http://blog.cleancutmedia.com/video/united-breaks-guitars-video-by-dave-carroll

My gut feeling tells me that “United Breaks Guitars” does not damage United’s image in any significant way while it does get their brand out in front of millions of people. The travelling public is fully aware of the possibility of damage or loss of personal possessions as well as the red tape involved in an attempt to be compensated. They also view it as an industry problem and not a carrier problem. Also, most of us don’t own a guitar, much less travel with one. We don’t identify well with the supposed victim.

I am reminded of a Gary Larson cartoon in which he depicts how dogs hear a different message than the owner thinks he is speaking. I would post a link or image, but Gary Larson has requested that his material not be posted on the Internet (a shame). I think it is the same here. Dave Carroll intends us to hear about how bad United is, instead we are being entertained and associate the good feelings with United and people with large mustaches.

United did need to jump on the wave of this issue. The correct response would have been a rebuttal song from a band composed of United baggage handlers. I would have commissioned a heavy metal title like, “Dave Carroll can’t pack.” Dave Carroll promised three songs and United should provide the environment and motivation for him to produce all three. Good for Dave, good for “Sons of Maxwell”, good for United and good for us.