I like the concept and would be curious to see how this plays out. My opinion is that it would be very hard to get someone to devote 6 months to blogging and telling how their experience is. I look forward to seeing how this all played out.

Maybe it could almost be like a documented day and Life of xxxxxx, where they maintained regular blog postings, pictures and videos. It seems you would want someone who almost became a Social Magnet at the community, and created a following.

I think it is a bit more difficult to find an apartment enthusiast similar to a car enthusiast. I do think what Ford is doing is very much different than what Guy is doing, which is no more than a paid endorsement.

Whatever you choose, Good Luck, and we are all in support of adding what we can to help make it successful

I agree that a great deal of thought would have to go into the Vlogger choice. That is not to mention the concept itself. I’m not sure if you were following this afternoon but it sure set off a flurry of feedback on Twitter, both for and against. It moved me to believe there is something more to think about.

I really think there is a deeper social media consumer feedback question to be asked here; has the face of currency in exchange for goods, services and feedback changed – more specifically, currency in respect to the inadvertent exchange of goods and services for evangelistic feedback. I mean, I may not say it out loud but I sure do want that guy/gal to tell his/her friends about my goods, services and experiences, especially if they are positive in nature. For example, if I give away a 50″ HDTV at move in and the recipient gives me a glowing review on a consumer feedback site, I think it fair to say that I purchased his/her feedback. His comments are tainted and or biased. In another example, if I provide residents the opportunity to participate as guest blog authors, as I do with many of our residents, have I inadvertently exchanged an experience for evangelistic feedback – the currency being ones innate need/desire to feel celebrity? I think I have. Is that right or wrong? I am not sure I know the answer but my gut tells me, it happens all the time.

In the example of rent in exchange for a vlogger’s documented experience, the difference is the overt upfront authenticity. In other words what I normally achieve by inadvertent exchanges, I am boldly proclaiming to the public by way of a call for unadulterated feedback in the form of video and text. In essence it’s 100% authentic. In fact, it could not be any more authentic. All the facts are there for one to an informed decision.

When you think about it, this promotion could be an absolute nightmare. Six months is a very long time. There is more than an absolute chance we make a mistake. There is a chance we have a delayed respond. That is not to mention the vlogger/blogger will likely know everyone in the community, which could compound any issue, good or bad.

Mark,

Thank you for taking the time to add to the conversation, my subsequent rant was an effort to offload some thoughts to paper.

Have a great evening.

M

Mj

Thank you for taking the time. I like crazy and beyond the norm, we shall see what comes of it.

I will have to pick up the book.

M

But! It sounds really smart. What kind of cost would advertising like that be?

PS… I’m reading “Differentiate or Die” by Jack Trout, and thought of you.