Looks like McDonald’s has taken yet another stab at frying up an inorganic viral campaign. This time around it’s #shamrocking, the fast food giant’s answer to internet sensations planking, tebowing, owling and draping.
What is this #shamrocking nonsense?
McDonald’s kicked the campaign off with a sponsored story on BuzzFeed complete with examples and this super cheesy intro:
“The Irish jig has been an expression of joy since the 16th century, and thanks to the hot new viral trend of #Shamrocking, it’s making a modern day comeback. Check out some of these high-stepping #Shamrockers, then get out there and treat your friends to a shake and make them dance with delight!”
Feels a bit forced, eh? Just wait ’til you see the rest of the pictures.
And for your St. Patrick’s day eve reading pleasure, we’ve compiled a round up of the web’s best responses to the #shamrocking campaign.
The press pokes fun
“Oh, McDonald’s. Every time you turn to Twitter, the world gets a good laugh.” – MSN Now
“But love of the boldly green shake does not a meme make.” – Business Insider
“McDonald’s Fabricates Awkward Internet Meme With #Shamrocking Pose like a poor man’s Captain Morgan” – Title of AdWeek’s commentary on the campaign
“Irish stereotypes aside (since we’re used to those in March) this retail appropriation of stupid photo memes like planking, horsemaning and tebowing is just asking for trouble.” – Work That Matters
(Most) marketers are appalled
Well, at least these guys are into it.
https://twitter.com/#!/U_Creative/status/180361097600172033
These guys? Not so much.
https://twitter.com/#!/ADDMARKETING/status/180463956027121664
https://twitter.com/#!/kevindgrant/status/180403324212879360
https://twitter.com/#!/brandspanking/status/180379112014217217
…meanwhile the bros of the world assume #shamrocking pertains to beer
https://twitter.com/#!/EVPBro/status/180480586438283264
…and then PETA throws some red paint on the mess
https://twitter.com/#!/peta/status/180357927712993280
When you’re a behemoth fast food corporation like McDonald’s you’re bound to get flack for pretty much anything you put on the interwebs, but this crack at viral marketing was just a bit too manufactured. I mean, come on McDonald’s. Did you really think the internet would jump on board with this one?
Besides, Americans were going buck wild for Shamrock Shakes way before McDondald’s manufactured this #shamrocking nonsense. When people are that passionate about a product, leave it up to them to create their own organic tributes to the minty green concoction. Because as any marketer knows, those are the good kind.
And on a final note, let’s not overlook this gem of a tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/McDonalds/status/179271728202125312
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