Chinese Whispers

Posted by admin | Filed under General Commentary, Techniques, Viral Campaigns

There is a bit of a question over whether this was a deliberate attempt at viral marketing or not but either way the effect has been fantastic

Tope Gear, (a very popular UK TV show for petrol heads) uses character known as “The Stig” to test drive vehicles. This character is evidently a skilful driver and the BBC have never revealed his identity.

In what initially looked like a change to this stance the program recently announced it would be unveiling who the The Stig is. Apparently it’s Michael Shchumacher of ex F1 fame. Now the question is out as to whether this is true or whether it is a bit of prank but the effect has been to cause a huge amount of stir online and could be seen as a blinding bit of viral marketing. I’m writing about it and so are national newspapers. It is appearing on Facebook statuses and it is all over twitter.

A beautiful piece of publicity. A tiny rumour is started and hey presto millions of people suddenly know that Top Gear series 13 is about to broadcast. Love it.