Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 8, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
“In 2007, http://www.myvideo.de hosted many successful specials on a wide variety of topics, in which numerous MyVideo users participated with great enthusiasm and creativity. We want to continue promoting this commitment in 2008, but at the same time also use it to draw attention to charitable campaigns such as the WWF’s,” says Dominic Hesse, Head of Content and Cooperations at Magic Internet GmbH (MyVideo.de’s media agency)
Following campaigns with UNICEF and Aktion Deutschland Hilft, this is the first cooperation to address nature conservation. A drama plays out every day in the world’s rainforests: logging and clearing, some of it illegal, not only deprives an infinite variety of animals of their basis for life. The destruction of the rainforests also has a significant influence on our climate.
A funny clip on MyVideo.de now takes up the serious subject: at wwf.myvideo.de, viewers meet the “Lumberjerks” Carlos Sawtana and Forest Dump, who saw their way through the rainforest with no plan whatsoever. Under the slogan “Music Saves Trees”, the spot can now be watched and a ringtone downloaded as a contribution. With this donation, MyVideo users can support the WWF in protecting the rainforest, saving our climate and advancing many important nature-conservation projects. “We would be delighted if the animated clip and the accompanying ringtone achieved cult status through this multimedia campaign and the viral distribution opportunities on MyVideo.de. We consider it an ideal way to make a large number of users aware of the issue. Alongside a donation, every time the mobile phone rings, people can therefore show their colours for their commitment,” says Dirk Reinsberg, Head of Marketing Communications at WWF.
The cooperation between WWF and MyVideo.de marks the first time in Germany that a fundraising campaign of this scope has been communicated virally. Users who want to support the campaign can rate, comment on and forward the clip, embed it in a personal blog or website and thus make it even better known. More than 26,000 users had already watched the clip in the first few days.
