It’s my guess that they already knew the kind of responses they would get in advance. But it’s the ‘appearance’ of being open that’s appealing and attention getting.

However, I don’t think that in this case you can attribute an altruistic marketing intention for Pravda. As a viral marketing initiative, the brand can hardly be seriously dented by even a majority of negative feedback. The genius in the exercise is that the product is alcaholic, therefore, the drunker and more abusive the comment, the better. Ironically, this is an endorsement of the product in itself.

I prefer wine to vodka myself, and being Friday night and all, I might just have one – here’s cheers to a beaut campaign!

That’s the genious: engaging consumers. Pravda has created a relationship with these folks and their friends and family who also enjoy vodka. Now, there’s a bond.

Some like the taste, some don’t. Some people love vodka, some don’t drink at all. And Pravda has opened a line of communication (and therefore begun a relationship). Again, that’s the branding wizardry behind this promotion – not the willingness to be critiqued.

You are absolutely right. The transparency and willingness to be open really get people’s attention and respect. I think that most of the potential customers are smart enough and we don’t need to play them tricks.

Honesty and frankness are better strategies… And they work for a long term, not only for “hit-and-run” cases.

Regards and good luck!
William

I totally agree – you really do need to ask for feedback and to listen.

During the trials I conducted while creating my board game (and since using it commercially), I’ve found some of the best feedback is actually behaviour, and the things people do and say without realising it and without the spotlight on them. So if you have the benefit of seeing your customers it’s a good idea to observe them closely. Take it all in, the whole picture (including all the negative comments), so you can see how different personalties perceive your product.

And yeah, showing the results is a brave move for sure! I think you’re absolutely right that it adds to the “buzz”. It gets your attention doesn’t it! – and becomes a great talking point. They’ll probably earn a lot of respect, just from being so open.

And I think that’s the takeaway point really – transparency, and willingness to be open gets people’s attention and respect.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Cheers, Danielle

I think that feedback is one of the most important things in branding – you have to know what really is the position of your brand and the opinion of your customers about it.

But to show all feedback results in public, without filtering them is a really brave move. This the pure truth, but it could be painful.

I would do this move (I am afraid, but I would do it ), for two main reasons:

1) I will get the real feedback.
2) I will get the buzz. (Either I’ve got good or bad feedback, the people start talking about my brand).

Regards and thanks for the idea!
William