a. Only a fool or the brand consultant mentioned in the article (who is an intermediary in customer-to-corporation communications) will hesitate to take advantage of the marketing storm generated by this and the customer pull it shows. As for debating whether 14,000 people are enough, well FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies launch brands on sample surveys smaller than this. Lastly, much seems to be made of Cadbury’s decision to introduce it in small quantities for a limited period. Well duh, that’s how all FMCG products are introduced anyways, and in this case there are distinct advantages as discussed which other launches do not have.

b. My basic problem with the Web 2.0 (today chocolate tomorrow the world?) is the underlying assumption (sacrilege!) that everyone everywhere is connected and has the interest and time to participate. This is simply NOT true. The basic prerequisite of sufficient internet penetration still remains a G8 (or G20?) country phenomenon. And I see many people, at least in India (including the teens who supposedly are living only in Orkut and Facebook and are constantly online) spending LESS time online and more time on more pressing things like their jobs and education.

c. Your’s and JT’s site are SO similar that I wonder if one of you is a pseudonym