Proof of an alien, a hunt for Bigfoot, Christ’s shroud — a good week for ‘Out-There Marketing’!
It's amazing how over seven days we got three excellent examples of eye-popping PR:
Alien proof on video - was claimed on Friday by Jeff Peckman, who is pushing a ballot initiative to create an Extraterrestrial Affairs Commission in Denver.
The Shroud of Turin to go on display - Pope Benedict (AKA Papa Razzi) announced on Monday, no doubt as part of his campaign to re-invigorate Catholicism.
The hunt for Bigfoot resumes - Binocular manufacturer Bushnell, along with “Field & Stream” magazine, have teamed up to offer $1 million to anyone who can “provide an unaltered photograph/video, verified and substantiated by a panel of scientific experts [including a zoologist and biologist], the evidence required to prove a Sasquatch/Bigfoot/Yeti exists.”
Of the above, only the Bigfoot / Yeti / Sasquatch hunt is an unashamed marketing ploy, but clearly the first two are just as much of a PR stunt as the third.
Of course, now that the race is on to claim aliens, relics and monsters I can almost see the next campaigns: The News of the World puts up a prize for evidence of the Loch Ness monster, the Nepalese Ministry of Tourism announces Yeti spotting tours, Disney announces it has secured the Cup of Christ, "The Holy Grail"; the possibilities are endless.
So if your PR is going through a dry spell, go monster, alien or relic hunting. It certainly worked for all of the above.
Related posts:
- Shroud of Turin to go on display – Pope announces (Tickets on sale soon?)
- Affiliate Marketing for Locals and Affiliate Marketing for Globals – Isn’t it About Time the Two Became One?
- Imitating a costomer to promote your business will be a criminal offence from Monday, 26 May 08 (as may be affiliate marketing)
- Sharks? Dead in the water? Guys, these are lists of dead people! HELLO!