Here’s an interesting new initiative coming out of Las Vegas. Based on a similar model to Facebook and MySpace, "MyVegas gives tourists a virtual meeting place where they and their friends can choose a hotel, buy tickets to events and interact with other visitors. But unlike other social networking sites, MyVegas actually encourages its members to pretend to be something or someone they are not."
Create a phony name like "D-Money McBlackJack", upload a profile picture and interact with other members under your imaginary identity. According to the agency behind the project, "The inspiration behind this is that people have their real personality, and their Vegas personality. Traditional social networks push a bit more true-to-life representation of who you are. But MyVegas is all about representing who you want to be when you go to Vegas."
I get what they are aiming for but I’m torn on whether or not this has staying power.
As a trip planning tool – I think this could be very successful. It gives people a way to engage and organize their party in a fun, vegas-like way. But, as a true social networking site for connecting travelers in the market, I’m a huge skeptic for one basic reason – social networking is built on true connections in a real community. The whole premise of this campaign is the complete opposite – fake identities which create a fake community, no? Maybe I’m wrong – we’ll have to wait and see. I do love the progressive thinking with this campaign. Even if it doesn’t work, they will learn more about the Las Vegas traveler which is often a moving target.
Would love to hear what you think – email me.