Lets start by explaining who the Trolololo man is. In 1976, Eduard Khil, aka the Trololo man, was video taped singing some song. All of a sudden in 2010, a new website trololololololololololo.com popped up highlighting Eduard’s “rockstar ” performance.
Call it what you will. I call it catchy.
But here is where I become REALLY interested. Eduard Khil, the trololo man addressed the world in a follow up video [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRefK6OyvHU[/youtube]
What a genius! This guy is a an internet sensation, and to keep it flowing, he enlists all of us around the internet who have enjoyed his fine melody and one hit wonder, to write lyrics to the no-lyrics song that some say has become another form of the Rick Roll (for those who don’t know what a Rick Roll is, email me and I will send you one).
Seriously, Trololo man has completely engaged this and is being an exceptionally good sport about the whole thing. And why shouldn’t he be! He is getting the attention he has been waiting for, probably for over 35 years!
If only all brands were as receptive as Eduard Khil. I think there is a big lesson to be learned from this. Sometimes, we do stupid things (yes we all do, no one is perfect). They can be embarrassing, and it certainly stomps down on our ego. In fact, for a brand, one wrong move can be lethal to our image. But I think one of the keys to viral marketing, and we see this time and time again, is that some of the most viral memes out there, are completely accidental or even put the brand in a “not-so-positive” light, but the attention is astronomical.
So the next time we are so quick to pull down what is seemingly unappealing or semi degrading content, sit back, and review the facts (like Mr. Khil Eduard Khil, the Trololo man watches all the remakes). [youtube width=”225″ height=”144″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_NrrQLVloo[/youtube] Think of the viral effect and the huge amount of attention it can get your brand.
And then there were the parodys! 🙂 Enjoy!
What would a Meme be if it didn’t make Hitler upset? It would certainly be no meme at all! [youtube width=”225″ height=”144″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqxIZD4phJw[/youtube] And finally, just because its awesome, Rick Rolling Bill O’Reilly on live television (he doesn’t like it :)) [youtube width=”225″ height=”144″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIcx_rxTstc&feature=related[/youtube]
Check out the Trololo Facebook group for any and all new Trololo memes that pop up!