Corey Stringer writes in today’s Detroit Free Press about the auto industry’s use of contagious media tactics. As with other sectors auto companies are dedicating more marketing dollars to appeal to consumers via the Internet with nontraditional and often controversial clips.  Stringer labels these as viral ads, which would leave you to believe that ad agencies are taking the lead role is establishing this media format (enter Crispin Porter).  But BK ’s antics could also be viewed as online media stunts that drive press coverage and buzz through the web. If you look at it from that perspective shouldn’t PR people have a greater focus on this game?

Technorati Tags: PR, Social Marketing, Buzz, Contagious Media, Viral Marketing

A new WSJ poll that says 62% of voters (read general public) do not read blogs and only 17% read more than five. This comes on the heels of another blog flare-up (read vocal public) that forced the hand of Sony to reverse course on copy-protected CD after weeks of scorn voiced online. While the WSJ data may lead execs to dismiss the need to take blogs seriously, there are serious repercussions if you choose to ignore them as Sony, Dell, Kryptonite can attest. Links from Brand Autopsy and What’s Next.

In advance of a new store opening outside of Boston , The Patriot Ledger acknowledges the savvy PR and buzz building prowess of Ikea. Countering more accessible and open conventions, IKEA’s cachet is built on perceived exclusivity of the products, we well as style for the price. The exclusivity factor is not an unplanned event as The Ledger points out. The company capitalizes on the demand built up among those who have no local store to visit. The madness has led to mob mentality. At London opening last month, five shoppers were hospitalized and scores were hurt when 7,000 shoppers surged inside.

Here in the Detroit area Ikea’s stoked up media coverage for a store opening literally years down the road. For the time being we’ll have road trip to Chicago (which a lot of people do) or wait patiently for the opportunity to camp out days in advance for a home town score. Link from Influx.

Actually it doesn’t matter. Jones Soda , the company that generated much buzz with its turkey -and-gravy-flavored soda, is at it again with a orange-hued fish-flavored drink. The launch of the smelly soda made the front page of CNN.com this morning and is firing up the conversation online. Today’s coverage follows on the heels of a great write-up in the current Business Week that celebrates the irreverence and social marketing prowess behind the brand. Founder Peter Vpon Stolk says he literally gave brand away to young consumers who have serious say in both product development and marketing of the beverage. Younger consumers cynical of traditional advertising gather at the company’s website to chat, blog and download stuff as part of the Jones community. Jones adds that the company is the first “audience participation” player in the beverage space. The payoff beyond the buzz – 30% annual growth in a flat market, great distribution through partners like Starbucks and Target, and $30 million in revenues (not to mention favored status on eBay where Turkey-flavored sodas fetch over $60 a pop).