Prompt's TechBlog
An Interesting MashUp - Tech Products and Children's Fairy Tales
04 June 2008
Posted by Maryellen Cronin
Tech startups are producing children's books as part of their PR campaigns - does that sound a bit odd? Surprisingly, it's one of the latest mini trends in PR campaigns. The less a company has to do with children's products or services the better for using a child-like approach to deliver its messaging. It's the juxtaposition that works and provides a creative, simplified way to deliver core messages in a unique format that will get recognized by the media.
The June 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine highlighted this new trend with examples of how companies, large and small, have successfully used children's books to launch a new product or the entire company.
Microsoft, for example, created the book "Mommy, Why is there a server in the house?" to unveil its Windows Home Server. The book was used to promote the entire product line online and actually garnered coverage in The New York Times.
Fresh, quirky ideas that offer a unique way to tell a tech companies story help spark media attention. No matter if it's in the form of a children's short story or a clever pitch that mirrors a classic fairy tale - the bottom line is to stay fresh and creative.
I am not completely sold on this latest trend, though. People working in media have so much to read every day, that I doubt they need to be talked down to by a children's book.
The June 2008 issue of Inc. Magazine highlighted this new trend with examples of how companies, large and small, have successfully used children's books to launch a new product or the entire company.
Microsoft, for example, created the book "Mommy, Why is there a server in the house?" to unveil its Windows Home Server. The book was used to promote the entire product line online and actually garnered coverage in The New York Times.
Fresh, quirky ideas that offer a unique way to tell a tech companies story help spark media attention. No matter if it's in the form of a children's short story or a clever pitch that mirrors a classic fairy tale - the bottom line is to stay fresh and creative.
I am not completely sold on this latest trend, though. People working in media have so much to read every day, that I doubt they need to be talked down to by a children's book.
# posted by Maryellen Cronin at 3:15 PM 
Comments:
I like the idea. It's a good way to get information across in a way that is simple and attractive.
I do share your scepticism though. I'm sure the novelty wears off pretty quickly. And the more companies that use the idea, the less effective it will be.
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