Not Like Mike: The Jordan-Utah Flash Fiasco Alex Gerage, December 11, 2009 In what may be the first major viral marketing event in the history of sports (at least to my knowledge), the NBA Developmental League’s Utah Flash is reaping the success (and failure) of an elaborate campaign. Ryan Corazza has the scoop at ESPN. Apparently, Flash flans were under the assumption they were going to see Michael Jordan and Bryan Russell play a one-on-one basketball game at halftime of Monday’s game to benefit charity. It would be a rematch of the final seconds of the 1998 NBA Finals. The problem was that Jordan never said he would do it. The other problem was that he never said he wouldn’t do it. So this past Monday, after the local paper reported seeing Jordan around town, the buzz began. A video of him surfaced on YouTube eating at a local establishment. A record crowd showed up to the Flash’s home opener to see the halftime festivities. There, they learn the truth. The man being reported as Jordan was not like Mike. The event had been staged. The faux MJ. The YouTube video. The planned pickup game (to be fair, an invitation was extended to Jordan, but he never replied). It was all the plan of Flash owner Brandt Andersen to sell tickets and drum up interest in his team. Did it work? Yes, but not without angering the already pocket sized fan base. He’s since apologized on his blog and offered refunds. For those that measure the success of a viral by the amount of publicity that is generated, good or bad, then the Flash’s undertaking is a massive success. The story made the front page of ESPN.com earlier in the week, and the YouTube video of the phony Michael Jordan now has over 300,000 views. Word has undoubtedly spread, and if you ask one to name just one NBA D-League team, I would bet they would say the Flash. For those that believe a viral is only as successful as its end result, then the embarrassment and disdain many feel towards owner Brandt Andersen is fitting. Here’s a video of the crowd finding it out it’s a hoax. I want to know what you think though. Would you consider this viral successful? Or do campaigns need to have a worthy payoff? Let us know below. Viral Marketing
Elaborate Bansky Oscar Campaign or Mr. Brainwash Street Art? February 1, 2011February 27, 2011Exit Through the Gift Shop was not only a hit at last year’s Sundance, it has already achieved a cult status within the film community. Not only that, but the film that documented street artists like Bansky and Mr. Brainwash has earned itself an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary. In… Read More
The Office: Viral Updates After Murder Mystery Episode November 19, 2009If you watched last week’s episode of The Office, then you’ll definitely remember the murder mystery dinner party game Michael had the employees play. If you want to learn more about “Belles, Bourbon and Bullets”, head over to the official site: MondoMysteries.com. The company has other dinner parties that are… Read More
Post-2012 World Leader Election Coverage September 3, 2009September 3, 2009If you haven’t heard by now, you must be living under a rock. The Institute for Human Continuity is looking for a post-2012 world leader and it could be you! Of course, we have our very own Scott Caldwell running, but what’s the fun if you’re only an advocate? Sign… Read More