Ad Company Hijacks Beck and Palin Facebook Pages: ‘Letterbombed’
- Posted on October 29, 2010 at 7:57am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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It’s called “letterbombing.” Originally created by an ad agency, it‘s supposed to give companies a way to use others’ Facebook pages as ad space. No permission required.
If it sounds somewhat devious, it is. Letterbombing’s website sums up the concept like this: “Congratulations. You’re about to become an Internet vandal.”
Although it seems simple enough, the company behind the idea couldn’t get people to buy the service. So instead of sulk, it decided to have fun with the concept itself by staging some high profile hijackings. The businessmen pranksters decided to target those with whom they have “ideological differences:” Fox News, Sarah Palin, and Glenn Beck. On October 14, they launched their attack.
It worked.
The hijackers message of choice wasn’t original — they stole the slogan of Stephen Colbert’s one-time rally “Keep fear alive.” Then, each member of the group changed their profile picture to the appropriate letter and posted in order on the targets’ Facebook pages. The result is a message that runs down the page.
“You and your friends simultaneously leave posts on someone’s Facebook wall,” the site explains. “Once you ‘reserve’ a block of posts, change your profile pictures to a letter, spelling out anything you want.”
The masterminds are Jeff Greenspan, Chris Baker, and Danny Adrain, colleagues at a New York City ad agency. While some may call their idea funny, genius, sophomoric, irreverent, or Facebook terrorism, they describe it as “a subversive way to deliver a message anywhere on Facebook.”
“Glenn Beck was an easy target. Sarah Palin was an easy target. Fox News was an easy target,” Greenspand told the Daily Beast, later adding “it‘s still really funny to make it look like Glenn Beck’s followers or Sarah Palin’s followers are saying [Keep Fear Alive]. So we thought it worked on a couple of levels.”
But the group didn’t stop at mocking conservatives. It continued “bombing” others, including teenage singing sensation Justin Bieber and even Colbert’s old rally rival Jon Stewart. It tried to hit New York Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Cuomo, but a random poster disrupted the letter flow.
The group was later successful in posting a message on New York Gov. David Patterson’s page that read “Sign the autism bill.” He later vetoed it.
Although the messages thus far have been political, they don’t have to be. The group’s site says anything is fair game: “A political rally cry? A happy birthday message to a friend? The full text of War and Peace?”
It says it will support anything: “We wish you success.”
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Comments (120)
MrObvious
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:44amyawn …. just a dumb stunt … who cares … click on the flag links, call it a day.
Report Post »McCloud54
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:42amIf they weren’t unemployed they might have spent their time doing something productive.
Report Post »NOTWGal
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 10:40amJust gonna post something similiar to yours. They should post “Faith, Hope and Charity“ and ”VOTE” Now that would be productive.
Report Post »Tyson
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:41amAnd once again my position that FACEBOOK is a blight on humanity!
Report Post »omigosh
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:07amAmen!
Report Post »docvet
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:03pmDaily I see a reason not to be on facebook.
Report Post »TheBeezKnow
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:40amWow, that’s sooo awesome! Can’t wait to do that with all of my loser friends… *huge eye roll*
Report Post »MarkBL
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:25amDouches.
Report Post »IntheKnowOG
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:21am“it‘s still really funny to make it look like Glenn Beck’s followers or Sarah Palin’s followers are saying [Keep Fear Alive].”………………Lie, Chealt, Steal…..Alinsky. Don’t go soft guys, bring camers to the voting precincts. Record any illegal electioneering, voting “assistants”, poll workers wearing campiagn shirts (yeah, it happens). Time and date stamp it and demand to see the poll judges immediatley. DO NOT LEAVE until whatever issue is resolved. Call the police, whatever. Make an issue, get the news. Don’t let them steal this one.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:20amjust one more public way to show how the democrats have corrupted and destroyed American values, theft and vandalism means nothing to them. democrats = no longer “Americans”.
Report Post »storm8259
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:47pmsorry sir, anyone that’s has the thought that disagreeing with your point of view is un-american is in my opinion un-american.
Report Post »CanadianTory
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:17amWhere I come from an idea like that is usually called obnoxious no wonder they couldn’t get anyone to by the service. I’m not sure that I would want to drink Coke if they were hijacking Facebook pages to read D R I N K C O K E
BTW
B
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F
Report Post »T
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greggor
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:16amI think that their message of “Keep Fear Alive” is exactly what we should be doing. We should be fearing what our government is doing.. and then, finally, our government better start fearing what I believe is going to be more than just at the ballot box.
Report Post »If they want violence.. they will get it.
N37BU6
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:16amLook at all those Macs… why pay 3 times as much for the same performance at the cost of flexibility, customization, and ease of repair?
Because the cases are white and have glowing apples on them, that’s why. Libs are victims of packaging and stylish advertising… it’s why they voted for Obama.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:24amhttp://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1551/45yy66yu.jpg
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:50amI work for USACE and it‘s amazing the number of government drones that buy the most expensive mac’s apples offer every year, surplussing the one they bought last year, paying someone to reformat them and put windows on them. They think it’s cool to have a mac, are to dumb to figure out how to read exchange email on it, are to dumb to install a vm product and read the exchange email, and to dumb to install windows themselves. In the building I work in, they must have bought 200 ipads last month, 2 weeks before the army started blocking the ability to read email on the ipads. 75% of them will never be taken out of the box, or taken out once, they will figure out they can’t read email while out on the golf course with them, and they will put them right back in the box.
Report Post »donhooksc
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:27pmI love my Mac. I’ll never go back to MicroSux.
Report Post »HouseNegro
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:14amUneducated and unemployed what else did you expect? That attack was lame please try again.
Report Post »Sandy
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:14amFaith, Hope & Charity need to get put on several facebook pages
Report Post »pharmtech
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:12amThese people have way too much time on their hands…
Report Post »OneRepublic4us
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:46amI think this would be a good group for Obama to start his little community service bootcamp since they seem to have so much free time.
Report Post »stinkybisquit
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:11amLoyalty to the highest bidder. Let me guess: they’re liberal, and the free market is evil ( at least, until they make a profit at it).
Report Post »DrPepper
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:11amThat’s funny and childish let them keep throwing pebbles in the pond who cares. Anyone who goes to Sarah or Glenns FB pages are well aware of their tactics.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:11am“Keep fear alive, but kill babies”
Report Post »mlakester
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 11:24amHa! Too true.
Report Post »catndahat
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:10amI love it every time a drooling liberal does something desperate–it’s like watching monkeys infested with fleas.
Report Post »DagneyT
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:10amI’d call it sophomoric! Waay too much time on their hands!
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:09amNow tell me the Mom‘s and Dad’s of those vandals who do such things aren’t proud of them ? Gee aren’t they neat to be able to do such a thing ? I mean they might even get a letter of appreciation from Obama (aka the Lone Cockroach) for their spectacular achievement.
Report Post »Libby
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:54amWhy stop there? I think the Nobel people would find this prize-worthy! After all they gave the divine Mr. “O” the peace prize for just thinking about it. These kids could probably use the money since they obviously have too much time on their hands from not selling real advertising!
Report Post »Tripper
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:09amabsolutely no life amongst them.
Report Post »txbigfoot
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:09amI would call the FBI
Report Post »Screw them and prosecute.
wingedwolf
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:28amI was thinking the same thing! LOL Do we have a case?
Report Post »ImahaIngttta
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:09amOr…You could just post an isightful and intelligent message?
Report Post »aks368
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:33amWhat a concept : ) Can you imagine if people actually focused their skills into productive avenues what we could accomplish. What a waste.
Report Post »We Are Not Alone
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:06amMUST SEE:
WE THE PEOPLE youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVAhr4hZDJE
I AM AMERICA by Krista Branch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0heL2Czeraw&feature=fvw
Makes you proud to be an American ♥
VOTE FOR FREEDOM
Report Post »NOTWGal
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 10:26amThank you for sharing, love ‘em!
Report Post »DrammyCoke
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:05amThey really are running scared aren’t they?
Report Post »Highland
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:27amHow incredibly childish. It‘s the internet version of stringing toilet paper in a neighbor’s trees.
Report Post »moriarty70
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:30amNah, that’s more Abbot & Costello in “Hold That Ghost” this is more along the lines of Smothers Brothers.
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:37amThe “Wannabe Tyrants” will publicize the irrelevant using their “preponderance of the propaganda” to avoid a discussion of the issues. Pay no attention to the smokescreen.
When your premise is false the only arguments that can be used are fear mongering, emotional arguments, sarcasm, attacking the messenger and misrepresentation of the facts (lying). Those who expect to reap huge profits from our misery caused by government control are experts at these tactics.
The only relevant issue is freedom or tyranny!!!!
http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »Brian
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:39amIn case y’all have forgotten, conservatives are being set up. Yes the American people wish to end
Report Post »the frivolous spending by the government. But as Beck has clearly pointed out, once the spending
is cut, the poorer amongst us will rally against the upper classes causing riots much like we have
seen in Greece, France, Italy, etc… When that happens, look who will be there to say, hey, we are
the good guys, those dirty republicans and constervative Tea Baggers caused all this. Then what do
we have? A democraticlly controled house and senate with even more power because the majority
of people will stand with them. IT IS A LOSE-LOSE situation. We all just need to pray, give what we
can, dont take more that whats needed, and NOT depend on the government for ANYTHING…
Its all a set up… smh
sWampy
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:44amLiberals brains stop developing around the 4th grade, please don’t make fun of them. I wonder if that’s when they are taught to roll their first fatty?
Report Post »Skullpah
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:34amBeck is a pacifist. In 1775 he would have been relegated to cleaning up the outhouse behind Constitution Hall while the couragous men inside made plans to secure their freedom and liberty from tyranny. I agree with Glenn’s message, but not his method. The brave men (and women) of this country know there is really only one solution to prevent the Communist/Marxist/Socialist takeover of our fair nation. Always remember that anyone that doesn’t stand with you is very likely standing against you (or willing to give you up for a price!).
Report Post »Quagmire58
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 10:49am@Brian, One problem with your post, the poor aren’t the ones protesting in Greece, France, and Italy, it is the union workers protesting.
If the Republicans reduce spending across the board, and maintain the ‘Bush tax cuts’, the poor won’t be effected, but the power hungry government will be.
Report Post »Maybe the GEESE Know More than the BEES Know
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:04amwe should do this and say
FAITH HOPE CHARITY!
snowleopard3200
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:27amInteresting concept on what they are doing. Why not attempt the same way for any of the Progressive Congress facebook pages, assuming someone is not already doing so.
Report Post »HKS
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:32amLove it when commies squirm. What a country.
Report Post »LadyLiberty
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:46amThey violated the terms of use for Facebook and like idiots, put a video of themselves on YouTube doing it. They all should get the Darwin Award for excessive stupidity in their criminality.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:47amhttp://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6558/libfail.png
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:50amBetter yet, how about the ‘Pledge of Allegiance?’
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:53am@HKS
They aren’t commies… just uninformed, naïve kids.
Report Post »Stegosluggus
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:10amYour left seems to be really brave when they are battling a group who they believe won’t fight back. But that one group that blows you up when you make them mad? They won’t touch them, even though that culture is really mean to their own women…really mean…interesting.
http://www.slugbuddies.com
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:27amIt’s like a Geico commercial: It’s super amusing, but what was the message?
Did they offer counter points?
Report Post »JJ Coolay
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:30amThese people need jobs or something. They have way too much time on their hands.
Report Post »HRSEYE
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 10:24amWe should do the same and post “OWNED BY G. SOROS” to socialist sites at msnbc
Report Post »Mind Boggling
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 10:28amWhy not write them back? After all they left their contact information. I bet most of them were foolish enough to use their real names, links to their social networking sites and Twitter accounts, etc.
Kinda like what Sharron Angle did to Joy Behar. Very classy.
Send them virtual flowers. Share the love. :-)
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 11:38amyou can trash a facebook page or two but you cant stop the american people from throwing the democommies out. the more beck exposes them the more like spoiled kids they seem to act. do you really think this helps you? it just shows the rest of america what you really are. sick sick sick!
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 12:28pmSilly liberals, Paychecks are for workers. This is slim and no wonder they can’t sell their idea.
Report Post »chazman
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 8:35pmHey Letterbombing … we know where you live. Get lost ….
Report Post »southerncross
Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:37pmit’s probaly time that someone of real intelligence invented a “competitor” to facebook……considering the CIA is involved with facebooks operation, well, you can see why the competition is required.
Report Post »M4nikM4ti
Posted on October 30, 2010 at 11:36pmhaha well everyone take off work and well LAN up and do it up :P!
Report Post »