Control and command PR backfires

Yesterday we could read that cartoon figure Dilbert is embracing web 2.0 by letting readers “create cartoon mashups, use widgets, rank comic strips, share favorite lists, subscribe to RSS feeds, and add commentary”. If it works out it could be a great example of how to give up control of your message and put it in the hands of consumers, who are encouraged to become brand champions and spread the word about Dilbert.

The exact opposite must be artist James Taylor who held a concert in Stockholm earlier this week. Apparently the organisers demanded that the media that were present signed a contract that limited the use of their own photos. As a result, both Dagens Nyheter and Expressen refused to publish any text or photos about the concert at all. And as you might have guessed, you only need to go to Flickr to find a few photos from the concert.

It’s quite ridiculous to try to limit the use of photos in this day and age, especially in a country with more than 100% mobile penetration. Instead, take a look at the way the Shins involved fans to create a video from 200 video clips from fans’ mobile phones and cameras.

http://current.com/e/76363822

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