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[The Smiler] Marketing discussion
- Thread starter JayTricky
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VickyLeigh83
TS Member
I'm late to the thread, been in work all day, but I need to say I thought that it looked like the logo when I saw that image this morning! It was the first thing I noticed.JayTricky said:Olii said:I know, I know, I'm not too good with paint (especially when rushed for time) but I think you can see what I'm getting at from this...
?
You mean something like this?
With regards to the name, I must admit when I first heard about it, I was disappointed. However, it is growing on me, and with the direction the park seem to be taking the ride, I think it works well. Remember, it's only be out officially for a day - there's plenty of time to get it out there to the public and make it liked.
The only thing about today that's disappointed me is the end of the '#GetCorrected' and having it replaced by '#THESMILER'. Whilst it I get that it gets the name out there, and that that 'phase' of the marketing has ended, I think 'get corrected' added to the sinister tone of it all, and still seems to be a key theme of the ride. Hopefully, correction can be bought back into the campaign in some way.
The only thing about today that's disappointed me is the end of the '#GetCorrected' and having it replaced by '#THESMILER'. Whilst it I get that it gets the name out there, and that that 'phase' of the marketing has ended, I think 'get corrected' added to the sinister tone of it all, and still seems to be a key theme of the ride. Hopefully, correction can be bought back into the campaign in some way.
BarryZola
TS Member
I've not really said anything at all about this new ride, but I feel like putting forward a few of my thoughts. Firstly, (not that I'm that bothered to be honest) I'm personally not a big fan of the name 'The Smiler'. I'm sure the people who have come up with the name have sat down and thought about it for a while and have concluded that it is appropriate. Unless you do come off the ride with a big grin on your face though, I feel it may have been a less than great choice. On a side note, I think 'The Smiler' would have been more appropriate for 'Spinball Whizzer' because that actually does make a lot of people genuinely smile whilst riding it. There are many interesting names that could have been selected for SW7 given it's apparent underlying theme. Time will tell, as always.
Secondly, I hope that this ride isn't just an attempt to break some type of record which then proves to be to the detriment of the actual overall ride experience. I feel that Alton at the moment just needs an honest, straightforward, thrilling, and fun ride. I sincerely hope that they've nailed it with this one.
My third point is, I predicted that it would open on 5/5/2013 which probably won't be far off. I was taking the p**s a bit when I said it but it's a funny old game.
Secondly, I hope that this ride isn't just an attempt to break some type of record which then proves to be to the detriment of the actual overall ride experience. I feel that Alton at the moment just needs an honest, straightforward, thrilling, and fun ride. I sincerely hope that they've nailed it with this one.
My third point is, I predicted that it would open on 5/5/2013 which probably won't be far off. I was taking the p**s a bit when I said it but it's a funny old game.
Ive thought for AGES that the whole theme and concept is based and inspired from George Orwell's book '1984' and this whole 'lexicon' thing further cements that idea.
'The Smiler' as a name really has grown on me and now I love it. VERY creepy. I think its a shame for those who missed out on The Sanctuary at Scarefest as I think it would give them a clearer idea of what Alton are 'getting at' with the whole theme/story etc
'The Smiler' as a name really has grown on me and now I love it. VERY creepy. I think its a shame for those who missed out on The Sanctuary at Scarefest as I think it would give them a clearer idea of what Alton are 'getting at' with the whole theme/story etc
TheMan
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- NemiLerVion
The Smiler = The Logo (which everyone loves) = Is likely to be self intelligent AI
The name, does not fit in with X-Sector. Neither does AIR, or RITA. Now each section has an odd one out. Rather that, than a poor/no ride.
However, those still insistent on actually having a sinister name, just do not get it. This is not meant to be overtly sinister (hence I agree it clashes with X-S).
And the inoculator is an awful name for a coaster! You may as well call it the Vaccinator ;D - and people would rather that, than The Smiler, with all it's associations and faux sinister back story.
Really?
The Ministry of JOY, The Sanctuary ... and then some actual sinister name for the coaster lol?
What I said before has been largely ignored, conveniently, and that is that you are not giving the marketing chance to create the story and relationships, as they designed, as we found everything out in the wrong order due to our obsessive pokey noses!
People will not think this is a kids ride, it does not sound like a cheap fair ground attraction, it is directly correlated to everything that has come before it, and they are creating a story and relationship between maze/coaster/theme like they have never, ever done before at any attraction in the world I would argue.
I'm not sure I will like the coaster, something I have been utterly slammed for on here, I also backed this as the name from the off and again largely got panned for it, so forgive me now for giving it back a little.
The one thing I have done though, is give the marketing department what they deserve, and that is the chance to present the ride (eventually!), theme, and all the attractions together as one package that I will then judge it on.
It is your own fault that you have been given everything in the wrong order, and therefore are not getting the full and proper impact that the GP will get.
I absolutely love everything they are doing, the effort and thought that has gone into this is utterly beyond anything that has come before it - and we give them this much stick??
It's like going into the Fat Duck and moaning because you didn't enjoy the balance of your meal, because you ate it completely in the wrong order and mixed the theming and dishes up!
In something as immersive as this, the context and development of the story is everything, and how it builds anticipation and relationships with the public along what is a journey of information they are creating is what makes it holistic between concept, machine and theme.
I await to be convinced by the actual coaster, but the rest of it as absolutely gobsmackingly brilliant, and I implore anyone who says different to put on the table, something created from scratch with all these features combined!
I'm first to criticise towers if I feel they deserve it, to the great consternation of some whom are now absolutely slaughtering them on here!!
This post it not for those who always respect others opinions however, and more to those who make it their business to give it large when people critique the Towers or have alternate opinions.
The name, does not fit in with X-Sector. Neither does AIR, or RITA. Now each section has an odd one out. Rather that, than a poor/no ride.
However, those still insistent on actually having a sinister name, just do not get it. This is not meant to be overtly sinister (hence I agree it clashes with X-S).
And the inoculator is an awful name for a coaster! You may as well call it the Vaccinator ;D - and people would rather that, than The Smiler, with all it's associations and faux sinister back story.
Really?
The Ministry of JOY, The Sanctuary ... and then some actual sinister name for the coaster lol?
What I said before has been largely ignored, conveniently, and that is that you are not giving the marketing chance to create the story and relationships, as they designed, as we found everything out in the wrong order due to our obsessive pokey noses!
People will not think this is a kids ride, it does not sound like a cheap fair ground attraction, it is directly correlated to everything that has come before it, and they are creating a story and relationship between maze/coaster/theme like they have never, ever done before at any attraction in the world I would argue.
I'm not sure I will like the coaster, something I have been utterly slammed for on here, I also backed this as the name from the off and again largely got panned for it, so forgive me now for giving it back a little.
The one thing I have done though, is give the marketing department what they deserve, and that is the chance to present the ride (eventually!), theme, and all the attractions together as one package that I will then judge it on.
It is your own fault that you have been given everything in the wrong order, and therefore are not getting the full and proper impact that the GP will get.
I absolutely love everything they are doing, the effort and thought that has gone into this is utterly beyond anything that has come before it - and we give them this much stick??
It's like going into the Fat Duck and moaning because you didn't enjoy the balance of your meal, because you ate it completely in the wrong order and mixed the theming and dishes up!
In something as immersive as this, the context and development of the story is everything, and how it builds anticipation and relationships with the public along what is a journey of information they are creating is what makes it holistic between concept, machine and theme.
I await to be convinced by the actual coaster, but the rest of it as absolutely gobsmackingly brilliant, and I implore anyone who says different to put on the table, something created from scratch with all these features combined!
I'm first to criticise towers if I feel they deserve it, to the great consternation of some whom are now absolutely slaughtering them on here!!
This post it not for those who always respect others opinions however, and more to those who make it their business to give it large when people critique the Towers or have alternate opinions.
Dave
TS Founding Member
I have to say i love the name and the marketing style, it's intriguing and creepy. I know the name is a bit marmite but it links in with everything marmalisation is meant to be and when you see those surgically altered faces on the promo-image you get that not all is as it seems.
Ultimately no-one (other than geeks), makes assumptions on name alone, the marketing style and theme are very important and direct peoples thoughts on the ride. I showed the promo image to a few non-geek friends and they where really intrigued.
The only two things that will damage 2013 for Alton now are
1) Gerstache
2) poor (2012 style) park operations and FT overselling ruining peoples day so poor word-of-mouth
Ultimately no-one (other than geeks), makes assumptions on name alone, the marketing style and theme are very important and direct peoples thoughts on the ride. I showed the promo image to a few non-geek friends and they where really intrigued.
The only two things that will damage 2013 for Alton now are
1) Gerstache
2) poor (2012 style) park operations and FT overselling ruining peoples day so poor word-of-mouth
Rollercoasters4Life
TS Member
I've enlarged the Phone/Tablet game app pictures for the people wanting to see them a little better:
If anyone wants them bigger (dunno why you would) just let me know.
If anyone wants them bigger (dunno why you would) just let me know.
Joshysqaushy
TS Member
I was bored and my creative side overtook me on photoshop and created "this"
Dar
TS Member
- Favourite Ride
- Taron
Tom said:
Fruit Twist, surely?
I think it would be good if Alton updated the construction gallery once a week, with some special "behind-the-scenes" shots to keep the mini-site in the public eye. It seems too often that these sites are opened and then forgotten about within a couple of weeks.
RustyRider
TS Member
Black and yellow you say? Maybe doctor kelman is actually this geezer....
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plpp&v=UePtoxDhJSw
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plpp&v=UePtoxDhJSw
James
TS Founding Member
I noticed that this morning too. May be the website will be put to a bigger use over the coming months? At the moment it's mainly an information hub, it would be great if Alton Towers could perhaps explore more interactive elements to implement of the website (although I somehow doubt they may have the time to create such things when marketing can be concentrated elsewhere).
VickyLeigh83
TS Member
Slightly off topic, but I make cards as a hobby and was thinking of making a prototype smiler one for AT fans.... Does anyone have a decent sized image of the 'logo' they could send me? I'm not particularly good with photoshop etc 
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