Comments on: Contagious: Why Things Catch On – A Review

By: Natalie Sirolli

Natalie Sirolli — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 14:34:30 +0000

I find Jonah’s STEPPS model particularly interesting because I’ve always wondered why certain ideas, phrases, and images go viral. I’m currently taking a social media marketing course and while we briefly covered viral posts, we never got down to nitty gritty about why some social performs so well. What really stuck out to me is the idea of social currency. I never thought the exchange of content for likes and shares in the form of currency, but it ultimately makes sense because it’s the natural give and take of all content online. It seems as though in order to make content that holds valuable social currency you need to create content that’s worth sharing. While that seems obvious, clearly many advertisers and content creators miss the mark.

By: Meghan Weale

Meghan Weale — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 06:22:23 +0000

Really great job reviewing the book and Jonah’s thoughts. I feel that a lot of these marketing books aren’t saying anything ground breaking. Although they do give some awesome ideas, it’s usually pretty topical and I see this in what you were saying about Jonah’s ideas. I think his idea within the story chapter was interesting as you see many big companies using storylines in their advertising that are totally unrelated to their product, which Jonah would say is a no-no, but they are still super successful companies. I think big companies who’s goal of advertising is to simply put their name out there and say “hey remember us”, don’t necessarily have to tie their product into the storyline of their advertising, because people already know the product really well.

By: Allison Doumith

Allison Doumith — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 01:52:12 +0000

I love the use of humor throughout, Sean! I never really knew the meaning behind of “No Shave November” and I find it very interesting. It caught on and spread like wildfire around the world, yet, I wonder if all who participate actually know what it is all about. I will definitely consider this book when I’m ready to begin reading a new one!

By: Kristen Willie

Kristen Willie — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 21:30:30 +0000

I’ve listen to a podcast by Jonah Berger where he discusses the STEPPS model. His STEPPS model is a useful framework when describing viral content. I think STEPPS can be useful for creating digital content and I enjoyed your review. As we know, digital marketing is growing and every brand wants to “go viral.” This book may be able to help content creators who are trying to make their brand “go viral.”

By: Divante Bradwell

Divante Bradwell — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:52:35 +0000

The STEPPS acronym seems pretty accurate when thinking of branding in 2017. The idea that everyone loves a good story seems to be spot on. The brands that people relate to the most are the brands that they feel emotionally connected to. The “No shave November” example was a cool example to introduce, I always participate but never knew the history behind it.

Very good, honest review!

By: Mikaela Kozel

Mikaela Kozel — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 04:37:11 +0000

I read this book last year and enjoyed it to an extent. I agree that the tone the author uses can kind of rub you the wrong way but his content is definitely helpful. I appreciate that you not only explained how the strategy is useful but also how it relates it to successful examples in real life.

By: Morgan Kovatch

Morgan Kovatch — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 00:27:21 +0000

I read this book last year! I found it really helpful, especially since I read it for my Intro to Adv class. I liked the “No Shave November” example to be a really good public example because almost every guy participates. It was a small idea that transformed into a Nation-wide epidemic. It brought a concerning health issue to the public eye and made people more aware about it. This could help businesses figure out what they can do to achieve a good public act.

By: Claire Dabney

Claire Dabney — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:31:38 +0000

I enjoyed your explanations they were very detailed yet simple and easily understood. I never knew that about no shave November… makes sense but I wonder if every male who participates knows. I feel like a lot of professionals ego’s get to them when writing… I mean it is their work and practice but some tend to be less humble than others. Especially when what they say can easily be argued such as things that go viral being practical value… not sure when this was written but wonder what he thinks about fake news.

By: Melissa Caromano

Melissa Caromano — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 15:28:08 +0000

I definitely understand the practical value part of the book. I find that I’m usually sharing things that are of practical value for me. I also really like your humor throughout the podcast.