Oct
9
oh no! smashed guitar!
Posted by: Janna Chi | October 9, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The video played in class talks about how powerful social media is which reminds me of Dave Carroll’s case.
In spring 2008, Dave Carroll was going to Omaha, by way of Chicago. Just after landing at O’Hare airport, he discovered that his guitar was being heaved around. So he immediately complained to the flight attendents, but got an indifferent response. After arrival in Nebraska, he found his guitar was smashed, then he had to spend $1200 to repair it. Worse, the airline,United refused to pay him back from the damage of his guitar. That made Carroll angry and composed a song telling others what United airline did him.
This song became very popular on youtube, around 461 people commented on it, while most of the comments are maligning the airline. I think people’s reaction to the song gave pressure to United and that’s why United contacted Carroll directly to make things right.
I believe the image and reputation of United airline suffered after Carroll’s song published. Everything has two sides; in this case, Carroll got his money back, which he deserved; this represent the positive side . Yet, the revenge to United Airlines by discrediting its reputation shows the negative side of social media. It proves how powerful social media is, and not only by statistics, but an actual life story.
If you want to read the whole story, you can go to Carroll’s website:
http://www.davecarrollmusic.com/ubg/
