Just a quick comment. The press focus on the resignation of Cartoon Network’s now ex-president Jim Samples over the viral marketing “terrorist” scare shouldn’t distract from the larger problem. The ad and marketing industries are engaged in a 24/7 branded, viral, word of mouth world. There are even trade associations pushing the dubious cause, such as the “Word of Mouth Marketing Association.” WOMMA has a “who’s who” membership (note that Cartoon Network’s corporate cousin AOL is listed as member.). There is a “Viral & Buzz Marketing Association” as well. VNU’s Nielsen Buzz Metrics company makes money measuring “online buzz.” There are ongoing tie-ins and stunts that confound belief, if not the letter of the law. We will be tracking some here. But folks should be examining the ethics of this emerging and growing field. It’s now a part of the “engagement” process set in place by the marketing/ad industries.
