Last but not least: The worst commercial of the year

In times of viral marketing, you never really know what is real and what has sprung from the clever minds of creative minds. Last week, for example, Google's response to an analog search query enraptured the Internet world - for once, hearts just flew to the Internet giant:

It didn't take long for critical voices to take over the discussion. Google was deliberately engaging in viral image cultivation and had circulated the correspondence itself. One can certainly imagine that. But even then, the charming idea still deserves top marks for virology.

The American shopping mall East Hills is in less danger of being suspected of viral infiltration. Although their commercial has had almost two million clicks in just four days. The reason: the clip is so bad that it's almost good again. But only almost. The musical performance in particular leaves room for improvement.

East Hills will not really be able to benefit from the rapid viral spread - even if the shopping center is now known all over the world, the clientele will still have to be limited to a local target group. Nevertheless, the maximum return was achieved here with minimal financial outlay. (hae)