By way of the Common Craft blog (who makes the most awesome tutorials that explain tech stuff in layman terms using paper), I found out that there’s a guest post on TechCrunch by Dan who gives advice on how to create a viral campaign online using videos.
According to Dan, it’s pretty simple. Create multiple accounts and have an argument with yourself in the comments area so you spark others to comment as well. Do this on forums, in blog comment areas, anywhere where people gather. Read Dan’s post for more details.
On the Common Craft blog, leelefever says:
“He proceeds to make it stunningly clear how misguided and irresponsible his ‘viral video’ tactics are. Dan has the nerve to call his advice ways to acheive ‘true virality’. Doesn’t he know that what he’s doing is blatantly artificial? I’m floored.”
I’m floored as well. On the flip side, whether you achieve a word of mouth campaign artificially (using Dan’s means) or organically, if you’ve achieved your goals, isn’t that the only thing that matters?
Unfortunately, unless the “culprit” is caught, as consumers, we’ll continue to be roped in by all the web drama.
“if you’ve achieved your goals, isn’t that the only thing that matters?”
No. It is people like Dan, who give anyone involved in marketing a bad rep. I have had to draw many lines in my career that clients or co-workers have asked me to cross.
A professional in any industry knows the difference between the right way and the easy way. To me this is not a grey area, this is black hat. And if spamming is the direction that marketing is heading, I am out.