No Publicity is Bad Publicity
Every major news outlet reported yesterday and today about the “bomb scare” in Boston. The “bomb” in question, a cartoon character fashioned out of “Lite Brite” type of materials making an obscene gesture. Weird? Yes. Lacking in taste? Definitely. Bomb? Not even close. An advertising agency specializing in guerrilla-marketing techniques worked with a couple of local designers to produce these gadgets and hang them on every bridge and building in 10 major metropolitan areas around the nation. These silly little characters, which seek to promote an adult late night cartoon, have been hanging around for weeks with little fanfare. Those familiar with the show got the joke, those who weren’t familiar with the show gave little thought to these strange beacons of light.
Ultimately it seems as though these little light guys have certainly served their purpose and created a buzz. What first began as internet blogging about the many sightings by show fans has turned into an all out news frenzy complete with SWAT teams, bomb squads, outrage and arrests. As the debate rages on as to whether or not the nation is too sensitive or too insensitive when it comes to the threat of terrorism, I find something else fascinating. A show that once owed its viewership to a cult following of niche viewers will likely see a large number of people tuning in. The upcoming movie this stunt aimed at promoting will likely be a blockbuster. The two advertising agencies responsible for the hoax, well they will probably have more business than they know what to do with -- their Web sites have so much traffic that it is nearly impossible to log on. While this guerrilla-marketing tactic has offended and outraged many, they weren’t likely the target audience. For the rest of the population, they now know about the “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” mission accomplished. 
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5 comments so far
Ellen says:
I do have to say that those bomb scares really do look like the Lite Brites we grew up with. Being in internet marketing, I think that if I saw these hanging from a bridge, if anything I would hop on my computer and try to figure out what it was I saw, not bother the local police department thinking it was something illegal. AND, Just in case you miss the colorful Lite Brites, you can create your own Lite Brite creations from the comfort of your own computer! Isn't technology great?!
Eric K. says:
Interesting article on how Blogs played a part in this whole incident.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0202/p02s01-ussc.html
Also, I cant wait for the ATHF Movie to come out in March.
Eric says:
While I agree, there will be a wave of people now interested in the show being promoted, it is a little scary that a "bomb threat," unintentional as it was, could be rewarded.
Since there wasn't really a bomb, of course, the point is moot. I worry, though, about the first real bomb left in the open at an airport that goes unreported because people assume the unattended ticking package is actually an ad for this season's, "24."
Senon says:
Good morning!.
I am from Iraq and too poorly know English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "On fleas, medical problems caused by fleas, flea control and flea infestation the cat flea feeds on anyone in the household, but more likely."
With respect :o, Senon.
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