The Vocal Minority Banner Idea – An Alternative TIFO Competition For The Discerning Cynic

Posted By Tony Walsh on Apr 30, 2015 in Analysis & Opinion, Malarkey, Uncategorized | 14 comments

You know what they almost say: “mockery is the most sincere form of flattery.” And really, when a club like TFC does so much to make the world a mockable place, it is The Vocal Minority’s role – some would say our moral duty – to lead the likeminded through gales of laughter into a safe, sarcastic harbour. A place where you are free from corporatocracy, sponsorography and sloganeering, a place where you can support the way you would like not how you’re told.

The risible snort from many supporters when TFC announced their current banner competition – a chance to create a PG-13, MLSE-approved “TIFO” which will be re-created for promotional display purposes at a future match – was very evident. After all, the most ardent supporters have been doing just these kinds of things – when the club doesn’t actively take down banners that they don’t approve of – without corporate prodding since 2007. But alas, this is a new era in TFC where the message is now in the medium and every inch of “official” support at TFC is carefully crafted, massaged and guided into MLSE’s narratives at every opportunity.

Anyone who knows anything about TFC/MLSE will realize that no TIFO or banner that has anything except the most glowing Kool-Aidiest of support towards our storied club will be chosen as a winner. Enter The Vocal Minority. While we can’t offer the creation of a giant TIFO to be unfurled in the now poorly spelled “Southend” of BMO Field, we are holding our very own “Banner Idea” competition with a very fun prize for the winner.

We are now accepting entries for what TIFO or banner you would most like to see at BMO Field. All entries will go before our esteemed Vocal Minority judging panel with three finalists chosen. When announced, the winning banner idea will be graphically re-created and as a reward (drumroll please)… replace this very website’s famous “Many Faces of TFC” header with your banner for a week! You will be the envy of your friend as your most hilarious, sarcastic, historically-relevant, angry, frustrated, MLSE-baiting banner idea becomes the face of this site in the very near future!

HOW DO I ENTER?
Joining the competition couldn’t be easier! No graphics skills? No problem! You provide the ideas and our elves will produce the goods when the finalists are announced. Want to send a graphic mock-up? That’s great too! Whether you have the digital graphic rap-game skillz, enjoy a bit of stick-figure drawing or just want to send in words and proposed accompanying image ideas – we will take it all. You can currently send us your ideas three ways…

COMMENTS SECTION: Simply type your ideas or add a link/image in the comments section below with your name (or whatever name you’d like to have announced if you win!) and you are entered. It’s that simple!

TWITTER: Tweet us your ideas, links or images to @vocalminorityCA with the hashtag #BannerIdea. If you’re not already following our account – why?!

EMAIL: Probably your best bet if you’re the creative type that wants to send in a bunch of mocked-up ideas. Simply put “Banner Idea” in the subject line and have at it! Email us at: vocalminorityCA@gmail.com

There are no limits on how many different ideas you can submit and all will be presented before members of The Vocal Minority judging panel. By sending your ideas to us in any form you give us agreed consent to re-produce them in any of our digital platforms including this site and any of our associated Twitter accounts. For technical purposes, the winning entrant’s design may be adjusted to conform to this website’s sizing, colouring and other scientific mumbo-jumbo needs. Content will not be edited without prior consult.

So there you have it TFC (or other snarky) supporters – your chance to express those feelings which the TFC Marketing Department would never allow to you spew – in banner form! Well, digital banner form. Send in those ideas now – deadline for entries is 11:59PM ET on Friday, May 1st and the finalists and winner will be announced and produced soon after.

Good luck to all as you unfurl your support in the way that only nine long years of bucking against pandering can make happen. Now go get your TIF-On!