is it the image or the message contained within ?

In the gallery I posted a strong image depicting a foggy night with a Billboard containing a Mixed message. The comments received discuss the message on the billboard, not the technical or any artistic accomplishment ( seeing the image, execution, lighting etc) --- So, which do you feel is preeminent - the image, the message of the image or are they inseparable?
I love quirk so my answer is ........., well you tell me what you think -- TG

If we include writing in an image, then the viewer will stop and read it. Then the message becomes the dominant feature of the image, rather than the visual image. Usually, words that can be read clearly will detract from a pictorial image.

Since we take billboards for granted and more often than not ignore them, perhaps the properties of a photo of a billboard get similarly taken for granted? I must admit, I saw the image and thought, "what a vulgar advert" and moved on. Considering it again, I now think, "What a lousy advert" because it fails utterly to sell its payload (whatever is written on the bottle). I can only remember THONG!
And notice now that I have not mentioned the merits or otherwise of the photograph at all because of the overwhelming THONGiness of the THONG!
(dunno how women can wear them. A piece of string between the cheeks would drive me crackers).
So, now, the actual photograph is even further away from my thoughts. etc., etc.
Cold shower anyone?