Have you got a Monskey?

 

courtesy of ERIK98122 from Flickr

courtesy of ERIK98122 from Flickr

Monskey is a very cool idea. I’ve got my first as a gift and thought it was a very nice buddy. In fact, I think more people have the same impression as we can see at Flickr, for instance.

Despite been a great product and definitely one of the most sympathetic toy art created, it’s the idea and the purpose behind Monskey that I think is even greater. For those who don’t know it, Monskey’s concept is Equality of Mankind.

To express that, they put the power on people’s hands. This means that anyone who may think is capable of designing one can do that and submit for them his/her personal creation. If lucky enough, the person may see the toy on some shelves from around the world. Of course that designers have a lead and it’s nice to see how they are participating.

So, why do I think this is a great idea?

Basically, because it involves some of the main principles that make an idea going further these days:

  • well-oriented vision and a solid mission or purpose;
  • the power of social participation;
  • self-expression and storytelling;
  • collaborative process;
  • pleasant experience in people’s hands.
At the same time, I think that the Monskey culture could be stronger and broader. The brand already has the principles and values to get it.  Maybe it has to face the digital and conversational channels as a space to truly amplify fans, make connections and drive business. This is what I hope that guys over Monskey are thinking about and working for.

3 Comments

    • vinnie
    • Posted November 12, 2008 at 7:33 pm
    • Permalink

    crowdsourcing is the key these days. the collaborative environment of the internet provides the tools, and the initiative of others provides the inspiration. the result is empowerment in a crescent vortex: from niche to mass, from cult to desirable, from a simple table-bar idea to a big profit business and so on.
    i wait anxious to the day when an idea like this fall out of the sky directly to my lap… ;)
    (and yes, to make money too, a lot!)

    • Jason
    • Posted November 25, 2008 at 1:08 am
    • Permalink

    Thanks for your comments on Monskey. I am involved with the marketing of Monskey and I think you are right on in your thinking. I am curious if you could expand a little on your idea of digital and conversational channels. I am new to this world and I could use some advice.

    Cheers!

    • ramiroamaral
    • Posted November 25, 2008 at 10:32 am
    • Permalink

    Hi Jason,
    Thanks for your comment, really appreciated it.
    One of the good things about the digital space is that it can make likeminded people come together and share stories they love about something.
    Think on how you can use Ning to create a community around the toy or how you can create an app for Facebook so people could live the Monskey experience in another level, for instance.
    A digital ethnography gives a sense of how people relate to your toys and what they mean for them, what they allow people to express (use and abuse of Flickr, Technorati and other social sources to do that).
    Of course these are quick ideas that came into my mind right now, it’s not a structured thinking.
    But, I believe that understanding those kinds of things would be the first step to improve the conversation with Monskey fans.


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