Guest Blog Post | Karen Moran
Recently big advertising agency DDB created a new ad campaign for a Haitian charity called WATERisLIFE. And as you can guess by their name, WATERisLIFE's mission is to bring clean water to developing countries.
Sounds like a very noble cause, right? That was until DDB created a new ad campaign that's meant to poke fun of Twitter users who use the "#FirstWorldProblems" hashtag to complain about mundane and trivial things ... like ...
Sounds like a very noble cause, right? That was until DDB created a new ad campaign that's meant to poke fun of Twitter users who use the "#FirstWorldProblems" hashtag to complain about mundane and trivial things ... like ...
Having a hard time deciding what I want to eat. #firstworldproblems
— Sarah
Good time for my satellite to go out. #firstworldproblems
— CM Punk
Unfortunately though DDB and WATERisLIFE have since been skewered by some on the blog-sphere for poking fun of those in need.
DDB responded in a press release that it hopes to "eliminate the "#FirstWorldProblems Twitter hashtag," because it "showcases concerns that seem important to those living in wealthy, industrialized countries, yet are, fact, trivial compared to the issues faced by those struggling to survive in many parts of the world."
I personally think the ad is genius. DDB hi-jacked an already in place and well utilized hashtag. They then directed tweeters to a minute long YouTube video (pictured below) that in roughly a week has more than 1.5M hits - and better still - put a huge glaring spot light on the serious issues that still remain in Haiti and a charity trying to help.
So while there are those who may complain...when was the last time an ad campaign elicited so much chatter about a worthy cause?
DDB responded in a press release that it hopes to "eliminate the "#FirstWorldProblems Twitter hashtag," because it "showcases concerns that seem important to those living in wealthy, industrialized countries, yet are, fact, trivial compared to the issues faced by those struggling to survive in many parts of the world."
I personally think the ad is genius. DDB hi-jacked an already in place and well utilized hashtag. They then directed tweeters to a minute long YouTube video (pictured below) that in roughly a week has more than 1.5M hits - and better still - put a huge glaring spot light on the serious issues that still remain in Haiti and a charity trying to help.
So while there are those who may complain...when was the last time an ad campaign elicited so much chatter about a worthy cause?
| READERS: What do you think about WATERisLIFE's ad campaign First World Problems? Yeah or nay? |  Karen Moran is Chief Mischief Maker at Magnet Social Media. |
About Shelter In A Day | Disaster Relief Housing
Shelter In A Day is the brainchild of eco-friendly, furniture designer Frank Schooley. Shelter's disaster recovery housing provides safe and secure, simple to construct, green homes for those displaced by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes or floods.
The disaster recover shelters are a solidly constructed, termite, rust and rot resistant house, with lockable doors and windows. Homes are crafted from waterproof, recycled wood fiber material and can be easily erected anywhere, in one day.
The disaster recover shelters are a solidly constructed, termite, rust and rot resistant house, with lockable doors and windows. Homes are crafted from waterproof, recycled wood fiber material and can be easily erected anywhere, in one day.
