New Shocker Video and Hashtag

[DUShock]

I understand the intent and the message, I just don't think a marketing gimmick via #Social Media will work in a statewide format. Winning will generate followers statewide and winning on television will be the most successful approach.

I love the fact that Athletics is working to improve our image and that they are keeping the message fresh. I understand and agree that I, as a soon to be 43 year old alum, am not the target market. Athletics targets my demographic in a much different manner. Regardless of my aging personal thoughts I sincerely hope this is a success. I was sitting on wood benches in Section W back when my wife and I would openly question why we subject ourselves to the frustration that was then Shocker basketball. I will sure as heck have a smile on my face sitting in my chair back sipping SASO room soda and eating the popcorn after my alma mater's first final four trip in my lifetime. I know folks who have endured a heck of a lot more and they will be doing the same.

Go Shocks!!!!

[SB Shock]

I like it - I think it has more "meat" than the watchus campaign last year. My only complaint would be a better hash tag that was related to WSU.

[Rocky Mountain Shock]

When I first watched the video I was a little underwhelmed. My biggest problem was actually the narrator--he sounded like a mumbling amateur reading a script. He still does and I still don't like that aspect of it.

But #mySTATE is growing on me. #Watchus also seemed rather bland to me at first, but our marketing department ended up using it brilliantly and in retrospect was probably one of the most creative and successful social media marketing campaigns in the brief history of social media marketing campaigns. So considering my initial reaction to #Watchus and how they used it, I'm going to reserve further judgment, defering to a marketing department that was recently proclaimed the best in college athletics. Here's some of my random observations and thoughts, for what it's worth (acknowledged that's not much):

*I don't think #Watchus is going away entirely. They used it twice in the video ("Watch us begin, watch us declare our state of Wichita)
*#mySTATE is bold. I think actually what they're doing is by emphasizing "state" they're saying WSU is not limited by the borders of the city of Wichita, that we represent the entire state of Kansas. And since--as our MSU fans are quick to point out--Wichita is not a state, thinking beyond geographic boundaries what makes our fans passionate is a state of mind, and they're going to explore that throughout the year with this campaign. It is, in a way, a dig at K-State and KU for limiting themselves to certain geographic boundaries--though I doubt they ever go beyond inuindo with that. In other words, we picked up a lot of goodwill and casual fans with our FF run, and they're making it clear to everyone that being a fan of WSU doesn't mean you have to be from Wichita or have any connection with the city, so if you love college basketball and love gritty teams that play with passion we are your team no matter where you're from.
*#Watchus worked by using verbage after the hashtag, as in #Watchus Make Pitt Cry. I think #mySTATE can be used with the verbage before or after it so it is more versatile, such as "#Winning is #mySTATE", or "mySTATE Made Alabama Cry."
*#mySTATE is more personal than #Watchus, and if it's successful could instill a sense of ownership or belonging to new fans in the fanbase.

[Cdizzle]

I'm just excited we actually have continuous marketing going on. They may not all be home runs, but you can't win like they did last year unless you play a hand.

[ShockBand]

#ShockU also has possibilities, and is already in existence on some apparel.

I think #MySTATE is different, and that first video to me seems to be just the teaser. I agree with the small technical things that have been mentioned, and the narrative might be a bit verbose, but in a strange way, it just has this quiet swagger right before the whoop ass begins.

[SHOCKvalue]

I'd agree with a lot of other posters in their opinion that the new video is a bit underwhelming. The spoken message in the video is over-wrought, and comes off as trying too hard. That said, I can't help but think this is the opening salvo in a set of stylistically-tied vids the marketing team has created for this season, and that later videos (game intro, etc) will tie into this one directly, and give us all that emotional crescendo the new video currently and intentionally lacks.

We do have the marketing team that essentially won their respective national championship - if you will. I have faith this is the start of something special.

[Steeleshocker]

The delivery on the spoken word was lacking, and that is 90% of a video like this. Song choice I think is very good (it's "Intro" by The Xx). If you don't like the song I recommend going onto some higher end speakers and cranking it up.

I totally agree with @Rocky Mountain Shock:. I think the hashtag has good potential and flexibility.

[ShockBand]

The delivery on the spoken word was lacking, and that is 90% of a video like this. Song choice I think is very good (it's "Intro" by The Xx). If you don't like the song I recommend going onto some higher end speakers and cranking it up.

I totally agree with @Rocky Mountain Shock. I think the hashtag has good potential and flexibility.

I concur. On something like this, the narrator's tone and cadence has to be spot on, and someone with a voice that has really good resonance.

[im4wsu]

I concur. On something like this, the narrator's tone and cadence has to be spot on, and someone with a voice that has really good resonance.

John Facenda

[shockmonster]

There is more excitement for the Shockers both in Kansas and beyond than ever right now. Now is the time to cash in and grow the fan base and student body and keep winning. I wouldn't be surprised if the President of WSU isn't cheer leading this effort. His goal is to increase the student body up to 27,000 students. They need state students.

[_kai_]

I really dig the #MyState hashtag. It can and will be used in many contexts.

The dialog heavy video is just an introduction to the idea, I think it conveys it well enough, but I do agree that the delivery could have been done with a better voice. I would suggest a certain Shocker voice legend, Mike Kennedy to have done it. Immediately recognizable to all Shocker fans, and has a great voice for those outside our demographic who wouldn't recognize that voice.

Or maybe Morgan Freeman could have voiced it for us.

[wsu1952]

I just spoke to the ticket office and they informed me that today only is a "Black Out" day for goshockers.com. You can access FB, twitter, tickets, etc with the icons directly below the video ....but you cannot go directly to the homepage.

[WstateU]

I'd agree with a lot of other posters in their opinion that the new video is a bit underwhelming. The spoken message in the video is over-wrought, and comes off as trying too hard. That said, I can't help but think this is the opening salvo in a set of stylistically-tied vids the marketing team has created for this season, and that later videos (game intro, etc) will tie into this one directly, and give us all that emotional crescendo the new video currently and intentionally lacks.

We do have the marketing team that essentially won their respective national championship - if you will. I have faith this is the start of something special.

[pogo]

I concur. On something like this, the narrator's tone and cadence has to be spot on, and someone with a voice that has really good resonance.

Sam Elliott

[SubGod22]

Sam Elliott

I'm going with James Earl Jones