Working in social media, it’s always exciting to see when major companies really GET the online space. It’s still pretty rare to see. We see some success stories here and there, but still most think they get it, when they actually don’t. While others are too scared to even think about coming out of their comfort zone to take a risk. However, EA Sports is one of the companies leading the charge and are definitely tapped into their audience.
Recently, a Youtube user took a video screen caputer of a “glitch” in the Tiger Woods game from EA Sports showing how the ball could be played by walking over water and swinging as if the pond were dry land. Pretty crazy, right?
The folks at EA Sports got wind of the video and decided to have some fun with it. They produced a video with Tiger walking on water and recreating the shot from the game. Part of my job is monitoring social media sites, blogs, and of course using Google Alerts to keep track of all press (especially negative press). However, many clients aren’t willing (read: ballsy) enough to actually take a potentially negative story and turn it into a positive. EA Sports have done just that!
A situation that could’ve blown up and spread through the internet has now been dismantled and is actually being talked about as a savvy marketing move instead. Not only did EA prevent a potential media disaster, they showed that they are intune with their target audience and are actively paying attention. Blogs and social networks are all a buzz about what they’re now dubbing Tiger’s “Jesus Walk.” Great job, EA! Now if only other companies would follow your lead. Yup, it’s a risky move, but risks can have rewards.
Converse announced the Converse Chuck Taylor Kurt Cobain sneakers. Retailing at $50, the kicks feature “doodles and words” from Kurt’s personal notebook. I was all for Converse’s resurgance and bringing back the retro style, but I can’t condone this and I’m not even a Nirvana fan! Kurt is spinning in his grave. Unbelievable. At least they come in both high tops and low.
My friend Mike likes to mess with people. More specifically, he likes to mess with tourists. He and I spend a tremendous amount of time waiting *in* lines (using “in” for Dina as opposed to “on”!) for music signings and concerts around the city. Without fail, someone is bound to approach us, of all people, in line and ask “What’s this line for?”
Without hesitation, Mike will spew out the most ridiculous one-liner describing some improbable and outlandish event to only have the person posing the question simply nod and respond “oh…” and even try to join the line. Seriously. Once the person would walk away, we’d fall out, laughing like mad. One recent example, while waiting to see Madonna at Roseland, Mike’s response to a curious passerby “We’re here to see special Edition of Glitter: 3D.”
After experiencing this time and time again, we decided that people are naturally drawn to lines. I’m not sure what it is. Maybe they think they’re missing out on something or maybe they overly curious, but I can honestly say I’ve never been inclined to just jump on a random line for no good reason. In fact, when I see massive lines or crowds, I tend to walk in the opposite direction — I HATE chaos.
Naturally, when this Engadget story hit yesterday about a massive line formed outside of the flagship Apple store on Fifth Ave in NYC, I just had to laugh. It all started around 9:36a when I received a text message from my boy Jonny Ice asking “what’s going on at the Apple store?”
I quickly checked the NYC Apple store website and found nothing of interest, so I shot him a note stating that. Baffled he kept asking – did the rumored 3G iPhone finally hit? Doubtful.
As the story unfolded, there was some chatter that an improv group, Improv Everywhere, was behind the prank. Funny stuff, guys, except their founder later denied this claim. According to an Apple store employee, those lines form every day with people trying to purchase an iPhone. Insane! But it further proved that people (New Yorkers, especially) will stop whatever they are doing and gravitate towards a massive line without even knowing what it’s for.
Mike would’ve had a field day if he was around Apple Store yesterday morning.
Rarely do I promote products on this blog, but I can’t help it today as I’m overly excited about the new Nike+ Sportband option. This is Nike’s newest addition to the Nike+ system, which is a line of products geared to help runners track progress by calculating distance, time, and calories burned. Previously, Nike+ system had to be used with an iPod nano, which I happen to have, but it frustrated me that it was the only option.
Looks like Nike finally realized there’s a bigger market out there who would willingly use their product if it wasn’t tied down to an iPod. That’s where the SportBand comes into play. I believe it still works with the same Nike+ sensor, which I currently own, and it transmits your run data to the band (as opposed to your iPod. The Sportband also has a USB connection, so you can plug it right into your computer after a run and upload your information to keep track of your progress.
I know there’s been online chatter when Nike+ first debuted about inaccuracies with run distances, but I have to say, I find the product to be quite accurate (I’ve driven my daily runs and came up with close/exact distances). Kudos to Nike for making a solid product. Can’t wait to get my hands on a Nike+ Sportband.
Nike marketing/PR team, if you’re reading — hook me up!
