While I'm not crazy about most ads, adding game elements to live events (e.g. "do you think he'll make the next shot?"), tied in with points you can redeem for prizes, actually can add value to the event. Sure, it may be associated with a brand advertiser, but there's a lot of people (myself included) for whom this actually has entertainment value.
And while I personally not might fill out a facebook-style quiz to find out what cocktail is right for me, I know plenty of people (especially women) who love those sorts of things.
Ads are a fact of life. I think there's a lot of value both to the consumer and advertiser in making them suck less. :)
I suspect it's going to be a matter of those who hate adverts hate these too and those that are indifferent to adverts think they're a neat idea. I have time to kill, if I got these adverts during a TV show (like the article uses as an example) I'd fill it out. I think it has the problem of getting too old fast though, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.
This is the kind of startup that doesn't really need the early adoption of others in the tech/startup scene though. I think the idea is great, when placed in the shoes of an advertiser, as an end user though I agree personally.
YC. That explains how they have access to Instant Personalization. Such a huge advantage for an ad network. Totally reminds me why I disabled Instant Personalization in Facebook.
140fire, you guys need to post your LAUNCH presentation - in person the simplicity and power of the agency & analytics tools are really what brings the idea to life - nice execution and good luck -
