iGuess iSuck cause iDid .... since iBought something iThought was great.

Was iFooled?

Sansa?

iSense desperate company

Can't you just see their corporate bigwigs in a meeting with some half-assed advertising agency?

CEO: "We have to appeal to their 'cool' demographic. These iPod owners are 'hip' and desire to be outsiders, while remaining insiders."

AD EXEC: "Then we just have to convince hipsters that the iPod isn't really COOL, in fact it's TOTALLY BOGUS TO THE EXTREME, DUDE!"

CEO: "That would be a great tagline! The hippysters will lap it up! They love that extreme Gen X stuff!"

AD EXEC: I'm just getting started! You know monkeys? Everyone loves monkeys!

CEO: Yes...but nobody wants to BE a monkey!

AD EXEC: EXACTLY! By the way, how did that prostate exam go yesterday?

It's simply pathetic...their desperate attempt to appeal to consumers in such a misguided, desperate way. Sandisk, people buy iPods because they are excellent products that work well and are elegantly designed, not because they are cool. Your target market is a wee bit more sophisticated that you think. Your campaign is transparent, and you are sad little golfing businessmen.

Ultimately, it will come down to the new user who's at Best Buy, and picks up one of these, then picks up an iPod. They'll see the wall of iPod accessories, they'll feel the solid construction of the iPod and it's click wheel. Then the sales person will say "but the other one plays FM radio".... (silence) and the reply will be "that's a stinking expensive radio.. I'll take an iPod with those speakers and the car kit."

funny that they only support MS DRM in their player. Funny that they run their sight on MS servers using the brain dead ASP. SanDisk is such a sheep.

Answer this one SanDisk... Who is the sheep, the customer who choses the superior product, or the company that blindly copies the iPod without innovation or creativity?

Well, clearly they are not going after the existing demographic, as they just perfectly insulted that demographic - and since most new MP3 player purchasers buy them based on recommendations from their friends, and because most of their friends use iPods.... well, as Napster would say, "Do the math" (and in their case, most people did do that math, which is why Napster's campaign resulted in zero increase in Napster marketshare).

It's not that people buy the iPod because it is cool (though, I don't doubt some people do), but rather that the iPod works well, which makes it cool -- but also for those that bought it because it is cool, they will quickly realize how well built it is, and how well it worksm and when it comes time to buy the next model, they will be buying an iPod again. The iPod's marketshare comes from repeat vuyers, just as a successful movie's success comes from repeat viewers.

A simple logic that neither Apple's competitors, nor the US movie industry, have understood.

iSuck...

Totally inappropriate campaign. So just because a product is popular, it's bad or comformist? And in what way are SanDisk's products any better or non-comformist? just because it's less popular. Give me reaons.

I don't think this advertising campaign is going to go very well. In fact, it really does seem like a desperate attempt. I've bought a few products from SanDisk before, but this does give me some pause about buying from them now.

A large corporation like SanDisk doing a fake, ad-agency-derived, countercultural pose while trying to hawk their own product is -- well -- insulting to the intelligence of its customers.

The real sheep are the people who would fall for such an unsavory marketing ploy.

Its a bit like the 'think different' campaign from Apple but with no style at all. It didn't switch much windows users if any so not a good move for SanDisk. The iSheep buy Windows and the iPod, the free thinkers the iPod and a Mac.

I bought my first iPod in October 2001, so yeah.. call me a follower.

One piece of advice for the newbies at the marketing department of SanDisk: don't slag off your competition.

I think in their desperation they forgot the end of the tag.. 'iDon't.. get it'

what a waste of time.

Apple gets away with their adverts and image because since Jobs returned, the company has excelled like no other in the industry (arguably any industry) and has earned their superior image. If some no-name outfit like SanDisk thinks they can get that status with one, very poor taste ad campaign, they need new people at the top.

The Swticher campaign by Apple (a) didn't really come off, and (b) was still more tasteful/subtle/justified than this. Their current campaign (Mr PC and Mr Mac) is much more clever, and also works because Apple isn't perceived as being desperate ... you need that to carry it off.

... what's with the T-shirt idea?!?

Would anyone wear a shirst proclaiming themselves to be an "iSheep" or "iHerd" ... someone wasn't quite thinking there (or anywhere, really).

In order to NOT look itrendy and to look like a iFollower, I bought black earphones. So now I can still enjoy the greatness of my iPod. Goodnight, Sandisk.

I see that idroid is one of the posers, desktops or whathaveyou, on the "idont" site.

I believe that Lucasfilm has a trademark on the name "droid". Perhaps they would be interested in SanDisk's site?

They bash the iPod for having a restrictive format?? All the competitors play DRMed WMA files, how is that different?

The idont site says: "This site and the iDon’t campaign...are the creation of several of us renegades behind the new Sansa player, from SanDisk." It makes no claim that this is sponsored or approved by SanDisk. Has anyone actually checked this out?

They bash the iPod for having a restrictive format?? All the competitors play DRMed WMA files, how is that different?

Well, you have a lot more choices from where to buy your music...

And, let's not forget! You can sign up for a subscription!!! Man, how could you forget that!!!!!

Only seems to work with XP looking at the spec. not very revolutionary!

Sandisk itself registered the domain name last april through networksolutions: "Registrant: SanDisk 111 Java Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 US

Domain Name: IDONT.COM

Administrative Contact, Technical Contact: Administrator, Domain domains@idont.com SanDisk 111 Java Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 US 408-542-0500

Record expires on 20-Aug-2009. Record created on 14-Apr-2006. Database last updated on 23-May-2006 08:14:57 EDT.

Domain servers in listed order:

PDNS1.ULTRADNS.NET 204.74.108.1 PDNS2.ULTRADNS.NET 204.74.109.1 PDNS3.ULTRADNS.ORG 199.7.68.1 PDNS4.ULTRADNS.ORG 199.7.69.1 PDNS5.ULTRADNS.INFO 204.74.114.1 PDNS6.ULTRADNS.CO.UK "

iDon't care I still iPod!

the iPod... so why does THEIR alternative looks remarkably like a shoddy iPod knockoff?

If the iPod is a piece of c*** that doesn't deserve its status, then why did you feel the need to rip off it's interface SanDisk?

I've got three of Mr. Job's iPods and they couldn't be any better, each for its own role in my music listening/video watching life.

This is an example of a company building the better mouse trap and the world beating a path to their door.

What sandisk seems to expect is that they will biuld a lesser mousetrap and people should drop their dependable brand and buy something the c*** they make.

iPod is an industry leader because people have choice. No one held a gun to their heads. People buy the iPod because the price is competitive. People buy the iPod because of build quality. Apple continues to innovate and lead due to a superior corporate philosophy. They command return business due to this. Are they perfect-no-but then agian is the competition? NO!

If this is the best the competition can do insofar as the iPod is concerned, Apple can look to an uptick in it's market share.

If all you other wannabe mp3 manifacturers really want to challenge Apple. Make a better product, as easy to use, with software that could transfer from iTunes, working x platform. In addition make the price point too competitive to ignore. It's as simple as that. Cant' do it? Then quit your whining-you've lost.

iDon't need another company to tell me that I should be a free thinker. Isn't that ironic?

A fake grassroots campaign is called astroturf. That's what they're trying to do here. Pathetic. Heaven forbid they actually try to compete with the iPod on ease of use alone. Oh, well.

Anyone want to do an e-mail campaign? Here's the e-mail address from the website: sheepherder@idont.com

I just dropped them a line about how appreciative I was of their insulting one of their customers- I don't intend to buy their MP3 player or any of their other products either. Lexar looks pretty good right now. Let them know.

good idea. I told them they were the real sheep (wannabe look of the iPod, blindly following MS -- using the more restrictive WMA, using ASP for their site, only running on Windows, etc). And, since I don't own an iPod, I told them that too. SanDisk is the sheep

"Well, you have a lot more choices from where to buy your music... "

Uhm... no you don't - not really. Most online WMA peddling stores are actually the same store rebranded for different companies. You don't actually get wider selection.

There's pretty much two competitors: iTMS, and all the WMA stores combined. iTMS still gives the best selection, and the best experience for buying music.

Sandisk really could not stoop much lower than that.. Thumbs down to Sandisk.

It restricts what you can do with music you buy. With iTMS on OSX, you can use your purchase music how you want including using it in your iLife movies and slideshows.

This Sandisk campaign and their products do suck but maybe the next one doesn't.

I look at it as Apple's competition is getting tougher and much bolder. Urge, MTV and the iRiver may not be up to snuff in this round either but they're getting better.

I love my iPod but they are far from perfect. There is always room for improvement. The competition has a few things to differentiate from the iPod line that may seem insignificant but why not just include it with the iPod and be done with it?

I think there are a few main things that I would like to see with the iPods that would close the door on the next few rounds until Apple comes out with their next great products.

-FM tuner. Just include it! Sure many might not even use it but I'm sure some will that never thought they would. At the gym to hear what's on the tv, etc. How much could it possibly add to the cost of an iPod?

-voice recorder. Again, mp3 players that cost a fraction of the cost of an iPod include this basic feature and people would use it more than they think they would.

-iTunes store has to include higher resolution video downloads. This is inexusable from the makers of Quicktime.

This is it. I think with these three simple features Apple ends any discussion about which media player to go with. Although, full movies from iTunes, Tivo to Go transfers, and an optional subscription service would do wonder too

This is what SnDisk's follow-up campaign should be;

iMsorry!

It took me a whole day to stop laughing when I heard this.

Let's start a campaign with monkeys wearing white earbuds and "iDont.com" plastered everywhere. My first reaction is that it's calling anyone who wears earbuds a monkey; that it's some kind of campaign against portable music in the large. At that point: instant ignore.

I think the idont.com is stupidly counterproductive. It is insulting to people who have invested hundreds and thousands of dollars in a decent product. However... let's look at the features objectively. I am comparing the SanDisk Sansa m200 series with the iPod nano since I have an m250 and I considering buying a nano. Here's what I found: Screen: nano better Accessories: nano lot more Look: nano better Ruggedness: m200. Every nano user I have talked to has told me to get AppleCare extended warranty, a case and a screen protector. I used my m200 for six months of everyday abusive use before I got a case. NO problems or scratching. Music: m200 hands down. Not only do you not have to buy .99 songs each, you can get unlimited music for $15 a month. Battery: m200 hands down. Just replace a AAA and you're up and running. For the person who said it would cost a bundle, you get recharger and four batteries for less 30 dollars and you never buy another battery. With heavy use, the nano is 60 to 100 per year.

Unfortunately, these guys are idiots promoting the sandisk this way, but they *do* make an excellent product.

You're comparing a Nano to something that uses AAA batteries? Have you ever seen a Nano, or held one in your hand? They're TINY. They shouldn't even be compared directly to the m250 because of the sheer size difference.

Also, how is the m250 better at music? How does the nano force you to buy music at 99 cents per song? Were you unaware of the iPod's (any iPod) ability to import songs from other sources? Did you know you can rip your CDs and import those to the iPod? Did you know the iPod can play AAC, protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Lossless, WAV and AIFF files?

And subscription services suck, because you don't own your own music. You're just renting your music from somebody else.

Also, battery life - how is it 60-100 a year if the battery lasts for 4 years? Come on, you're just making stuff up to make the Nano look bad.

them too. Still have not gotten anything back from them. I sent it out yesterday when i first read this. and each time i see the isheep logo they use, i just laugh my a** off

"The only video type supported natively by the Sansa e200 is QuickTime. The Sansa Media Converter will convert video to the supported QuickTime files." Talk about irony. This is funny because they rely on apple to play their video. yet diss apples number one ranking ipod. pathetic. FORDS SUCK! buy our car, it has a ford engine in it but it looks different! of course this analogy is a lot different, but same concept

for alex20850 (yes it's rhetorical), what happens to your music when you stop paying the $15 per month?

SanDisk is at Apple's feet throwing any rock they find on the floor. This is sucha low blow towards any company. I mean why would you insult users like that....I'm sorry, do I look like a sheep you b*******. Oh my god! I have the sudden urge to go buy a Sansa...something. Cannot resist.

Now we should all go have a beer with Steve and laugh the entire way through this.

http://www.somethingawful.com/index.php?a=1675

They have a undeniable look-like iPod media player, i dont know if it has a toch pad too, but controls jus look like a cheap click wheel, uses te quicktime engine, an call iPod users dumbs? Why dont they look themselves? Making a player that looks just like a cheap iPod clone, why dont they think why iPod is a best seller? why they cant make a truly different thing? also without AAA batteries. THEY ARE SHEEPS!

I had a creative 20 gig mp3 player and it was a nightmare. Bad software, bad design and usability, the hard drive stuffed up after three months and there was no after sales. I gave up trying to get it fixed. I was so pleased with the ipod vid 30 gig i replaced it with i got a nano two months later.

So the writer of the ad thinks white headphones = iPod? Give me a break... The iPod is not the only mp3 player out there who's had white headphones.

They don't even know what they are talking about. Why should anyone trust them?

I just gave my 1G 5 GB Pod to my older sister. My SanDisk 256 MB USB Flash stick I gave to the garbage man after it unceremoniously died a few months after purchase.

Granted, the 1G Pod has a new HD, but only thanks to my forgetting it out in the car in sub zero temps overnight.

too much. Judging from the reponses this must have hit a nerve with some. I don't own either product, and I probably never will. I thought the ad was humorous and regardless of whether SanDisk has a product which is inferior or superior, I believe they gave Apple some of its own medicine.

What is it that you believe Apple has been forcing upon people? Seriously, what is it that you think Apple has done that deserves "retribution"? They made an extremely well designed MP3 player and it became extremely popular. What "medicine" are you talking about that Apple so richly deserved?

The ad is humorous for the sheer fact that Sandisk calls iPod users "sheep" while their own MP3 player looks *exactly* like an iPod. Who's the real sheep here?

perfect example of what I was saying. The medicine is the current Apple campaign against the Windows followers. Apple can dish it, so they and their followers should be able to take it. Remember I was referring to the ad campaigns, not the products. I still find it very comical that you guys are so teed off.

i wonder how many of the creatives who were paid to make this own ipods. like... 100%? and that site was built with macs too. THAT'S when flash designers become sell-outs.

THEN the lawyers got involved: check out the submission policy: ALL LEGALESE: "All comments, feedback, suggestions, ideas, and submissions disclosed, submitted or offered to SanDisk on or by this Site"

by the logic on that site- since most of us eat with forks, does that make us 'sheep' too?

ipuke

Sounds like an approach only an MBA could approve. Thoughtless and without content. Sorta like the disaster that struck HP after they let a sales idiot run the company.

at last someone has the guts to stand up to the iPod, I think this ad campaign is quite cleverly done, and have you all heard yourselves, you honestly sound like a bunch of complete iPod representatives, christ can't you handle it when somone insults the music player you own? I actually detest the iPod, for all the reasons stated on the iDon't website, I also hate iTunes, and the way that all the suckers who have bought music from the store, are stuck with DRMmed music, so if another music player were to topple the iPod, everyone is left with unplayable music. I have to say I reckon neraly everyone who goes to buy an MP3 player nowadays just gets and iPod by default, and believe me they are NOT the best MP3 players out there, maybe one of the best, but NOT the best.

You bunch of iSheeps

...SanDisk has dropped their idiot "iDont" marketing campaign.

It doesn't take a big leap of creativity to come up with the idea for a marketing campaign based on Brand X MP3 player as the new, hip, individualist alternative to the iPod. Probably every other MP3 company has bounced around ideas for just such a campaign.

SanDisk didn't have guts and creativity, just the stupidity to think that a disingenuous corporate marketing ploy would pass for a grass-roots social movement.

They better stick to flash memory. San Disk is not showing any creativity here. They best be careful or large creative companies may not use San Disk products for fear they will just move into their own business and copy them. This could backfire on them big time, then again a large per cent of their customers are just regular consumers and not big companies. Summed up this was a two edged sword they produced.