Derek Powazek has posted a good rant about one of the web's current buzzwords. In "Death to User-Generated Content" he argues that a better term would be "Authentic Media". Interesting idea. I like the anti-media meaning of it on the one hand. On the other, I don't think it captures the essence of the notion that anyone with access to a browser can publish something of themselves in sites like MySpace and Flickr. "Free Democratic Web Publishing" comes to mind, but that sucks as a buzzword :-)
I think we'll be stuck with the term "user-generated content" for quite a while simply because it captures exactly what the "creepy marketeers" (of which Derek speaks) love about it: it's content they don't have to pay for.
In a different vein, I think this Trailer for "The Shining" (turn on your speakers) is absolutely brilliant. Says so much about the power of editing and how the "truths" we perceive can be manipulated.
These dogs are masters of Judo... at least in their own minds. Good fun.
I was curious about the history of this site given it's apparent sponsorship. According to a DMC press release it was created by 12foot6 for viral marketing of Virgin Mobile. Effective for creating a buzz, that's for sure.
What's your impression of viral marketing? Do you think it's influenced any of your purchase decisions? Or is it just good for a laugh and some general brand awareness?