The Day the Viral Died

As a website that is dedicated to viral, we take a lot of pride in what we cover. Almost to the point of a respect for the marketing agencies that run them, as well as the movies that they are based on. We all know that they lend a hand. Kudos to them.

People flocked when there was a new photo on 1-18-08.com. People put on their Joker makeup when he came calling for The Dark Knight. And most recently, people called in fear for their safety when Non-Humans were spotted outside a local deli for District 9. The longer a viral goes, the more they get people to participate. When more movies create a viral, more these differences are spotted.

So what happens when the movie premieres?

Why stop what you have been doing for so long. You got us in at this point, and I can tell you, one of the biggest complaints is that the viral did not take that much of a part in the movie. So, keep it going. It doesn’t have to be for a month. But at least a week. Give some answers to questions that you must know are left open.

What made Slusho! what is was. What is Sea Kelp? And for god’s sake, who is the chef!?!?!?

Where was Tagruato’s press release in regards to the attack of Chuai?

Why did Christopher make a post after District 9 stating he was home and ready to fix things.

Why say that “breach day” is the date of the movie’s release when the movie took place a year later?

Why not post an article stating Harvey Dent’s demise

As it stands right now, District 9 had a few tweets, as well as Facebook posts, but they are too automated, and in fact they are dying off, almost that is was unnecessary to even follow them after the release. Even when Cloverfield’s Myspace accounts stopped on 1/18/2008, when we in fact know that the movie took place in March. But, you live and learn. With each viral comes wither new mistakes, or new excitement. It depends on how you look at it.

I can say that as a follower, the companies work so hard, or in some cases, not at all (ahem, Disney), that there is a highly untapped market of after-theater viral.

Cloverfield can give Hud the tribute he so deserved.

District 9 could have had an interruption on MNU’s website. A glitch. A message from Christopher or Wikus

The Dark Knight could have had a video posted of a jail break of the Joker.

I know we have our articles of the “what ifs” of future movies, but I want to know if you plan on carrying forth what you are selling. There are some films right now, that if you play your cards right, you not only capture a whole new audience of those that never followed, but you can gain the respect of those that did. A random Facebook post is not going to cover it. I’m not saying that you should be giving away any secrets and/or clues towards possible sequels or a prequel, but if you are smart enough to get us into your movie, then you should be smart enough to play us out.

What do you think? What has either upset you, or confused you about a movie’s viral. Let us know here, or in the forum.