Allow me to rant for a minute: Yesterday, someone supposedly called Emily left a comment on one of my posts that read like spam -- because it was spam: "Have you seen the latest episode of Bloodcast News Network? It's on vampire self defense, so I don't even want to guess what will happen if you don't! http://www.iheartvampires.net/?p=335 For the latest in vampire news, go to iheartvampires.net"
Yes, the "the latest in vampire news" sounds familiar, right? (See my header.) I checked the site and, quelle surprise, it's a fake site that's put up by the marketing team, Campfire, behind HBO's "True Blood."
To understand why I hate this, we have to put it in historical context. A million years ago ad-wise, some people came up with the idea to use word-of-mouth to advertise their movie, "Blair Witch Project." It worked, just like mania for Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch Dolls worked. (I won't put Tickle-Me Elmo in this category because I totally heart Elmo.) Anyway, these people said, "Lo, there is some major money in this crap!" and started a business.
Campfire now relies on hordes of employees to create everything from banner ads, posters, websites, blogs, etc. The message is about the message, not about the show. It's all sizzle and no frickin steak.
If they had a clue what drives viewers to the show, they'd have websites dedicated to Alexander Skarsgard as Eric Northman and they'd pay tribute to wonderful Charlaine Harris, who inspired legions of devoted fans. Charlaine's name is nowhere to be found on their sites and marketing materials, and that was what first turned me off on the advertising for "True Blood."We're supposed to think that this campaign is cool and clever, but it comes off as manipulative and sleazy when multimillion-dollar companies post advertisements disguised as real people's comments on real blogs. If you want an ad with me, offer a DVD for fans. Offer an interview with one of your cast. Don't just use my site for your corporate profit.
You know the thing about sizzles? They fizzle.
End of rant.
Our pal, PopinFresh, interviews Georgia Evans, author of Bloody Good, and has a book contest. "Kate Duffy, my editor at Kensington, asked me if I'd like to write a WW2 set book. I jumped at the chance- we talked over plot ideas and she suggested making the vamps the villains... So vamp spies seemed the obvious choice." Also, Popin's Lair has a nice new design!
I like the covers of these books, which are clearly emulating the design of Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series, which are themselves inspired by Marc Chagall paintings.GRATUITUOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY
Vampire Wire reader Lexie (a real human being, not an employee of a marketing firm) mentioned Spike (James Marsters in "Buffy") and Billy Idol videos on YouTube. Compare and contrast for ten points. Thanks, Lexie!
Very cool video from SerenitySapphire.
Oh, I had to wade through too many Spike videos with Evanescence, ugh, and this video by Suicune3 helps rinse the bad taste out of my brain.
4 comments:
I'm with you on your rant. I think it would have been slightly better, if the comment left was more personable and dealt with what you were talking about in your post. Or maybe even contacted you through email and asked you to promote the show and the site.
...It is kinda odd that they don't mention Charlaine Harris in the ads or website, though. I wonder why they went this route?
I love the covers too :) Thanks for posting about my interview!
~ Popin
I almost bought Bloody Good last a couple of days ago. Its a long story as to why I didn't (it has to do with a dispute at Borders over their fabulous 'Super Coupon'), but I'm really looking forward to finally reading it soon.
I'm completely in love with the premise and I've heard a lot of good things about it.
Popin, it's not the first time that they've spammed me. They also send emails asking for promo, but they don't respond when I've emailed back. (I think I was looking for a prize for the Hawt Vamp contest.)
Matt, enter Popin's contest for the book! I hope you win.
Martha, Grrr... i feel your frustration about the Spam! totally sux, and i feel a little disapointed cuz i really love the show.
You are completely right about Charlaine Harris, after all, this is based on her series! She deserves mad props for that. She's why i was interested in the show in the first place! And.... the books ARE and always will be better than the show!
About her book covers... I LOVE them! I Love that she does not go for the typical half naked girl with a hot bod carying a big gun wiht tribal tattoos! The cover gives you a little glipmse of what you're about to read, and when you come across that point in the book, you're like.... "oh that's what that is" :) Always made me smile!
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