You Must Have A Blog Says Juicy Fruit
Wednesday, September 14th, 2005 by MR
The title is fitting considering that I posted A Case Against Small Business Blogging, but it is well-deserved after you see Juicy Fruit’s blog (hat tip: Blogspotting). Actually, it is tough to even call whatever that is a blog and it shows that we have hit a point in the technology cycle where everyone feels they need a blog, but are unsure what purpose a blog serves.
This is why we talk about not every business needing a blog because if done improperly you will get some major backlash like the Juicy Fruit folks are receiving right now. What makes this silly is that if they replaced the world “blog” with something else on their site then there would be no complaining. Instead, they are riding on the coattails of blogging to try and generate buzz. At least they got the buzz part right.
What else is wrong with the site? The way the permalinks work is one thing. If you clicked on the link above you should’ve landed on Day 39. However, if you click on the next entry link the url doesn’t change (at least not in Firefox OS X). I like the idea behind the site, but I don’t like it’s execution and that is what is most important.
Just another example of Old School Marketing trying to work in a New Media world.
Reader Comments
2 Responses to “You Must Have A Blog Says Juicy Fruit”
Paul:
“… it is tough to even call whatever that is a blog.”
Indeed - that’s an interesting piece of work.
“… it shows that we have hit a point in the technology cycle where everyone feels they need a blog, but are unsure what purpose a blog serves.”
No doubt, there’s bound to be uncertainty where emerging technologies are involved. But we must defend (stupid people included) as businesses innovate on a basic idea.
Early instant messaging systems tackled a very basic problem. Today they meet many business and personal requirements. There was a time when it was common belief that IM was not a good fit for all businesses. Today it’s difficult to find a business that doesn’t depend on instant messaging for greater operational efficiencies. The same can be said for the telephone, the ball point pen, and the printing press.
Blogs are good for many things and I suspect (eventually) every business, even your local plumber, will use them to some advantage.
In the late 90’s it became clear that there was significant demand for fast and easy publishing - this led to the emergence of blogs. Ironically, those of us involved in building the blogosphere (which required a great deal of open-mindedness) are quick to point to ideas that don’t reflect our rigid definition of a blog.
September 18th, 2005 at 12:35 pm
I feel the blog on Juicy Fruit is just another advertisement that appeals to nique audience. I do not know where this tool of computer cartoons and animation will take Juicy Fruit and the product. However, I do feel as an advertising tool blogs can be an effective tool to educate customers about a new product or existing product. The sight could increase awareness to products that may be helpful to the general public. The idea of a gum commercial on the internet seems to be grasping at straws and at insignificant markets. I think the money and time Juicy Fruit spent on the advertisement was a waist. I think thier efforts are misdirected but what do i know. Work another angle or us another twist on this one.
September 20th, 2005 at 5:32 pm
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