My dad doesn't really understand what I do. He's 64 (nearly 65) and no matter how many times explain the nuances of viral marketing, he still struggles. Or so I thought, until he shocked me by creating his very own viral ad for his company the Alarm Monitoring Company - a company that specialises in "monitored burglar alarms".Check out his viral efforts here - viral genius, or viral suck?
I think I can say for certain that it's really not very good, and kinda backs up my theory that he doesn't get what viral is (or rather doesn't listen to me - a life-long gripe). Here's my quick analysis of his efforts:- OK, so the generally creative conceit isn't too dreadful. The idea of promoting an alarm by showing it in action (burglars breaking in etc.) makes sense. (that's the positives over and done)- But, then we come to the narrative. I mean - sorry - what narrative??? Two blokes jump through a window, rummage around a bit, set the alarm off and run off with the beautifully scripted words "F*ck me, I'm off!." Come on - I've seen better in episodes of Prisoner Cell Block H Sunset Beach.- And then there's the direction. I'm not quite sure how many takes it took to shoot (I hope one), but if you're gonna allow two of your employees (sorry - actors) to spend time jumping through your home window in a not so convincing I'm-a-burglar-breaking-into-a house-way you may as well shoot it properly - otherwise you're wasting everyone's time - including the people who have to watch your sorry ad (me).- And to cap it off, there's the music. A bossa-nova keyboard version of Queen's "Another one bites the dust". This for me is the final nail in the viral coffin. I mean, why didn't you go for the pan-pipe version??? Everyone knows Queen sound better in pan-pipe than bossa nova. So there you go. As a founder of a viral marketing agency I'm ashamed of my father. PLEASE NEXT TIME LISTEN TO ME DAD AND DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME MAKING SUCH PAP IT MAKES ME ANGRY AND MAKES ME WANT TO TYPE IN CAPITALS. Rant over. Back to work.
I think you should make your dad a proper viral. Then he might get it...
Clearly your father is trying to reach out and show you how much he thinks you've achieved, and that he wants to be part of your life. I think his motivations are to be admired and embraced. Regardless of the quality of the viral itself, I think he's done a great job.
Hmmmm - your analysis maybe right Andy, however that right doesn't right the wrong of his viral attempt. It makes me wince.
CF - I think you're right. However, if I did try to make him a viral he'd no doubt have "better ideas".
Thankfully I have a lot of hair to tear out . . .
But .. It does what it sets out to do - this isn't a viral it's a poorly made advert. The two are very different.
crikey - last week you're on a wheeze for a free checked t-shirt and now you're going for blatant promotion of a family business under the guise of critique... tut, tut, tut Mr Quigley - doesn't BR have rules about this sort of thing?
hahaha
Your cynicism has no limits Gotnoteef . . . Suggest you take some American low-cynicism pills . . .
cynic - nah
always enjoy your posts - keep up the good work old chap!
It made me laugh! Both the 'viral' and your review had me chuckling at my desk, with my neighbours wondering exactly how my work could be so amusing...
My view is good on him for the attempt, which if a little cheesy, does kind of get the message across. Although in the words of Sir Alan Sugar, 'Where's the product'?
I look forward to seeing the viral you produce for him :-)
Dads are lovely aren't they.
We were close to picking up all the business to launch Charlton Athletic back to the Valley (In happier days). One of the Directors had given Dad and myself some free tickets for the Director's box Charlton V Palace (at Selhurst Park Hsssssssss).
Dad, having had a couple of beers before the match, leaned over to one of the key directors and shouted: "Oi you, we better win today!" Fortunately he took it in good stride, and could see the funny side of it. I suggest you do the same.
Dad's aren't around forever.
Just think Chris, this could start a new viral craze where everything goes tacky.
I must say the Quick-E-Mart music is a top ten hit. Remember, everyone's getting older in this country. This is the future. this is where viral will be 20 years from now!
You Dad's a pioneer.
Chris Quigley
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Member since: 09 Jun 2008
Last login: 24 Nov 2009
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