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Steak and a Blow Job Day and Viral Media

It is unclear where the concept came from, but it is clear that viral marketing techniques have expanded the awareness of this new holiday.

As we all know, Valentines Day is on Feb. 14^th. Steak and Blow Job Day is coming up on March 14^th. You could argue how juvenile or chauvinistic the concept may seem, but you can’t deny that S.A.A.B.J.D. has all the elements that make for good viral communications. Here are some of the essentials.

1. Creates a Discussion: For or against, it’s talk worthy.
2. Sensational: Breaks or challenges tradition.
3. Original: Difficult to replicate.
4. Marketable: There is market.
5. Viral vehicles: Mostly the internet in this case.
6. Actionable: In this case all you have to do is tell someone.
7. Timing: The event is upcoming, not distant.

In the viral spread of S.A.A.B.J.D., a variety of online media were used including microsites, social networks, and virtual events. i.e. steakandablowjobday.com, urban dictionary, and Facebook.

I contacted TJ Hill, a Georgia Tech student who helped spread the concept by creating an event on Facebook. Here’s what Hill had to say.

“Since the idea is not actually my original idea, I'm not looking to make any money off of it... I've only promoted it through about 400 personal invites and word of mouth... The real hero has been other people's invites and people checking their news feeds to see what groups their friends have joined...”

The Facebook event received over 60,000+ confirmed guests in just a few weeks. Hill received the expected negative comments, but he used the Facebook page as a place to respond to the e-mails. The tone, feel, and concept of S.A.A.B.J.D., make for viral wildfire.  T-shirts, cards and other items are already available. If Valentine's is a Hallmark holiday, then this is a Spencer's holiday.

It may be juvenile or chauvinistic to some, but all the elements for good viral communications are present. If you can look past the concept into what actually drives people to act or remain indifferent, then you will gain a better understanding of viral marketing or you could wonder why it worked.

Effective viral messages challenge indifference; they evoke a simple response (talk) in many people, while exciting others to take a stance for or against.

Second Life: A Developing Country

Second Life is huge. The world that has been created inside is growing with no signs of slowing of down. Second life has a currency that will more than likely follow the same patterns of global currency. The current exchange rate is L$280 for $1 U.S. Dollar. There are currently 1.2 million "players" in this virtual world. If you imagine for a second that Second Life is an emerging country, than you can understand why Companies like GM, Toyota, and Nissan are investing in it. Companies like these are buying real estate, like Nissan Island and Toyota dealerships. Investing in Second Life property makes sense from a marketing perspective because it is a new medium. But it is also a retail space. You can buy, sell, and trade. Here's another example. Imagine you buy an Island for your brand on second life and spend $1,000 U.S., then you decorate the island with you message and you sell virtual products costing about one dollar or two. After a year or so, you will have reached thousands in a virtual world and the value of your property will increase as more people sign on. Second Life is a mini emerging market. Read More

(Pontiac Solstice)

(Nissan Island)

(Scion xB toaster?)