Hmm. I have mixed feelings about this. As many of you know, I’ve been part of the Online Writing Workshop for almost a year now, which requires a paid subscription, but has not only gotten me a ton of marvelous feedback on my work, but has also put me in touch with a community of great writers.
The OWW’s most recent announcement states as follows:
“As part of its value marketing efforts, Frito-Lay has offered to become a major underwriter of the workshop. This will increase the visibility of Frito-Lay’s brands within a powerful market segment (writers who snack) and will also allow OWW to make some improvements in how the workshop operates.”
Now, foremost, I have no problem with a particular brand or series of advertisements on a website that offers a valuable service. Pandora is one such site that I use almost every day, despite the plethora of ads that run on it. That’s fine. It’s smart marketing.
However, I’m dubious as to the extent of the reward system OWW and Fritos is planning to set up, as well as some of the product placement incentive they are arranging.
“Starting in a month or two, every member will be awarded five bags of Fritos® brand corn-chips for every 100 review points acquired. After that, OWW will ship you one bag of Cheetos® for every 20 review points you earn.”
And you cannot decline to receive these, for administrative reasons. While I’m all for free food, I’m not sure this is going to make me want to review more. I review when I come across a story that catches me, or that I feel I can help in some way with feedback. I certainly hope that stocking the snack pantry doesn’t become
There was also this further note:
“Starting soon, every submission that mentions a Frito-Lay product by name (with registered trademark symbol) will earn an extra review point when it is reviewed. This should encourage review of those submissions, which should encourage you to take advantage of this great new OWW feature.”
Umm…so…I will either start seeing Prince Dorito invading the castle to rescue Princess Frito, or it’s going to turn out that the invading aliens are allergic to delicious bags of chips, preferably with cool Ranch flavoring, and so the Earth is saved by the sound of a billion bags being opened at once.
-sigh-
Anyways, what are your thoughts? Is this a wise move on OWW’s part? Are they taking it a wee bit too far? Or will it just be something most participants ignore, as we’ve learned to do with the rest of the advertising that pervades our society?
I see that smile.
I think that’s appalling. My first thought was to wonder if you had posted this on April Fool’s day, but nope.
As someone who is allergic to corn, and who is rather opposed to unnecessary waste, I would be nothing but annoyed to have someone shipping me snacks I cannot eat.
My only hope is that this announcement is their version of an April Fool’s Joke.
*crosses fingers*
April Fool’s, right?
you got pwned man 😀
I’ll say this is one instance that I’m thankful the joke’s on me. Whew.
But… I LIKE fritos!