Nestle's latest social media outburst all started when protesters of Greenpeace (an environmental protection group) disagreed with their choice of purchasing palm oil (which aids in destructing rainforests) as an ingredient for Kit Kat bars. The protesters took their frustrations out to YouTube by creating a parady video of how Nestle is a killer. In return, Nestle responded by simply asking YouTube to take the video down. However, the video continued to spread on numerous accounts and the protesters made an additional parady video of the Nestle workers' reaction. Nestle made the mistake of worrying too much about the video and not letting it go. Because they were defensive, the video spread into a worse manner than it initially was.
That's not the only thing Nestle was defensive about. Greenpeace also took their frustration to Facebook by creating Nestle logos with the word "Killer" in liu of "Kit Kit." Therefore, Nestle responded on their Facebook page by saying that they welcome comments, but if someone was too negative or had this type of logo as their picture, the comment will get deleted. There were some unconventional comments left and apparently, a Nestle rep moderating their Facebook page was leaving rude responses to the commenters. This was a no-no, as like my previous blog with the VP of the movie theatre, what you say can't be taken back.
Honestly, I don't think anybody was in the right in this situation. Greenpeace reminded me of PETA with the harsh lashing coming with not agreeing with something. I feel like they acted out too immaturely, and were just straight up bullies to Nestle. Then again, it's not right for Nestle for use palm oil as an ingredient for their product and social networking is a great way to get the word out. I'm not sure if this was a responsible use of Facebook or not. I think the situation could have been handled differently in a more civil way. While taking out frustrations online is effective, I hate to see negativity on my precious Facebook, as it's meant to be a fun social networking site.
Nestle's Reaction Backfiring
More info on protester's actions to Nestle
Nestle's backlash on Facebook
Nestle's bad use of PR on Facebook
Nestle's Facebook page
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Ha yeah I immediately thought of when PETA was bashing Obama because of the fly situation. So dumb. A ton of other companies use palm oil. I don't think it was right for Greenpeace to attack Nestle in particular.
ReplyDeleteYea I agree that they shouldn't have gone after nestle the way they did. They weren't even the company that was destroying the rainforest. Perhaps they should have investigated this company more before they purchased from them, but it seems that they have made a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteIt was like Nestle was scratching a mosquito bite, they just kept scratching and irritating it. The best thing to do is a social media mess is state your position, apologize and don't make a big deal out of it. For all the facebook fans, I wonder if there will be any negative effect on Nestle sales over Easter.
ReplyDeleteI agree, no one is really in the right here, i feel nestle is meerly the middle man too and they should be focusing their attention and anger at the vendor themselves, not the buyers. Did they ever think Nestle was unaware of what was happening? and it was such a small amount it all seems silly. I think the video too, took things a little over the top and your right, it is upsetting to see Facebook this way, its becoming so common now a days you wonder where facebook will be in another 5 years. nothing but hate. There are way more important things we could and should be focusing our frustration and anger on.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day if the GreenPeace group weren't bullies they would most likely have no media attention and no one would care. They have to be brash in their tactics because otherwise no-one would care... Just think, we probably would have never heard about this otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI think that it was wrong for Greenpeace to lash out like they did. It was inappropriate for them to takeover Nestle's Facebook fan page and use it to their own agenda. Rather, i think that Greenpeace should have created their own protesting fan page to spread their message.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you brought up PETA because I actually referenced it being like this in somebody else's blog as well. Organizations like PETA and Greenpeace are just looking for something to complain about. They are never wrong. I don't think anybody was right in this situation either and I think it has completely gotten out of hand.
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