If you're interested in how to score a wow in creating an overnight web sensation and a dedicated web community, you should know about Frozen Peas. 
Susan Reynolds came up with the brilliant idea of using a bag of frozen peas to her breast instead of icepacks to reduce the pain following a biopsy and again, after a mastectomy.
We first learned How Frozen Peas Started a Movement when we came across it the story when it was reported online and decided to check it out Boobs On Ice. Who can resist checking out a blog with a name like that?
I'll let you check it out on for yourself. After all, why take the fun out of it?
We always use this example in our Web 2.0 management seminars of brilliant viral marketing and the power of the web to mobilize a community of evangelists and fellow cancer patients, survivors and family members virtually over night.
Check out where it all started: Susan's Twitter site.
Check out the all the supportive photos and the growing number of "peavatars" shared on Flickr.
And you haven't lived until you've seen Surrounded by Peas or the awesome Susan Reyonld's story on YouTube.
Visit the Frozen Pea Fund site to make a contribution to cancer care or to find resources.
Today, I read a post at Media Bullseye talking about an event this week that raised $30,000 for the cause. Very cleverly, the name badge of a fellow Twittr-er who couldn't make it to the event but kept in the loop all evening on Twittr by attendees was raffled off. The winning bid raised another $500 for the cause.
This story, in a nutshell, encapsulates the power of building community on the web - whether the rewards are deeply personal or financial.
Comments