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I
have Seen the Future of Internet Marketing
The
22 November 2005 edition of the Zeitgeist Z-newsletter
In
1974, then Rolling
Stone writer Jon
Landau penned the now famous line, "I have seen
the future of rock and roll, and its name is Bruce
Springsteen."
31 years later, I can say that I’ve seen the future of web marketing...and
its name is flypentop.com.
The FlyPenTop, as featured last week in Reveries,
is the hottest new educational gadget on the market. It is a self-correcting
calculator, daytime scheduler, music composer and fantasy baseball game
in one. Targeting 8-14 year olds, this ingenious product utilizes a
pen with a tiny camera, a computer chip, a AAA battery and special paper
to enable an incredible world of creative possibility.
Now, as cool as the FlyPenTop may be, it’s their website
that has my jaw firmly on the floor...and my imagination swirling. If
you’re still in a dial-up world, the site’s a little jerky.
But, if you can view the site at high-speed, you’re in for a treat.
Four target market spokesmodels encourage you to click on each of their
color-coded feature areas...in sensationally smooth video capture. With
a brief explanation, Justin extols the virtues of FlyBall, Alexis describes
the calculator...and so on. But, like today’s video games, their
responses become interactive. Wait too long on the main page and Gwen
playfully chides, “Wow, you sure like to take your time.”
And Zach appears almost exasperated as he says, “Hey Man, whatcha
waiting for? Click on one of us!”
Once into each section, the kids let you play along...and respond to
your every move. Now, I’m sure that Justin loses his Fantasy Baseball
match-up with me everytime to keep me (the consumer) engaged...but,
not unlike watching a carney work his mark, it’s oddly compelling.
And my cursor? On the site, it turns into the FlyPen...and I can personalize
its slant depending on whether I’m a righty or a lefty (handed,
that is).
In my last post, I talked of the odd convergence of cool stimuli that
has been propelling me from destination to destination over the past
few months. And here’s the zeitgeist-ish karma that is flowing
through me now:
Pennsylvania’s
innovative use of 6
different bloggers on their site (each one specifically
selected to appeal to their psychographic target markets) draws consumers
of like interests to vicariously experience each one’s travels
through the State of Independence. If I identify with Tom
and want to hit the open road, I’ll follow his blog to get ideas
for my next getaway through the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Fast forward to the FlyPenTop site. What if a destination site showcased
people I and others could identify with...and they talked to me?
They interacted with me? They egged me on? They led me to where
I would find what I needed to choose that experience in your destination?
They congratulated me on my choice?
Now, of course, y’all can’t run out and do this ‘cause,
then, it wouldn’t be unique anymore. But I’ve seen the future
of web marketing...and I can’t wait for some of you to try it!
All the best!
Bill
Wanna comment on this or other topics. E-mail
Me!
Bil
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