Jim Liebelt's Youth Culture Watch

Follow-Up: AMP / Pepsi Apologize for Bad Taste App

Really, all you need to know about the AMP/Pepsi apology is that they didn't pull the "Before You Score" iPhone app from iTunes. But, depending on public sentiment, they might do it later. Don't hold your breath.

There’s been a huge reaction to our post earlier today about AMP’s new iPhone app – “before you score” – that aims to help guys land women.

The responses have ranged from threats of boycotting Pepsi to comments about what politically correct sissies we’ve all become to adulation of AMP for humorously portraying modern chivalry (ok, that’s not exactly how supporters have put it).

In any event, AMP and parent company PepsiCo have responded, using Twitter to explain the campaign and apologize to those that might be offended:

"Our app tried 2 show the humorous lengths guys go 2 pick up women. We apologize if it's in bad taste, & appreciate your feedback. #pepsifail"

Source: Mashable
http://mashable.com/2009/10/12/pepsi-and-amp-app/

AMP Energy Drink Releases "Before You Score" iPhone App

Just another "head's up" regarding marketing ploys that parents should know are out there in the culture.

AMP energy drink (Pepsi Co), whose primary target are young men, has come up with a new free iPhone application, "Before You Score" - intended to help said young men "score" with the opposite sex.

It seems these days that there isn't much that is considered "over the top" when it comes to marketing.

Pepsi’s latest foray into social media is certainly bold and controversial, but does it go too far?

The company recently launched an iPhone application for its AMP energy drink called “before you score,” with “score” meaning (to put it in the most subtle of terms) having a successful night with a woman.

Beyond the premise of the app being rather risqué, it’s when you drill down to the specifics that it becomes much more, breaking women down into 24 types and suggesting “lines” to lure each one of them. If “successful,” the app also encourages users to brag about it over email, or even on Facebook or Twitter.

AMP has actually built features into its application that make it seem one can systematically “score” by exploiting women’s naivety. Beyond that, they actively encourage users to promote such conquests through social media.

Source: Mashable
http://mashable.com/2009/10/12/amp-before-you-score/