The Monetization of Internet Celebrity

Sure, Internet celebrities have been around for a while. We all remember the Star Wars Kid. And back in the day (about 2 yrs ago) they seemed content in their relative obscurity. But have you noticed lately how some of these self-made stars are cashing in on their 15 min? Who needs an agent when you have YouTube?














1. Tila Tequila
Ms. Tequila started off a simple hottie on MySpace.com. Her bodacious (yes, I used that word) body graced the pages of many a "friend" thanking them for the add. And now she's into her second round of reality TV bliss on WH1's A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila 2. And what has she done? Nothing but offer up her friendship. Awww. How generous. And how lucrative. Being nice pays off...



2. My New Haircut
How could these Jersey Shore "broskis" predict over 17 million (and counting) YouTube views of their infamous, "My New Haircut" video, a spoof about working out, drinking Jager-bombs and dealing with "Skanks." These guys are laughing all the way to the bank because now they are actually being paid to make appearances at bars to promote Jagermeister and Heineken specials and presumably start fights, pop their collars and take steroids. And you know what? They are calling these appearances the "Skanks and Broskis Tour." Seriously, they are getting paid for this. Ah, America.
















3. Chris Crocker
Where to begin? Chris Crocker's YouTube Channel is one of the top 20 viewed channels on the site and his combined views total more than 45 million. His most famous video, "Leave Britney Alone" defends pop star Britney Spears' uninspiring performance at the VMAs. That video has lead to public appearances, cameos on music videos and reality shows, and even rumors of his own reality show. This is what happens when you have something to say and you can work your webcam!

Those are just a few extreme examples...but I'm sure you could find tons of similar folks that are cashing in. Even blogger friends of mine are getting paid to host ads on their blogs. So cool. I love the Internet's shift from primarily an information source to a self-promotion tool. As always, curious to see what will come next...any thoughts?

This Campaign is Just Getting Revved Up...

I've been meaning to blog about a new campaign my agency just put out (alert: blatant agency self-promotion!). I've been working like a horse on this campaign and I'm so psyched to see how much people are talking about it! So without further ado, check out Ride Proud. Dress Loud.




















































So motorcyclists, just wear brighter colors already! It helps us caged drivers not kill you. Which is the whole point behind this thing, after all. We want you all to stay safe!

Hotlanta, Here I Come!

Apologies for my minimal blogging as of late. Been slammed in a big way.

Here's the news - I've accepted a new job. And this new position involves my relocation to the lovely southern town of Atlanta, GA. So I'll be joining the ad scene in a pretty nifty city and with a pretty nifty agency and...well...I'm beyond excited (but also sad to be leaving).

For the next few weeks, I'll be around...but not really. I have to fix up my house to rent, get my stuff packed and finish up some projects at work. It's a little crazy in my world right now. I'm sorry for being a bad blogger, but I promise to have some fun news to report in the coming weeks!

Best Customer Service Email Ever

(remember these things?!)

My friend Ashley forwarded me this email she received from CDBaby.com:

Your CD has been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with
sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.

A team of 50 employees inspected your CD and polished it to make sure
it was in the best possible condition before mailing.

Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over
the crowd as he put your CD into the finest gold-lined box that money
can buy.

We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party
marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of
Portland waved "Bon Voyage!" to your package, on its way to you, in
our private CD Baby jet on this day, Thursday, July 3rd.

I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. We sure did.
Your picture is on our wall as "Customer of the Year." We're all
exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sigh...



Derek Sivers, president, CD Baby
the little store with the best new independent music
http://cdbaby.com cdbaby@cdbaby.com (503)595-3000

Let me just say that this the most perfect, funny and appropriate form of customer appreciation. With their indie music buyer audience in mind, this quirky little email makes sense. Everyone wants a confirmation letter when they buy something online, but this email is a fun little treat that is enjoyable to read. CDBaby proves it doesn't take itself too seriously all while providing a usually mundane service - the shipping confirmation - to its customer. Well done!