Google Changes its Name

In an effort to win over Google and get their coveted new broadband internet technology the city of Topeka, Kansas changed its name to Google for a month. On April 1st internet users were probably a little confused when they visited their favorite search engine and saw “Topeka” in the middle of their screen. The April Fools prank was a response to Topeka’s name change, but according to Google is not an indication of what city will get their new high speed internet.

Ferret Powered Broadband

The guys at Telegraph Media Group reported that a new and unlikely delivery method was now being used to bring high speed internet to people living in rural areas. According to the article on their website “The animals have been used by Virgin Media for over a year to help lay cables for its broadband service”. Finally, a better way to close the digital divide!

Prescription Windshield

Finally the seeing impaired people of the world can drive without the hassle of wearing eyeglasses! A video popped up on April Fools Day touting the new and innovative prescription windshield that brings everything right into focus.

You Scream, I Scream, Lick Your Screen for Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s had one of the most original April Fools pranks this year with the world’s first virtual ice cream. Simply activate the ice cream on their web site and lick!

What I found best about the commercial was how nicely it integrated social media. The boy in the commercial states that he created a group on facebook for people who dunk their Oreo Cakesters and the father’s rebuttle is that he will create his own non-dunking “face space group”.  While I can’t locate the TV commercial online, you can watch the shortened version of it presented on their facebook page (you can also watch it here).

The facebook page engages visitors to interact by answering the question: “Do you dunk oreo cakesters in milk”? You then can choose to side with the boy and be on team “Dunkers” or on the father’s side, team “Non-Dunkers”. No matter what side you choose, all that talk about Oreo Cakesters really makes you want to go out and grab some to try them out!

We saw a huge shift in 2009 from portals like MySpace to Twitter and Facebook. Blogs became increasingly important in any social media marketing campaign as did social bookmarking and a presence on YouTube or other video sharing sites.

What is your prediction for 2010?

At TheBrewCrew.com you can check out the recommended beers of the week, find an event happening near you, and see the faces behind The Brew Crew. While you’re there you should take a minute to view their YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/thebrewcrewteam) which offers up an array of entertaining videos hosted at local bars and starring delicious craft beers.

Become a fan of TheBrewCrew on facebook and you’ll get updates on the latest happenings, beer reviews and more. Following The Brew Crew on Twitter proves to be quite entertaining as this active twitter account tweets about events, local bars, and of course, brews. A recent tweet read, “Its getting cooler! What warms you up? Dogfish Chicory, Terrapin Wake n Bake, Bells Double Cream, Oskar Blues Ten Fidy. Cheers to stouts!” The Brew Crew really gets you thinking when you go to the store – “hmmmm should I stick with my regular beer or should I be a little adventurous and festive and try out that Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale I read the review about?”.

Have a question or want a beer suggestion? Tweet @thebrewcrewteam and you’re sure to get a speedy response. These guys really know what they’re doing with Social Media – they always respond  to tweets, direct messages, and RT others.

Probably the coolest thing about TheBrewCrew.com is the Beer Tracker which helps you locate your favorite beers in Central Florida (check it out here). Select a brewery, a product, enter your location and voila! An interactive map displays all the local places that carry the brew – so convenient.

One thing is for sure – The Brew Crew has successfully launched into the world of Social Media. They’ve covered all the major Social Networks, provided fun and entertaining content, and created a place for beer lovers to interact & discover good brews!