Danish ad agency uses fake YouTube video

[Xandax]

I wanted to get some reactions from a more international audience which is also well versed in the online stuff

A couple of days ago a video appeared on YouTube featuring a Danish women "Karen" looking for the father of her child who was a tourist whom she did not remember the name or nationality of.

Today it came out that it was a fake video made by a company called VisitDenmark to spread awareness about Denmark

The "intent" was to use viral marketing to spread the awareness and felt it displayed an image of "secure" and "confident" Danish women - but in my book - it only spreads the awareness that Danish women are "easy" and jumps into bed with tourists, without even a name or nationality
They specifically used YouTube because "real and fake material exists on YouTube" and as such they expected people would know it was fake.... or something.
The video can be seen here: YouTube - Danish mother seeking
I also made a similar blog post on "svelmoe.dk" which is linked in my signature.

Now I'm no stranger to fake stuff on the internet because I think everything is fake unless otherwise confirmed ( ) - but apparently many did not and thought it serious.

What's the opinion about using such videos and the excuse? Would it work? Because in my mind it would be bad publicity and possible keep people away, even if awareness of the nation is increased. Bad publicity isn't always good publicity.

[galraen]

If they're trying to promote sex tourism it'll probably work fine.

[fable]

Quote:

Originally Posted by galraen If they're trying to promote sex tourism it'll probably work fine.

Yep. Probably split the Thai trade, and maybe Thailand will declare war, but hey, you folks are faraway, and you have all those cool fairytale castles to hide within.

[dragon wench]

Quote:

Originally Posted by galraen If they're trying to promote sex tourism it'll probably work fine.

Indeed, that was also my initial thought when reading Xan's post...

Watch out Sweden, Danish women are willing and eager to entertain travellers of all persuasions!

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xandax The "intent" was to use viral marketing to spread the awareness and felt it displayed an image of "secure" and "confident" Danish women

"Secure" and "confident" just because she has the courage to look for the unknown father of her child? Makes me wonder just what part of the body VisitDenmark's marketing team is thinking with. Definitely not the brain.

[Xandax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loki[D.d.G] "Secure" and "confident" just because she has the courage to look for the unknown father of her child? Makes me wonder just what part of the body VisitDenmark's marketing team is thinking with. Definitely not the brain.

The wallet because it is supported by government funding and taking one actor and putting a "webcam" video on YouTube is inexpensive .....

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Umm...just lemme see if I have this right: "You're the daddy 'cos after my one-night stand with you a year and a half ago I haven't slept with anyone since - BUT I'M NOT OBSESSED WITH YOU OR ANYTHING!"
I can see 3 possible explanations for this (well, if it was real anyway):

1: She's lying and is obsessed with her nameless paramour.

2: She's lying and little August could well be someone else's kid.

3: She was actually a wayward nun who hooked up with the random tourist during an alcohol-fuelled one-day stint out of the cloister after drinking too much communion wine and/or watching Sister Act one time too many, and returned the next day racked with guilt for her sindiscretion. 9 months later along came little August, and sadly that 'immaculate conception' routine just doesn't wash anymore.

Not so effective IMO, I'd rather my casual holiday one-night-stands with pretty women who don't remember my name or nationality didn't result in little 'surprises' down the track, even if I'm not being blamed etc - I'm just not cut out for fatherhood. Doesn't exactly send a great message about Denmark's safe sex practices - ever hear of birth control, Karen? I thought Europe was pretty big on effective sex ed. For brand recognition maybe they should have stuck to pushing Denmark's proud history of political cartoons.
On the plus side, it does make for a great advertising slogan.

Denmark: Come for the easy women, stay for the unwanted pregnancy!

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xandax The wallet because it is supported by government funding and taking one actor and putting a "webcam" video on YouTube is inexpensive .....

I had no idea the wallet was part of the human anatomy. You should teach biology classes Xan.

[Xandax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loki[D.d.G] I had no idea the wallet was part of the human anatomy. You should teach biology classes Xan.

I should do a lot of things, but alas ... time is a problem. It would mean less time to lay around on the couch.

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xandax It would mean less time to lay around on the couch.

You should also apply for a job with VisitDenmark. Lazing around seems to be high on the to-do list of many a tourist.