Old School Viral Marketing

Just received an email with this text:

"Hope you enjoy your lunch on Applebee's!

My name is Bill Palmer, founder of Applebee's. In an attempt to get our
name out to more people in the rural communities where we are not
currently located, we are offering a! $50 gift certificate to anyone who
forwards this email to 9 of their friends. Just send this email to them
and you will receive an email back with a confirmation number to claim
your gift certi ficate."

I don't think I've seen one of those forward conditional emails since college. Does anyone have an idea if it is even technologically feasible for a company/organisation to know if the email has been sent?

Blogging 101: Don't bad mouth your employer on Facebook

"When he grew older and the Linc opened, Leone crossed his fingers and filled out an application. The Eagles hired him almost immediately. He was ecstatic. Leone called his friends and family and gushed about going to work for the team he's always loved. He couldn't have been happier if he'd been named the Eagles' starting quarterback.

Like a lot of Philadelphians, Leone was upset when Dawkins became a Bronco. So he did what a 32-year-old does these days: He vented on Facebook. "Dan is [expletive] devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver. . .Dam Eagles R Retarted!!"

Last week, the Eagles fired Leone."

For the full story, go here: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20090309_Gonzo___Cold_Eagles_sure_are_thin-skinned.html

'World's first online bum' - Internet marketing campaign

"...thanks to an Internet marketing campaign and unlikely allies, Edwards has become the human face of homelessness to thousands of online viewers drawn to his Web site by its deliberately controversial name — Pimp This Bum.

If the site had been called "Help the Homeless," many Web surfers might just have clicked on past, says Sean."

Website here: www.pimpthisbum.com

Article here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29570021/?GT1=43001