‘The Dark Knight’ Viral Marketing Rings Again From Cake-Embedded Cell Phones

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CHICAGO – Back on Dec. 4, 2007, we reported on “The Dark Knight” viral marketing activities that concluded in fans rushing around the U.S. to snag cakes in bakeries. Items were baked inside them and enthusiasts tore apart the treats to find out what they were. The Joker promised that the embedded cell phones would have a purpose later.

On Monday, the Chicago cake finder again contacted HollywoodChicago.com and said a text message was sent to the phone he received on that day. Here’s the e-mail to us containing the Joker’s new viral marketing message.

Hey, Adam! If you remember, I am the Chicago Joker cake finder.

I have the cell phone and I just got a text message from the Joker today from humanresources@whysoserious.com. Here’s what it said:

“You still out there, clown? Reply and let me know.”

I replied “yes” and I got another response:

“See you found my little message. So do you think you have what it takes to be a part of my circle of friends? Are you a backstabbing, self…”

Then the message gets cut off. Others I have talked to with the phone have said the same thing. I am sure this is an automated response.

I replied back “yes” to the last text and I am waiting to see what happens. I will keep you updated!

~ Vlkers54

Our Chicago cake photos from Dec. 4 are below.

What are your thoughts on this round of viral marketing? Take it to this thread on our boards!

1:50 p.m. update: The same person just e-mailed us again with an updated message:

Text three just came in! It said:

“It makes me smile to see you’re one of the serious ones, clown. Now … time to be patient. I’ll be in touch…”

Looks like more waiting. Maybe they are narrowing down the 22 people who got the phones. I’ll keep you posted as always!

By ADAM FENDELMAN Editor-in-Chief HollywoodChicago.com adam@hollywoodchicago.com