I suppose the question I asked in the title of this article is rhetorical, as it’s pretty easy to see my opinion. Pawngo, a Denver-based “online pawn shop” decided that the best way to get publicity was to pull the following stunt:
Via barstoolsports.com:
What in the f#$% is this? Some company called Pawngo dropping 900 lbs (literally) of Butterfingers in Copley Square today making fun of Wes Welker? Do they think that’s funny? I mean great publicity stunt. Now everybody in New England hates your ass and hopes you die. Bravo. Bravo. Oh by the way here is Pawngo’s contact info….
First, the idea that any attention is good attention is just wrong. And while plenty of angry New England Patriots fans will talk about this, it will only lead to negative associations with the brand.
Secondly, this is a Denver-based pawn shop thanking a New England receiver for not catching a pass. Logical. Apparently these Denver fans were so hurt from getting annihilated by the Patriots that they had to cheer on the Giants, and when the Patriots lost, the Pawngo guys couldn’t resist rubbing it in.
But let’s put the football aspect of this aside for a second.
Is attention everything? Any time you see a stunt like this, people will comment about the genius of the PR/Marketing tactic. Think of how many people will visit the Pawngo site because of their classless actions. And out of the thousands that will visit, some will sign up and will pawn their junk, which will justify the butterfinger campaign.
So is it worth it? Should you make 14 and a half million people hate you in order to get attention? Do the ends justify the means?
I have my opinion. What’s yours?
