March
2008
YouTube Deception
Advertising and marketing are important components of society. We, as individuals, live in a consumer driven world. Everywhere you look, you will see advertisements for any particular product. It came as no surprise to me that Dan Ackerman Greenberg developed a marketing company as a means to create viral videos. In doing so, Greenberg can market whatever or whomever by implementing his set strategies to create a popular, well-known video. Anyone attempting to achieve success regarding online popularity or product placement will be more than willing to drop cash to these marketing firms.
My sweet old etcetera makes a valid point while discussing Dan Ackerman Greenberg’s The Secret Strategy Behind Many “Viral” Videos. It is very deceiving to think that videos deemed appealing and entertaining may have been a product of these marketing companies and not the “average people.” I too, felt a sense of disappointment after reading the article; however, it was not shocking.
Dan Ackerman Greenberg’s marketing strategies can be, indeed, offensive. As my sweet old etcetera states, “hiring ‘the most attractive women available to be in the video’, and the second, editing videos so that half-naked women appear in the thumbnails, are tasteless and exploitative.” Unfortunately, sex sells in our society. There exists such a strong emphasis on attractive males and females. Although thumbnails of half-naked women could be perceived as offensive, I am still tempted to click on the video to see what it is all about.
I strongly agree with my sweet old etcetera in regards to “posting and/or deleting negative or controversial comments about a video.” Apparently, implementing such a strategy is unfair to the YouTube community. However, it is obviously successful. Greenberg’s company thrives because he us a savvy marketer and gives the public what they want.
