Society for Word of Mouth and Church of the Customer Blog have a great post and analyse about viral maketing effects.

They talk about the "Free Hug Campaign" who is hot on You Tube:

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In this video you will watch one man giving away free hugs and the effect it has on the people around him.

Please observe the people comportment:

* People's resistance to anything free... even if it's a hug
* The breakthrough that happens when one random individual decides to try one
* A tsunami of response once people watch the experience of others
* The fight to defend their right to hug when barriers are erected by "authorities"



According to Church of the Customer Blog:

If you believe strongly enough in your product or service, give it away for free. In the beginning, no one will believe you. Stick with it long enough, experience breakthrough, and you'll have more business than you know what to do with.

And you'll have a band of merry men (and women) who will be your brand evangelists.

Well, what can be Word of Mouth applications and viral maketing campaign in the Travel Industry?

Do you think give away free stuff is a way to conduct sustainable business?

Hugs from France ;-)

Claude