The internet is alive with brand-on-brand controversy, as popular theatre chain AMC Theatres speaks out on Twitter, against a poorly contrived tweet from the Zeus of cookie companies – Oreo. Let’s examine what went wrong, and why so many tweeters had a little something of their own to add to the conversation.
The Tweet That Sparked The BOB War
It was a day like any other, one that Nabisco brand Oreo’s, would soon remember as the day a single tweet sparked a brand war. The tweet in question was basic – almost mundane, except that it made one fundamental mistake. Can you see it?
“Ever bring your own Oreo cookies to the movie theater? #slicksnacker” – @Oreo
At first glance, this has the makings of a decent tweet – it invites fans to tell personal stories about their experiences with Oreos. Of course, it also flies in the face of theatres that don’t allow people to bring outside food into their cinemas.
In case you overlooked the #slicksnacker hashtag, the tag irrevocably says that Oreo supports breaking theatre rules. Who cares right, as long as people are eating cookies!
There’s a reason they don’t allow customers to bring food from home – they lose revenue at their own food stands, and as we all know – since pirate downloading became so popular, cinemas need every bit of income they can get to survive.
The Response That Sparked The Public Comments
The response came from AMC Theatres, a bulky 136,000 strong vs. Oreo’s own 53,000 Twitter fans. It was as they say in Twitterland, a ‘social media smack down.’ These smack downs are happening increasingly, as brand ideals and ideas cross paths.
Shane Adams, the man behind the “NOT COOL, COOKIE” tweet, was rightfully insulted by Oreos flagrant lack of consideration for other businesses. Surely at this point, the cookie brand would apologize, like any decent brand would.
Instead Oreo replied: “Fair enough, @AMCTheatres, but don’t hate the player, hate the game”
Tacky, and worse – Oreo thought a bit of slang could excuse the way they carelessly published poor advice, on an ignorant hashtag. You don’t expect that from a large brand online, not at this stage in social media. Fail! AMC only had one thing to say – GAME ON!
SMM’s Take on Responses and Oreos Fail Reply
The #slicksnacker hashtag became a place for Oreo fans, AMC Theatre fans and everyone else to snicker at Oreos idiocy, and applaud the way the theatre company stood up for itself.
Fan replies ranged from ‘looool,’ ‘best tweet ever,’ and ‘stealing Oreos hashtag’ to ‘I now have a new found affection for Oreo cookies, concession prices are outrageous.’
Clearly, the public sentiment split both ways – some people supported Oreos and others the theatre chain. Ethically, Oreos was wrong. And that is the end of that. No amount of snarky replies could polish the dent that Oreos has made to itself online.
Other companies will be watching to see if Oreos self-motivated Twitter strategy will end up posing a threat to their business next.
Which side do you support – Oreos or AMCTheatres? Tell us why and contribute to the brand on brand debate!
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