Take It All Off
In case you missed it, another naked New York City character has gained popularity. The self-proclaimed “world’s fastest nudist” has been streaking the streets of the city dressed only in a headband, strategically placed fanny pack and running shoes. Videos of his runs have been posted on YouTube over the past several months.
The nudist also has a Twitter feed at fastestnudist, where he chronicles his streaks plus adds tongue in cheek commentary around other naked events, like Marge Simpson’s Playboy cover. You can also find him on Facebook or on his blog The Daily Nude.
While the videos and other online vehicles seem to have only a modest following, the nudist has been featured in several popular blogs like Huffington Post and Gawker, and even interviewed by local news outlets including the New York Post. The peak of the nudist’s coverage occurred when a clip was featured on CNN’s AC 360 last month.
Starting to sound like a coordinated effort? You’re right to think so. The New York Times reported that the world’s fastest nudist is actually a viral campaign created by Agent 16 for Zappos.com, in support of the online retailer’s clothing launch. The revelation came via the video “Ambushed,” when the nudist is stopped mid-streak and fully clothed by a Zappos team.
While the results may be smaller in scope and contained locally to New York City, this seems like a clever effort on the part of Zappos to engage consumers through online media and build buzz around a new product launch. The only question raised is one of trust and transparency. As the Times points out, several reporters were duped along the way by the character. Consumers followed his chronicles. Do they appreciate the joke and feel in the know? Or betrayed for engaging in a commercial stunt? For that reason, is there any negative rub for Zappos – or is any publicity good publicity?
