You Don’t Mess with Anonymous
Anonymous, the group responsible for DDOS attacks against those who opposed WikiLeaks, recently took down the website for HBGary Federal. They also hacked CEO Aaron Barr’s Twitter account and released a screenshot that they planned to use as a placeholder for HBGary’s hacked site.
Why? Barr was recently quoted in the Financial Times as saying that he had identified two key members of Anonymous, including a co-founder in the U.S. along with senior members in Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Australia. He claimed to have picked up clues to their identities by monitoring emails, Facebook and IRC chat using fake online names.
Barr had accumulated what he claimed to be a list of Anonymous members and may have been planning to sell the information to the FBI. Once Anonymous got their hands on the information, they dismissed it as “random” and posted the list online for all to see. They also posted Barr’s personal emails, cell number, address and social security number.
via Forbes
Groupon Explains Offensive Ads
During the Super Bowl, Groupon ran a few ads that many people found highly offensive. The ads seemed to make light of certain causes and charities.
When we think about commercials that offend us, we think of those that glorify antisocial behavior – like the scores of Super Bowl ads that are built around the crass objectification of women. Unlike those ads, no one walks away from our commercials taking the causes we highlighted less seriously. Not a single person watched our ad and concluded that it’s cool to kill whales. In fact – and this is part of the reason we ran them – they have the opposite effect.
Groupon started out as a company for social good and seemed to have good intentions in this case, but the execution simply rubbed people the wrong way. After five days of being dragged through the media and attempting to defend their position, Groupon finally decided to pull the ads. Groupon still hasn’t actually apologized for the ads and expect to net over $500,000 for the charities, who did speak out on their behalf.
At the end of the day, I think this is what people refer to as “raising awareness.” Not only are people thinking about these charities and causes, but Groupon got some time in the spotlight and the negative reason why will fade quickly.
via Marketing Pilgrim, Groupon
Zuckerberg Unable to Block His Stalker
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has obtained a restraining order against one Pradeep Manukonda. Manukonda has tried to “follow, surveil and contact Mr. Zuckerberg using language threatening his personal safety.” He was visiting Zuckerberg’s offices asking for money for his family, sent Zuckerberg flowers and a letter, and was stopped by Facebook security as he tried to walk up the front steps of Zuckerberg’s home. Pradeep is definitely certified. In one Facebook message he said to Zuckerberg, “please help me, then I am ready to die for you.” He continues, “Please understand my pain.”
via TMZ