Originally Posted by
mrredskin
another example of "oh s*** it went viral... pull back everything!"
Ha! I definitely think this sort of deal is analogous to infectious diseases disaster movie.
Day 1: New promo is developed in retailers IT/Marketing "lab". Lab hopes for mild increase in sales for Widgets R Us auto-delivery service.
Day 2: Promo mutation, phase 1. Gary, PointsGuy, Frugal, Lucky or somebody else finds it. IT guy at company says, "Hmm. We're getting a definite uptick in activity. Interesting."
Day 3: Promo mutation, phase 2. It hits FT. IT guy says, "Boss, the behavior of this new promo is unusual. Our signups for the Widgets R Us delivery service has spiked 300%. I'll keep an eye on it."
Day 4: Promo mutation, phase 3. Promo escapes the lab. It hits Slickdeals, FW, etc.. Infection spreads like wildfire. Signups skyrocket, points/miles/cashback liabilities redline. "Boss, we can't stop it! It's growing out of control! This was never supposed to happen!"
Day 5: Lab goes on lockdown. All communication with outside world shut off. E-mail silence as countdown to "Operation Wildfire" ticks by. IT guy says, "I say we nuke this promo from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."
Day 6: Operation Wildfire inititated. Promo killed, registration page goes down the memory hole. Damage containment e-mails sent out. Denial and backbiting at Widgets R Us begins. IT guy says "You want fries with that?"
Andyandy