Fuck I see a new t-shirt in the stores future. :)
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That's kinda the way I feel about it, too.
It's not that Eddie is a great marketer; it's that he is opinionated and outspoken. And that he genuinely cares about Jiu Jitsu and about people (despite what the BJJ community at large may want to think).
When you care and you're loud you are probably gonna succeed on some level.
Wether eddie knows it or not, he is a great marketer. It could all be by accident, but it's still good marketing.
Eddie is ten times a jiu jitsu genius that he is a marketing genius.
Good post Phil.
Damn, strong post from VIVIANO. That is some really good insight.
I've only been on the forums for something like 2 1/2 years and working the system maybe a couple years prior to that. So, approximately 4 years give or take a minute. This is all I know, I've literally witnessed hundreds of die hard 10P4L, ink gettin, flag waiving mother fuckers come and go. They all want to rep the system, they all want moons, they'll all die for Eddie During their short bright time, they learn that there are rules, structure, and requirements. All of these rely on dedication and hard work. During my time following the twisters and turns of 10th Planet I've never really witnessed any marketing at all. This is what I have witnessed first hand; I saw people come together and raise an asston of money to help a moon head's baby, help people mentally survive incarceration, free seminars given for small schools, raffle prizes unclaimed because of the importance of the fundraiser, and so many more things that I could type for days. Brothers that I've never met even helped me when I required cash for an attorney. On top of all this I know that I could show up in any one of 37 states, Japan, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, etc. and have a place to stay. These are my brothers even though many I've never met. Where's the marketing in all this? 10th Planet is about the strength of its people. If you're easily butthurt and run away before the ride to the Dark side begins, you just aren't 10th Planet material. There's a fuckin marketing slogan :-)
If you ask me it's not as much true marketing as it is simply word of mouth. A big factor (for me personally, and I know for others as well) is Joe Rogan talking about it, and having Eddie on the podcast to talk about it. A good analogy for me is In-N-Out Burger, if you live on the west coast or have heard of it. It's hugely popular, with very very little marketing. Does that mean they are marketing geniuses because they figured out how to grow such a huge fan base? I don't think so, I think they just have a superior product and value, and people like that.
One other important thing similar to In-N-Out is the feeling of belonging. In-N-Out has a "secret" menu, and people want to tell others that come to Cali to visit that they have to go to this burger place. 10th planet is the same way. You feel like part of a family, and everyone is really cool. In my opinion that is stronger than any traditional marketing.
I think Viviano makes some good points and I don't think Eddie would disagree. I have heard him say in relation to Moons growing and succeeding that he can not/ does not have the time or energy to push them out they just have to grow and be supported by passionate people in each region. To me this is almost intentional non-Marketing but I think its the most healthy way to grow at the right speed and with strength.
I also think that In-and-Out analogy is spot on. People I meet are just so curious they want to take a bite. :)