, Intuit, this could have been something beautiful. I for one, will be boycotting every one of your products.
Move on and work on Oregon.
This is so disappointing. This would have been a great opportunity to get Norml’s message out, but I was kind of expecting something like this to happen. Intuit wants to use this competition to make themselves look good, and an ad for the legalization of marijuana unfortunately is not what they are looking for, but I am disappointed none the less.
Wow, talk about good timing: was just about to purchase their QuickBooks…need to reconsider.
What annoys me most is not making rules that would have prevented the NORML entry, then not advancing based on their own rules.
Sometimes makes you wonder if the CEO’s of these companies are really anti-drug to the point of being unaware of actual facts…or…are part of the illegal drug trade.
They need sued for false advertising, cost of NORML’s advertising to get votes, and anything else. Even if NORML can’t win at least it would cost Intuit lots money to defend there position in court, and hopefully put them out of business forever!
Boycott on Intuit sounds appropriate.
Yeah, more BS.
Fark em.
I will be boycotting them for sure, such a shame.
Well, I will never purchase Intuit products again!
Is there going to be another anti-cannabis Super Bowl commercial?
I have no use for them….anymore. We are winning. Thats the whole problem.
Way 2 Blow, Intuit!
I wonder if a call from some powerful prohibitionist lead to this.
I will boycott Intuit. I use Progressive car insurance because CEO Peter B. Lewis publicly and monetarily supports marijuana legalization. Norml should post a list of pro- and anti- marijuana companies. Voting with ones dollars has always been a more worthwhile vote than any government voting.
Just as Eric Holder won’t be forgotten, neither will Intuit or anyone else that drinks the Anslinger KoolAid. I for one will not.
This should be something we can rally around. Everyone knows this add got more votes than most but because of political reasons we will be forced to watch beer commercials throughout the whole game while they continue to discriminate against a drug which is far safer. I truly hope this isn’t the end of this issue. Something needs to be done.
I agree with what Ross said about trying to start a list of companies that support marijuana. I think that is the only way to wake up these big companies who are being control. Hit then where it hurts.
It has nothing to do with Intuit. It was previously specified that the winning ads had to meet certain advertisement standards set by FOX. Even if the ad had one and Intuit allowed it, FOX would have axed it.
Stop moaning and whining and talking about boycotting, it really makes you all look stupid. There are far better ways to voice and give support to NORML and their cause.
I would imagine a pretty big drop off in sales for Intuit, especially in Colorado and Washington.
Very disappointing and shortsighted! How does the winner of round 1 not get past round 2? Kind of seems like a scam here…..
@Ross
I like your suggestion. Does anyone know if such a list has been compiled? If not NORML, maybe MPP or DPA.
The superbowl is going to be aired on FOX network. Bet they said no.
Is it possible to file a lawsuit on this, so the discovery process can ascertain if the ad actually was in the final mix and was taken out on purpose?
Unfortunately, for you my boss is an avid smoker. He’s also the CEO of one of the Larger Oil Companies in the US. He just called me up over Skype, after sharing this link. We’ll be moving 55,000 EE’s from Intuit Payroll Services to ADP. Your loss.
What a foul move on intits. everyone should let them know personaly it’s childish to change the game after its started.
Legalizie it
I am boycotting them for sure! I will gladly pay more for any product (if need be), but one thing for sure is…I will NO Longer use Intuit products!
wonder if all that voted in the contest in support of NORML could kick in $10 and buy a spot (15sec) during the superbowl? have ‘us’ come up w/ the spots and compete [like doritos does] to see show makes it to the super bowl – generating alot of ‘free’ press in the process.
Well, time to change my accounting/tax software
It’s disheartening to see intuit pull a stunt like this and remove NORML when they are the obvious front runner. However, I like the way you guys are handling the situation. Although you didn’t get the Superbowl commercial, you might as well have with the amount of PR you got in the process. The amount of times your commercial has been discussed across news networks already is a victory in itself.
I believe you guys could take this a step further. Right now you have the momentum of the internet and a great commercial. I feel you should start a kickstarter campaign or some other crowd-funded campaign to purchase your own Superbowl time slot to air your commercial. An event such as this could be the big push legalization needs right now.
Kyle,
Whining about whining = whining.
Other than that, you have a point about FOX.
I am uninstalling Quicken and will never buy from them again!
I voted every single day during the contest! We did not win a rigged contest, but intuit knows who really won. I agree with others that sugggested a list of who is naughty and nice business should be published.
@kyle I can’t think of a larger venue than a Superbowl ad to get out a message for all to see. I, like most of these fellow bloggers, visited NORMLS’, then Intuits’ website on a daily basis to vote for NORML. I’m sure we won by a landslide. To believe there are 20 entrants ahead of us…. well, that’s just ridiculous. Running a rigged contest is illegal everywhere, even the internet. So what if Fox axed the ad, the publicity of that action would have made our efforts well worth it. Intuit is throwing it in our faces and we don’t like it. That doesn’t make us stupid, just angry that our efforts went for naught. So you, and all the other Intuit dogs out there, can GO TO HELL!
Why am I not surprised ? I don’t know why they even opened up the process if they knew all along that they never had any intention of allowing NORML to run the ad.
So why does NORML need to rely on Intuit? There should be a Superbowl Commercial Fund link on NORML’s homepage with a progress meter so people could see how much has been collected towards the SPECIFIC GOAL of airing a Superbowl commercial to over 160 million TV viewers, not to mention the global press coverage and reviews of it! I’d donate $20!
I work for several small businesses and I will advise them to stay away from Intuit. If they won’t play by their own rules them I cannot trust them. And the worst part, they have a good product but moral integerity takes precdence.
Time to boycott them. No more turbotax, quick books etc. Send complaints to – twitter: @Intuit
#GetTheVote
Web: http://about.intuit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intuit
Email: CustomerExperience@Intuit.com
Press inquiries: geoffrey_morgan@intuit.com
Show your displeasure, but keep it clean and professional.
Well people, here is a time to spread this ALL over the internet. Let Intuit know that we have their “number” now!!! ANYONE AND EVERYONE needs to facebook,pin,tweet,ping,pong,youtube,etc.etc.etc the news about Intuits callus, unfair and seriously bullshxtted attitude. I will NOT use anymore of intuits products or services and I will SPREAD THE WORD ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE I KNOW HOW!! SINCE I HAVE ACCESS TO JUST UNDER 3 MILLION ACCOUNTS (CAN NOT DEVULGE MY ASSETS) THOSE 3 WILL CERTAINLY LEAD TO NO LESS THAN 150 MILLION (IF YOU KNOW STATISTICS IT IS ACTUALLY WOULD BE CALCULATED AT 500 x 3,000,000) a potential 1.5 billion will receive this info over the next 6 weeks +/- 10 days!!!
Sorry, did not read Kyles reply. Where do you get your info.? Sounds like you may be knowledgeable, how about giving us all your basis on your reply, what are your facts? Either specify what you are talking about or crawl back under the porch!!
What horseshit, very unprofessional. Obviously not buying any of their stuff.
@Ross, Galileo Galilei: YES! That’s what I was grasping at in earlier comments, that we have the majority and now we should start voting with our dollars–AND letting those companies know why we’re choosing this company vs. that company.
Most companies are cooperating with the Drug War, including drug testing, because they think it’s getting them good PR. We need to start making them aware that the majority is now anti-Drug War and pro-legalization, contrary to what they assume, and that they would do well to take that into consideration in their future political stances.
Add to @TLC: It’s not just PR that has these companies supporting the Drug War and it’s many anti-American tactics: It’s also the opportunity to weasel into the private lives and bodies of their employees so they can know who to hire, who not to hire, and who to keep on part-time because you don’t want to pay for health insurance for someone on diabetic or heart medication (or, god forbid, birth control). In 88, the WA police were caught using drug testing samples to screen female employees for pregnancy, and if they got caught illegally misusing drug testing samples this way once, do you really think they’ve stopped? Especially since the drug testing industry is about as unregulated and lacking in any kind of oversight or independent “quality control” testing as the DEA itself?
They, and their insurance companies, simply adore the idea of being able to force you to hand over a sampler platter of intimate bodily fluids that they can get away with testing for anything they want, thus forcing people to indirectly answer questions about their health that employers are legally prohibited from answering. What employer doesn’t want to protect their loophole through the Americans with Disabilities Act?
Publish a list of companies Against marijuana legalization. Maybe those who have contributed to anti-drug charities or anti-marijuana candidates.
When people can see the political position of companies they deal with on a regular basis it will have powerful results. Balance will be restored eventually…
Boycott the super bowl. If they lost 10% of their veiwers you can bet changes would be made. It isn’t gonna be on at my house!
No more Intuit products for this guy.
I haven’t bought a Kellogg’s product since they dumped Michael Phelps. What’s one more company that I sidestep. Boycotting won’t destroy a company like Intuit, but hopefully it’ll send a message to them. NORML itself probably can’t spearhead any sort of movement, but nothing stopping us crazy lawless supporters from organizing something. Send emails, letters, etc.
Shame!!!
This is the same story from when Obama put up his website and asked for the public’s input. NORML got laughed off by the Chimp-In-Chief. Until Demos and corporations start feeling the hit to their vote totals and pocketbooks from us, they won’t care about us.
I think the real loss will come when the winner of the contest is declared. They’ll be viewed as undeserving. Intuit is going to place a stigma on the winner(looser) by behaving this way. Hopefully some of the organizations will see this and withdraw. Free air time would be a big thing to pass up if you’re a non-profit looking for a leg up. To be remembered as the unfair or undeserving winner is certainly not the image any non-profit wants to garner. This makes it bad for all evolved.
Hindsight at some point will be 20/20 for Intuit and missing out on their moment in history to shine will be a tragic loss for all.
What products does Intuit make? Anyone know?
Whole 50 Untied States of America and Washington, D.C. must to vote both marijuana and hemp plants into full legalization for our Rights in order to keep Civilization and Habitation for fuel, oil, cooking oil, foods, clothes, necessary tools, surgery tools, papers, outside materials as tents + boats, building materials, recreational use and medicines. GOD created both marijuana and hemp plants so we vote it, legalize it, regulate it, tax it and turn it into Life of Habitation. We the people must vote to keep Safety Laws in order to live by Peace and Harmony and Love and Education and Habitation. We the People must change mind of Intuit to do advance NORML in Super Bowl ads contest for our Rights to live in Living of Habitation and Education. GOD will name it and Bless it, AMEN!
Call them (650) 944-6000 and let them know how you feel. Hit “0” to talk to an operator. Tell the person that marijuana legalization is supported by 58% of the country and is NOT controversial. And that a software company should not fall behind the times.
One word DDOS
I agree with Brad Forrester. Why rely on Intuit. Why can’t NORML advertise to it’s database a campaign for donations; specifically earmarked for a superbowl ad. An ad that millions of people all of the country will be watching. I’d donate $20 bucks for that also. …..Just sayin.
[Editor’s note: There is a reason why you’ve never seen an ACLU, PETA, NAACP or NORML ad during a Super Bowl:
The cost to produce and purchase a 30 second Super Bowl TV ad is multiples larger than most non-profits’ entire annual operating budget, including NORML’s. Also, even if the money is raised and a well produced TV ad is in hand, the broadcast network does not have to accept the advertising buy.
With the NFL being so dependent on beer industry money, one should be hardly surprised if they NEVER see a pro-cannabis advertisement on such a prominent national (and international) broadcast until the federal prohibition on cannabis ends.]
I suggest that you put magnetic signs on your cars, trucks, and RVs. This way will communicate very loud and very noticeable.
UGLY!!!
@Ross – I agree 100% that NORML should post a list of pro- and anti- marijuana companies so that people nationwide can boycott them; we can all start with Wal-Mart since they are already known for their zero tolerance of anyone using marijuana for any reason.
Further, I think NORML should have a page(s) showing political candidates at all levels and show their stance regarding marijuana to help us make our voting decisions. I know that it wouldn’t be easy or cheap to compile such a list but if NORML was to have a special fundraiser for this specific purpose that we would come together to donate and help make it happen!
Real shame Intuit! I was afraid this will happen as commented in the original post few weeks ago. Was hoping I was wrong but unfortunately it came true.
https://www.facebook.com/intuit
Here is Intuit’s Facebook page everyone please post your complaints about NORML being removed from the competition here. Many people are posting that they will no longer be buying their products and if enough people do this maybe they will reverse their stance.
Also please like the top comments that are criticizing Intuit for removing NORML and the comments about avoiding their products.
I stopped using intuit’s turbotax and switched to H&R Block years ago because Intuit was keeping tax returns by purposely delaying tax forms and keeping them stocked in a bank in Santa Barbara just to collect interest.
And now their message is, “by the way, we don’t support the majority vote of marijuana, we like to deceptively change the rules whenever we set up a democratic system, so go ahead and trust our organization. I DARE you.”
Don’t worry NORML; clearly your organization is the one collecting “interest” now.
@wbs 101 – thanks, I’ll do that.
https://www.smallbusinessbiggame.com/rules/
Here are the regulations for the contest. Most importantly section 7 and beyond outline the restrictions on content. “The Submission must not contain material that is unlawful, in violation of or contrary to the laws or regulations in any jurisdiction where Submission is created.”
Seeing as federal law still says marijuana is illegal in any form, and that marijuana has not been decriminalized in DC (yes they allow medical use of cannabis for a list of approved conditions), where NORML operates, this is totally fair of Intuit to do. Furthermore, in the majority of states marijuana is still completely illegal, and this ad would be seen nationwide.
And in the end, it’s FOX’s airtime and their choice about what they want to air. I’m sorry, but they would never air a pro-marijuana ad at the biggest television event of the year. Thus, it’s entirely beyond Intuit’s control. They pulled the plug at the end of round two, because they knew it wouldn’t air. This allows for another company, who actually has the potential to have their ad shown during the game, a fair shot in round 3.
I’m an avid smoker and pro marijuana, but this is not that big of a shock and the fact that everybody is so up in arms and getting hostile towards Intuit just shows ignorance on your part.
@Julian
The contest rules state that Intuit can alter the contest at any time at their discretion. Also, people were able to vote every day. Marijuana advocates/enthusiasts tend to be louder, more passionate than people who may be voting for other companies. This does not necessarily translate to a “majority vote.” Rather, the contest got exposure on sites like Reddit and elsewhere on the internet where there is a large pro-marijuana community who can vote every single day for NORML. That doesn’t really mean it’s a majority vote or a purely democratic contest.
I’m going to turn off the TV when the commercials start.
I have been a supporter of NORMAL since the 80’s and the thing that bugged about your ad was that you had to go and bring people’s sexual standpoint into it. That has nothing to do with our cause. It just added another layer of controversy to an already misunderstood subject.
Looks like D.C. will decriminalize mj by Jan. 2014, before the Superbowl airs. This would cover Intuits’ restriction on illegality. I don’t believe NORMLs’ ad would promote the use of mj, that’s an individuals’ choice to use or not use and GOD knows its use is extensive and worldwide, but rather to begin a rational dialog to legalize and regulate a substance less harmful than alcohol products and to stop ruining peoples’ lives over an unadulterated plant. Isn’t Utah a ‘dry’ state? Does Fox edit out beer commercials from its broadcast in that state? If not, then their policy is hypocritical. Censoring NORML would be denying them their First Amendment rights to free speech. Intuit removed the potential winner and replaced them with a guaranteed loser. Looks like there are 20 losers here, 19 entrants and Intuit.
I am a strong supporter of Cannabis for Medical use and also support recreational use for adults.
I think Intuit is wrong for removing NORML from the contest.
For the health of us all the word needs to get out!
To show my support of Marijuana/Cannabis I will be turning off the television when any commercial is played during the Super Bowl.
why not fly a blimp or small cessna above or around the football stadium with a banner for an hour or 2. even if they don’t show it on tv i’m sure people would record it and put it on youtube.
Blimp is good idea. It can send messages to viewers worldwide!
@Ross – I am a web designer and would be more than happy to host and design a page which specifies canidates which oppose and support legalization. email jpzenterprisellc@yahoo.com if interested…basically if someone compiles the info and buys the domain name…Ill build and host it…and give copies of the site to others to ensure it continues regardless of any one hacker or unforeseen issue. Please let me know I have suggested the same exact thing here in Indiana.
This is off there participation pdf
Top Twenty (20) Semi-Finalist Determination by Sponsor: A panel of qualified judges determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion will review
Small Business, its owner, and Submissions present owner thoughtfully, articulately and with passion for his/her Small Business (20%);
Small Business, its owner, and Submissions authentically represent Small Business and its owner (20%);
Small Business, its owner, and Submissions are entertaining and create an emotional connection with viewers/readers (20%);
Small Business, its owner, and Submissions appropriately represent the Sponsor as a Brand Ambassador (20%);
Small Business is financially stable (10%); and
Public Appeal (10%)
Representation of sponsor as brand ambassador might have been what got the ad pulled, otherwise the judges are just bunk…
@Kyle, concerning the rule you listed, yes marijuana is illegal, however voting is not… They are not advocating people smoking marijuana, they are advocating people voting for the legalization of marijuana.
Screw Intuit! I support publishing a list of anti marijuana companies and corporations!
Wow intuit is butt hurt.
I remember a contest of anti-Bush commercials that some group did, was it MoveOn? Although, they had been promised a spot the big shots pulled it. Too rough on their boy.
Intuit has been known to be heavily biased against our industry. I’ve had to jump through hoops for months when they up and decide your business can no longer accept money through them. Two separate businesses, one only remotely even considered to be part of our industry, and they shut us down with the flick of a switch.
It would be nice if the Seahawks, and Denver would affix NORML’s logo to their helmets, and or uniforms.
Politics, it always comes down to politics. Not the vote. Just goes to show you that it really doesn’t matter what the people want. We just listen to the words “let them eat cake”.
I say we have two weeks to make as much noise about intuit backing down from their deal as possible. More & more polls are being released showing public support across the Nation!
Seriously! The NFL needs to take a long hard look at its “policies” and realize if their superstars (players) prefer the SAFER choice in Cannabis, then they should be welcome to treat their own mind & body as they see fit. Uncle Sam finally found his lighter and has sparked up a spliff… let’s hope We see the haze come Super Bowl Sunday!
I like the idea of little NORML logo on the helmets. What would really be amazing would be for the sea of fans to spell the word NORML with the color of their clothes. I wonder, does the stadium have any rules that limit free speech on clothing? Hopefully if it does its not like Magic Mountains policy. People wearing anything with the word “marijuana” are told to leave without a refund or they can replace the shirt.
Just everyone wearing green would be awesome too.
Release the commercial to the people, It can see WAY more views than at a sporting event. Social networking over television networks any day.
I just found out about this. I hope some people are passing out signs at the super bowl eg.(I support norml, Intuit cheated norml won) You can’t run your ad but they can’t silence the audience. If everyone that voted showed up with a sign you would see just how many people support reform and you can’t buy that kind of advertisement.
After using intuit for the past 12 years, they will never receive my business again.
It seems to me you are trying hard but unlikely to ever convince the outdated minds in positions of power….. although you now have several states legally selling so maybe progress is being made after all?