Thanks guys.
Yes, the next step is to make a page that includes the video, a summary of this situation, thumbnail photos of our parody pics, and links to key posts in this thread, as it will soon be too long for an average web surfer to trudge through.
Then, a sitewide promotional banner, followed by a mention of this incident in our next newsletter. Plus, I'm still sending out personalized emails to a bunch of people. And, I need to do a blown-up analysis of the "Anti-Christ of the Hot Rod World" frame, to point out all of the little bad-boy props. For example, Richard's shades that he never takes off, the word Voodoo on the car, the can of beer in his hand, the constantly crossed arms, the "F My Coast" shirt, the skull jewelry, etc. That specific frame is an excellent example of Richard's carefully-scripted badboy persona.
Also, I'd like to put together a simple tutorial to show other webmasters and forum administrators how easy it is to fight video with video, because we're all going to need to step up our skills shortly.
I really feel bad for David Coker, but "he's such a nice guy", "awww, he didn't know", or "his products have a great reputation" aren't legitimate excuses. Also, you can tell by the way he bumbled through his lines that he's not very good at being fake and hamming it up for the cameras. Poor guy
. Someone probably slick-talked him into thinking that this would be a good way to promote Newstalgia Wheel. Hence the "Noose-talgia" analogy in the video. They're giving him the rope he's hanging himself with. However, he has to take responsibility. As do we. If we do nothing, then what would they do next?
Also, I'm glad that I've picked up basic video-editing skills, although I still have much to learn. Video is becoming widespread on the net now, and video (television) marketing is already the strongest skill of the mainstream hotrodding marketers. To think that we won't see many more of these would be naive.
poncho -- I agree, and I'll be watching it closely. Part of the reason that we must counter with a video is that, as we draw attention to this situation, people go to YouTube and watch the Gas Monkey Video. So, we were, in a sense, "advertising" their video, without a video of our own for people to watch.
Stephen Andrews (dodgy) -- Unlike Richard Rawlings and David Coker, your first and last name were specifically excluded from the video. My feeling is that your marketing fiasco is caused more by stupidity, inexperience, and basic greed, rather than genuine malice or attempts to usurp American hotrodding culture for reasons of personal profit. Also, you are a very small fish. After your production company collapses, I think that your personal reputation will not be greatly harmed. Your license plate is visible in one of photos you've posted on the web. One of our members, who is also a private investigator, has graciously volunteered to run your plates for us, so that's something that you may want to keep in mind. Like Richard Rawlings and David Coker, a portion of the responsibility for this offense is yours.
I plan on posting on NobleForums.com regarding this incident. I intend to post a link to the parody video, in the thread in which you request feedback on your video:
looking for feedback on Gas Monkey video. And, I will be offering free consulting services for any other automotive marketers on that forum who wish to have their promotional material reviewed prior to releasing it on the web. They can either deal with our feedback before they release marketing propaganda, or after.
