Kirk Olson

Articles by Kirk All articles by Kirk

• Caitlyn Jenner Will Re-Wire Us All, Just Not Overnight in MediaDailyNews on 06/26/2015
  

  Olympic gold-medal winner formerly known as Bruce Jenner made waves on Vanity Fair's cover with the directive "Call Me Caitlyn," winning the hearts and minds of millions. Still, the issue of shifting gender identities is polarizing, and well-intentioned marketers are understandably nervous, wondering what they should do.

• Why The Emotional Layers Of 'Gone Girl' Are So Darn Good in Marketing Daily on 10/24/2014
  

  For the price of admission, tap into a full spectrum of human emotion, from fear and loathing to laughter and cheering. Sounds like a real bargain. With current headlines dominated by Ebola scares and ISIS threats, don't we all deserve to blow off some steam at the movies?

• Epic Living: Why We All Want To Create The Ultimate Video Selfie in Marketing Daily on 06/18/2014
  

  The quest for unique experiences coupled with widespread social media sharing has turned up the pressure to live life beyond the ordinary.

Comments by Kirk All comments by Kirk

• Epic Living: Why We All Want To Create The Ultimate Video Selfie by Kirk Olson (Marketing Daily on 06/18/2014)
  

  I agree, Paula. Dunn made it pretty clear in his media interviews that he mainly did it for his own fun. It's partly because Dunn wasn't seeking the attention of the world that he got it. And that makes it tricky. Dunn's video was also unexpected, gloriously DIY, well-made, and dealt with an ordinary situation many people can relate to while pushing it to a level of epic absurdity. I think that's the key takeaway for marketers. If we can replicate this recipe (without looking like we're trying too hard) while connecting the content to our brands in an authentic way, we may get closer to the virality we often seek. But as you said, it's not easy. We could all debate whether social media is fostering a population of narcissists, is simply a reflection of a more widespread focus on "self," or is something else entirely. I do think that for those growing up craving social media likes, shares, and retweets, it's just another form of self-expression. Does that mean they're self-centered? I don't know. There are studies that say Millennials are only concerned with money and fame and others that say the opposite. For the youngest, lifestage may be a factor as much as generational cohort. I remember when my generation was labeled "slackers" for our cynicism and ambivalence regarding authority and established institutions. But somehow, most of us still became productive members of society. ;-). As is always the case with generational friction, only time will tell. Thanks for your comment :-)

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