Ignite Social Media - Latest Comments in What is a Flash Mob?

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

ABDN flashmob — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:31:40 -0000

The largest successful flashmob to ever take place in Scotland (confirmed).

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

This involved those taking part to strike a random pose at the sound of the air horn. This pose was held until the second air horn sounded 5 minutes later.

Five cameras filmed the event including the regional news channel (North Tonight, STV).

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Megan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:46:54 -0000

@ Jim
I'm wondering because I want to join! My sister is in one in Idaho and it's pretty amazing.

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Ethan Bauley — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:29:53 -0000

There is a consultant in LA named Mike Bonifer who has a brilliant analysis of what to learn from Improv Everywhere:

"They understand instinctively how and why networks form. They know that with improvisation, a group can focus on the objective and be productive with very little planning and zero expectations as to outcomes."

Check out the whole post:

http://www.gamechangers.com...

Also, where is the "notify me when someone responds to my comment" feature! That's the best part about commenting in 2008!

www.Disqus.com

;-)

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Jim Tobin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:36:22 -0000

@Megan. I heard about one coming to a local college, but I was sworn to secrecy. ~Jim

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Megan — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:31:19 -0000

Are there currently any flashmobs in the Raleigh area?

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Nathania — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:46:19 -0000

Incidentally, Charlie Todd who started Improv Everywhere used to do improv locally here in Raleigh-Durham. I think he went to UNC.

IE, I think, has been hired to stage their planned chaos at a comedy event in Aspen and they also shot a pilot for NBC last year.

Todd definitely gets attention, and I think he would be a good one to hire for a viral video. Probably the best. Also the AskANinja guy - who is, incidentally, an improviser as well.

Long live improv!

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Kin Lane — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:15:11 -0000

Hey Jim....yeah I did enjoy the post. I had given you two bits of trackback love.....not sure what the heck blogger did with it.....its there now....

Thanks again!

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Nathan Snell — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:38:59 -0000

That was priceless. Great "stunt". Was the car guy a plant as well? Either way, hilarious.

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Erica DeWolf — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:11:41 -0000

I found this video the other day and loved it! I believe this is a great technique to have fun and get people's attention. I was unaware that there was a name for this technique. Thanks!

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

lauren frohne — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:07:00 -0000

Improv Everywhere (the group who put together the prank in that video) is probably one of the best examples of how social media and social networking can impact and influence the masses.

My friend Charlie Todd, who founded the group several years ago, has developed a following of hundreds of people from all over the world and they communicate via facebook, e-mail, everything.

And their only mission is to pull pranks -- that are not cruel or mean in nature -- that are meant to awe and bring joy to people. Or at least give them something to talk about.

But I think it also bring up the crucial aspect of any social media strategy or campaign, and that's the real-life interaction part. It's when the communication intersects with action, that it makes an impact.

Go check out all of their missions at ImprovEverywhere.com!

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

Jim Tobin — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:24:15 -0000

@DJLitten: Excellent point DJ. I would say that a flash mob itself is NOT social media marketing. Only what you do with a video of it COULD be social media marketing.

For example, this event was seen by several hundred folks. Maybe a few thousand. No social media element. But the YouTube video has been viewed over 8 million times.

They didn't try to promote anything in this (one of the reasons it's so good?), but if they had and got even 1/20th of the traffic to watch the video, then that could have been one piece of a social media marketing strategy.

Re: What is a Flash Mob?

DJLitten — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:17:56 -0000

Is this really social media marketing or just social experiment using all forms of communication (including social media)? I think if it's done creatively and videotaped, it can become a vehicle for viral-type or guerrilla marketing campaigns, but I am not sure whether it's considered social media marketing. That may be a more philosophical question of whose roof it would fall under.

What is great is that your clients have actually heard of flash mobs.