Downy's radical microsite wants you to connect with old friends
Posted on Mon Mar 2 2009
This is going to be big: a Web site where you network with people in a social manner. You might even call it a social network. Whatever it is, the Procter & Gamble fabric softener Downy is pioneering this newfangled form of communication with the "Downy: Feel More Connected" site.
The goal of the site is for you to make a public pledge, New Year's resolution-style, to communicate with someone you've been neglecting. It's a place to "pledge to feel more connected to those you love." Be aware, though: It doesn't pick up the phone for you, or even ping that loved one with an e-mail. There's a contest, though, that could send you and your reacquainted friends on vacation together or win you some other swag. Judging from some of the early pledges (187 so far), not everyone seems to get the gist. One person's pledge is "to nap more often," and another says she will "take more walks," presumably with the dog in the photo next to her. Still, even if you're not trying to reach out to anyone but yourself or your household pet, there might be a digital camera in it for you.
—Posted by T.L. Stanley
