iVillage is running a contest that has generated a small amount of controversy. It a contest to determine the Hottest Dad and some people are wondering if there is a double standard here.
The question they are asking is what would happen if a publication that is primarily focused upon men ran a similar contest. Would there be any sort of backlash or uproar over this.
Some of the comments I heard suggested that it would be ok as long it used a respectable title such as “Hottest Mom” because they think any use of “MILF” would be offensive.
But if the contest is based upon looks and sex appeal is there any significant difference between the two? The iVillage contest isn’t based upon what kind of father the man is, just his looks.
“Once you’ve uploaded your photo, send the link to everyone you know! Make sure they vote and tell us how dreamy the hot dad in your life is.”
It is interesting to think about from a PR/marketing standpoint. It would be one thing to do it as an individual but quite another to have your brand get behind this.
I am willing to bet very few would be willing to take it on because of the potential backlash.
What do you think?
I think you are right — except in some cases where businesses do this intentionally as a stunt for traffic. That’s the dark side of marketing to fear. In any case, I don’t think either is productive.
Hi Frank,
There definitely are those businesses that would use this as a stunt or have found a way integrate sex into their efforts, a la Go Daddy.
Some of them make me wonder if they have spent real time mapping things out or if they are just wining it.
Hey Josh
The Hottest Dad contest kind of made me want to LOL. Particularly the quote from iVillage.
People should have better things to do in their lives! And if they don’t then, they need to find something and quick :-).
Hi Tim,
That quote was the best of the worst. Wonder if someone is getting paid to run that contest.
I think that is that flat out dumbest thing I have seen in some time. OTOH if this is what people want to waste their life and time doing then umm…go ahead? Men, women, MILFs, whatever. I have to say I am kind of appalled that we can’t entertain ourselves better considering what else is going on in the world – the good, the bad, and the interesting. Part of me laughs it off but the other part wants to know what’s wrong with these people?
It is pretty damn dumb, darn it. I suppose it must be effective at driving traffic because we see these posts and things of a similar nature all the time.
Would be nice to see more thoughtful material, but…