Kony 2012

If you’re near Dartmouth College Thursday, March 22, come to my lecture, “The Selling of Kony 2012.” The most successful viral campaign in history deploys the most sophisticated social-media tools-along with persuasive devices that have been around for 3,000 years. 4:30 p.m. in Dartmouth’s Filene Auditorium.

Can’t be there? Have no fear: Figaro will be offering some details in posts to come.

Comments

[Dave Algoso]

I'm nowhere near New Hampshire, but I'm really looking forward to your analysis of Kony 2012. I just finished reading "Thank You for Arguing" two weeks ago. While I watched the video, all I could think was: wow, that's a whole lot of pathos with a healthy scoop of ethos, and barely a pinch of any logos.

[Figaro]

Right you are, Dave. Many of the techniques prime the audience to use the instinctive, assumptive part of the brain, making sure our analytical faculties don't worry their pretty little heads. Which is why I'm beginning my lecture with baby pictures and kitten videos!