My Coke closing down
By JBagley on Feb 9, 2009 in Announcements, Featured
I never thought I would have to write this post, but the time as come. Coca Cola’s legal team, through Adams & Adams attorneys, have started legal proceedings against me for this blog.
I started this blog along with a mate of mine in the beginning of 2007. All we wanted to do was blog about the event, the bands, put up all the info pertaining to the Coke Fest and anything we thought would be of interest. After all, we weren’t here to steal,domain squat or rant – just provide a place for you guys to comment on and read up on the latest goings on with regards to the Coke Fest.
Since 2007, this blog has been linked to from some high profile news sites – the BBC, Times Online, tons of blogs – even an article was written in The Times newspaper! Great publicity for the concert and this website. Then, the 2009 Coca Cola Zero fest came along, and we carried on in much the same vain as before – writing about the event.
On launch day, this blog became the 3rd biggest blog in South Africa and is currently still in the top 25 – all thanks to everyone visiting the site and commenting. So big thanks to you guys. Just take a look at the previous post which has over 2500 comments. That is unheard of in the South African blogosphere. Along with that, there are just over 2000 people subscribed to updates to this site. Quite an achievement I’d say.
What could of been
When the lawyers contacted me, I immediately wanted to get in touch with Coke to explain myself, and also offer them the opportunity for us to work together on this blog. The idea was to totally redesign this blog and add some really cool features to allow the community that exists here to get more interactive with the blog. Along with that, run competitions for tickets, interviews with the bands, interviews with the fans and so much more. But, being a huge company with more red tape than ribbon on their coke cans, the message never got through. I wanted to work with them, not against!
So, that’s pretty much it. I’m going to leave this post up until 16th of February, when unfortunately, I am going to close the blog down.
Cheers and thanks for everything!
Jason Bagley
Make a new one or a secret community?
This blog was fun.
ryro | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
that, quite frankly, is pathetic. good job Coca Cola. what a way to kill a blog that was providing awesome (free) publicity for your event.
clint | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
absolutely stupid on Coke’s part. Bunch of n00bs
StevenMcD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
I think it was because that dude blew the whole Coke Vs. The Government thing into the open.
There was a guy who posted a whole long thing about Coke getting pressure from the government etc. really behind closed doors kinda stuff, and now suddenly the dude must take down his blog?
I doubt it was because of a bunch of emo kids whining about their favourite bands not playing.
This sucks!
Matt | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Yes this sucks and is typical short-sighted corporate behaviour. But I don’t think you should have published Kelly Thompson’s details. She will no doubt become that target of a shitstorm of as yet unknown proportions, yet the chances are she is low down on the totem pole. Someone at Coca-Cola hired Adams & Adams to pursue this matter and Kelly may just be the unfortunate soul tasked with the mission. Who knows, she might not even agree with it but have no choice but to do her job.
Steve Crane | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
I thought a brand like Coke would understand the value sites like this one add to their marketing efforts. Apparently whoever is working over there has no concept of digital and/or social marketing.
End of the day they’re only costing themselves money.
Donald Jackson | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
what bs
bigD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
good luck with your future blogs mate, well done – it was awesome.
bigD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Dear Kelly,
What a shame you have to threaten to close down a site that has done nothing but good for Coke and its PR !!
Mycoke.co.za has bought thousands of people across the country together and provided that service for free, they have never attacked Coke and further more have offered to work with them!
If you have any contact with Coke please tell them I will no longer buy their products and will be spreading the message online about their stupidity to as many people as possible.
It never ceases to amaze me that big brands can have such a lack of common sense and seem to love shooting themselves in the foot.
Please try and get the message to Coke that http://www.mycoke.co.za is an asset not a WMD !
All the best,
Chris
Chris Rawlinson | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
The action taken by Coke is hilarious. I dont see where the harm comes in? Ok maybe the google ads somehow allow you to profit illegitimately, but from what i can see you are a fan, supporting their effort.
Whats the lesson we have learnt from this?
Garsen Subramoney | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Hi Jason, I don’t want to be on the wrong side of popular opinion, but I’m afraid I do see the point of Coca Cola on this one.
You mention having been linked to be big sites like BBC and Times Online. I don’t know what the link contexts were, but if it was being passed off as the original mycoke site, I fully understand their not being happy.
Now Jason, I have a lot of respect for your work, and believe you to be an extremely talented individual, but this site is not your best (design), and knowing people that have worked on the official mycoke campaign, the design of this site is quite a way below the bar they have set… sorry, MHO.
The advertising… Google Adsense on a blatantly “Coke” themed website while not being under their ownership is something that could be considered profiteering on the brand name. I may be wrong, but if you’d made any serious bux, you could even be sued for that.
It is a pity what is happening, and may seem unfair but sometimes you have to stand back and look at what the facts are and the cruel reality of big corporates’ stranglehold rule over their brand.
Trust me, you don’t want to battle with Coke. Your decision to close the site is a good one.
Ross | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Totally shocked at Coke for this move.
Yes i understand that its probably in violation of like a million legal and ethical codes, but dudes, this is 2009 we dont sue people we find ways to work together.
You would much better results if you just worked together. Dope
Goodbye #mycoke..
SimonB | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Good on Coca-Cola. I always thought that you tail-coating on the Virgin and now Coca-Cola festivals was pretty dodgy.
In addition to potentially taking advantage of someone else’s event to create money (via google ads) and free exposure for yourself and your web design agency I think you were confusing the public into thinking your site was the official site.
I think these sites were primarily put up to benefit you not fans and the concert organisers.
Good on them!
RichardV | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
OMG!! f#$k coke! lets all drink fruit juice!!
GrimBO | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
@ RichardV
I doubt anyone thought this site was official.
And if you can’t say something good, just please keep it to yourself.
Thank you.
ryro | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
A shame for SA music fan’s, and dare I say Coke-Cola My Fest fan’s
Brett | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
ryro: Google made it the official site. If you search for both coke fest and virgin fest (in South Africa) you fnd this site.
Unlike man other fan sites this site doesn’t clear state that it’s not an official site. How would you like it if someone setup a site that looked like it was you blog or company’s site?
The fact that this and and the virgin fest sites that Jason put up didn’t have a disclaimer at the top like many fan sites makes the authoring of this site suspect.
Jason: The Virgin Fest site does specify it is the unofficial site. You do have a point regarding this site and I now have a plan.
RichardV | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Richard u hv a really gud point, bt i stil thnk this really sux! First the shitty line up and nw this?! I give the guys at coke a big up urs! This site was awsum 4 blogging and added info. Wer 2 nw? The cokezero site sux ass!
Dariah | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Well that does it, you won’t see me at My Coke Fest.
Nick Jackson | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
This is enough to make me shift to drinking Pepsi. Large companies have no idea how to deal with bloggers, other than bullying them.
Chris | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
change the name to my cock fest, then they can’t say anything
Dracolusus | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Its so typical isn’t it? Everything is overlooked just to maintain protocol. Unfortunately its a South African trait, where other societies would weigh up the pros and cons South African bureaucracy swoops down and ignorantly swipes at anything slightly out of the box.
Damn I really hate this watered down nervous culture we are forced to be a part of. Too afraid to let anything happen.
Mandy | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
F@ck your mothers coke
coco | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
What a shame that they can’t see the value you added (For free) to their event! You did a great job! All of the best! Irie
Francois Brill | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Coke is a bunch of whiney babies, they should grow up!! This site is way better than the real one!!! Here you actually get information on the Coke Fest!!! Whatever!! Coke sux!!!
LC | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
This is ridiculous!
By shutting you down, Coca Cola have admitted that you are way better at marketing online than they are.I mean BBC would rather link to your site! They cannot buy their publicity so they are shutting you down because you are better at earning it. They think that by there being a public misconception about their supposed real “crappy” flash website and yours…there may be…wait for it… a brand standards threat.
There will be a freakin brand standard threat if nobody wants to talk about their freakin concert online. A voice publicising their event…for free while earning cash off Google Ads is what you expect when creating an event of this nature. Shutting this site down is achieving nothing but public anger!They may as well shut down the user created “I love Coca Cola” Facebook group???
People/ other websites talking about your brand, website and events is what is supposed to happen online. Way to go Coca Cola!
Smallz | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
I cant believe this, this is crap man! I feel you should keep trying and win this!
Bruce | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
The folks at Amatomu.com will be sad to see this blog closing – you’re currently #23 out of all the blogs in SA, which is really impressive.
Good luck with the next one Jason.
Jason | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
I’m really sorry to read this post, Jase. I’ve been following your tweets on it.
Their loss. Well done to you though for bringing all the awareness out.
SheBee | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Im telling you, its because that guy (forget his name) was posting about all the behind the scenes crap going on with Cokefest. There is no other reason for them acting so harshly.
Matt | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
They just pissed that you created something that they couldn’t. A popular, successful blog for their ‘event’. If they had done a better job then they wouldn’t have to eliminate the ‘competition’.
I can only see two reasons why they would want to do this.
1. You are making a quick buk off of the ads. (good on you, that is what they are there for dammit) and by shutting you down they would redirect your bloggers to their official site. (fat $%#^inh chance of that happening)
2. Possibly because many people were complaining about the line-up and wanted to stop any bad ‘publicity’ (even though there is no such thing as bad publicity.)
They morons with too much money, but hey.. I am a hypocrite because i love coke!
bigD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
…and you really want us to believe that you are completely innocent. Clearly Jason, you’ve been cybersquatting. Don’t give us your sob story…there are rules in life my friend. Most of then suck, but some make sense like stealing! get over it!
John | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
someones a grumpy goose
bigD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
ht tp://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3521/cokefey2.jpg
Matt | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Wont let me post links. Just close up the gap, and witness Coke’s endgame.
Matt | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
and someone can use PS
bigD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
it better be photoshopped teehee
bigD | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Who is up for a Pepsi fest?
Seags | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
This is really weak! This seems like a dick showing competition and clearly this site was winning.No one goes to the crappy zerofest site.So they kicked you in the balls with there big lawyer boot.
A title of a System song come to mind at times like this – F**k the system!!
Good work Jason.You did well!!
Dylan | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Splashy here I come!!
Dylan | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Start a new one, and what a bunch of idiots. Well done Jason i enjoyed your site and new that i could rely on you for the most updated info and your site got me siked for the coke fest. Now i just feel annoyed and they just suck!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandy | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
wat a bunch of fags at coke……hope they suffer the consequences for their crap decsions! I really hope that coke know what they are getting into to, becuase you just dont mess around with the public.
Easter vortex for the win…
billy bong | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Coke used to be such a cool brand, now it’s just a loser brand!
Dale | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
What a bunch of corporate tossers. Fuck Coca Cola and fuck this lame Cokefest.
Will | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Jason, this was a really awesome blog
Censorship’s a bitch, and one would think that it doesn’t apply to blogs. That’s your own space, piece of mind, whatever. But I guess when a major brand is involved the rules change. I kinda understand where Coke is coming from but at the same time they still piss me off! Heard the last of the SA lineup last night. Foto Na Dans, aKing, Cassette? :/
Well done for becoming a legend, internationally recognised by BBC and The Times. Nice
Elle | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
You bunch of whiney bitches, get over it. He was cyber squatting, impersonating, and making money off it.
If the the domain was something like myfestival.co.za and there was a bit ‘unofficial site of coke fest’ with a like somewhere to the real site you would be in this jam.
Tyler | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
… If coke cant bring us a good lineup (except for Bullet for my Valentine
)
They need to push the gay boundries and close this blog down
>: <
WTF?!
:’(
blind2og | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
You idiot. I thought this was the official Coke Fest website. I feel cheated.
Now I see why Coke’s lawyers have a strong case. You fooled everybody and used their name to gain for your benefit.
John Horseman | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Hey 100s to you dude I loved this blog it was AWESOME!!!
Those coke dudes suck big time.
Lee | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@Ross – could you have designed anything better?
@RichardV – Do you work for coke? bcus you defend coke brilliantly!
@john & Tyler – get a F@ckin life!
@BigD – you could not have said it better! Coke was panicking bcus of the bad comments given for the shit lineup.
And to all those who want to make Jason look bad, why did’nt coke close this down last year? And why are you guys using this blog if you think he’s making a quick buck from it.
YOU GO JASON! I AGREE, START A NEW SITE!
FACEBOOK/MXIT USERS SPREAD THE WORD TO BOYCOTT COKE PRODUCTS.
Rock Fan - CT | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
You were doing good, but you kinda have to see it from their point of view, you do have their branding all over the place and this is coke after all, not pofadder spring water, this is a company that has been around since circa 1888, copyright infringement blah blah blah
and also, when you google coke your site comes up third lol that’s also gotta have pissed them off
anyway, good luck with the future blogs, and what about a cock vs pepsi poll before the site vanishes?
and oasis is so 1996, wtf!
myphotographer | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Talk about taking a step backward. Is it so hard to sit down like civilized individuals and discuss a way to work together?
Nafisa | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@Rock Fan
Good point. Why didn’t they shut this down in
the beginning already?
If you ask me, Coke is just miffed because they
lost out on thousands of clicks as a result of a
major oversight on their part – the lack of a
public discussions forum on the official site!
So much for listening to what the people have to
say.
V@mp | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Good work Jason. Sorry it had to come to this bro, i enjoyed the blog.
All the monkeys at Coke suck @ss… Much like the kak lineup… I’m sure 99% of the people visiting the blog are all consumers of coke products… Wake up Coke!
JOEBLACK | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
This swarm of comments does nothing but display all your ignorance of the situation and the position Coke is in by requesting this site be shut down. I support them 110% in this endeavour.
Imagine for one minute that you were the brand guardian for a multi billion rand company like Coke, and some little blogger came along, stole your brand’s visual assets, set up a website and blogged about things relating to it.
Now, that person didn’t even make it clear to the casual visitor that it wasn’t an official Coke website, and to rub salt in the wounds he put ads on the website to make money… off someone else’s brand! Thats commonly known as brand hijacking!
Continuing this argument is almost pointless as it seems the conversation is driven by emotionally motivated pimply teenagers who haven’t a clue about how real world business works.
Jason, your choice to take the site down is your best option, and hopefully you’ve learnt from this experience.
To people whinging that this site is better than the original site… that may be true, but it doesn’t matter. It’s Coke’s choice whether or not to let it live. Bad decision on their part or not, it’s their choice to make, and they’re completely within their rights.
Anonny Mouse | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@Rock Fan
Maybe, maybe not. If you read my comment, I was stating that “Jason” could design a better site. A compliment in fact.
It’s not a world of black and white, friends and enemies, but rather one of multiple shades of grey. Jason is a talented individual and although I think this site may have been a misguided idea, he could have done it in a way that he could have befriended Coke and actually won the biggest client of his life.
Jason, if you’d made this site a “tribute” of “unofficial” site you could have won over the corporates and ended up with a pretty massive contract IMHO…
Ross | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Corporate America gone mad – talk about shooting themselves in the foot. Maybe they don’t like un-approved use of the “Coke” brand, but the upside of all the publicity must be immense.
I swear corporate laywers have their “common sense gene” remove at birth.
Thanks for the site down the years, and good luck for the future. If you do ever have a meaningful dialogue with anyone from Coke, please tell them what idiots they are.
Rob Walker | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Even the bullet for my valentine tour links to this site – http://www.bulletformyvalentine1.com/tour.php
G-diddy | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@Anonny Mouse
WOW i actually had to look hard for thoses ad’s…
a tiny little header saying ad’s by google….
how many ppl actually saw them?
Sir | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
I reckon Coke’s missed out on an awesome social media marketing opportunity here.
Sorry guy!
Andr | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Viva Pepsi, Viva.
Bryan | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Does that mean your mother wont headline?
Coco | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No we didn’t light it
But we tried to fight it
phil | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Dear Anonny Mouse.
Where do you get off insulting the people on this blog? They are quite simply annoyed because they enjoyed writing messages to their friends on this site. You are right, many of them are probably teenagers who don’t have much business experience. If you are this hotshot business dude, what the #$$%# are you doing on a blog for coke fest?
Quit trying to make yourself sound cool and business like. Maybe your time is better spent elsewhere – like running your business.
bigD | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@ Annony Mouse
Why did you bother posting then if this is a pointless argument?
ryro | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Why dont the “asshole critics” just stay off this site while its still in use. Let the ppl who want to congratulate Jason do so, and also for those who want say what they think of Coke.
Before this announcement, you had nothing bad to say bcus you did not know this was not the real thing.
Coke is a MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, and like I said before could have closed this site ages ago.
I think this festival must be boycotted next year if they dont get a new sponsor, like some ppl said why not PEPSI. And for those who will be going to the concert (I unfortunately booked tickets already) lets not buy coke products.
Rock Fan - CT | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Annony just had to comment. She cant resist trying to sound important. And if its a he – Shame.
GrimBO | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@Coco
As much as those mother comments started to
annoy me after a while, I have to say that I
nearly p*ssed myself when I read that one.
V@mp | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
http://www.bulletformyvalentine1.com/news.php
Bottom of page reads
“For more details see mycoke.co.za/”
GrimBO | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
make that
“More 2009 Dates Announced
Brand new dates annouced in South Africa!
10 April 2009 My Coke Fest- Johnannesburg, South Africa
13 April 2009 My Coke Fest- Cape Town, South Africa
For more details see mycoke.co.za/
Posted by on 22/01/2009″
GrimBO | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
yea, to hell with Coke. This was seriously pathetic on their side, a very closed minded company with bad leadership.
Sean Nieuwoudt | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Maybe they didn’t like all the negative comments on crap the line up. Fuck this i’m gonna go listen to some angry, Kurt Darren
links | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
wow, you guys are so simple to bait.
I still stand by my statements though.
@bigD you completely missed the point. Just another gimp without a clue in the world. Do you think Coke isn’t a business with money flowing like water in the Nile?
It would be so nice to live such a “simple” existance as yours.
I’m going to boycot drinking fizzy carbonated water made by coke because they forced someone hijacking their brand to close down a blog! booohooo!!!!
It must be tough being dumb, is it?
Anonny Mouse | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Well, Coke have shown their true colors as a bunch of small-minded corporate bullies. I find it funny that the blog has been around for quite a long time and is only now being shut down.
Personally, I think this is because of the shit-storm of negative comment with regard to their rubbish event. They obviously don’t like the idea of a popular forum, beyond their control, where people can express their opinions.
Really pathetic.
Bryan | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
@Rock Fan it’s okay for people to whinge and moan and badmouth Coke, but for people that happen to disagree with you, they must shut up?
Go back to your cave, Osama is waiting for you to finish his lunch.
Anonny Mouse | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
How can you fall for thinking that Coke cares about plebs like you when they are the biggest brand in the world. Your story of trying to help is just so much transparant bull. Coke has made it by laughing at people like you for years and KNOWING you’ll buy their product anyway.
Coke is the biggest employer on the African continent and if they think there are too many white kids enjoying themselves who don’t care about the REAL social issues, they’ll switch loyalty right away.
BUT, if everyone on this blog stops buying Coke for the rest of their lives it’ll make a difference. Won’t it? No, of course it won’t. You’re collective boycott won’y pay one of their lawyers for 5 minutes of his time. So stop wasting yours and get real.
Mbgele | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Mbgele for enlightening us!
Now we can all go back to being a happy little coke-swilling automatons since our opinions don’t matter and big corporations can say and do whatever they like because they have loads of cash! Wow! Isn’t capitalism COOL!!!
Bryan | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
It’ll be their sour grapes when they see the Coke fest turn-out! Oasis was cool 10 years ago and Panic at the Disco? wtf! Mbgele don’t you have somewhere else to be racist? like in a burning tank? To the dude who owns the web address, tell Coke they can buy it for a million bucks and give them the finger. they should have bought it earlier and now it’s croccy tears
JT | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
well, i agree with both sides, yes, this is a great blog for people to voice their opinions, and yes, coke does have the right to shut it down as he hasnt stated its not official. i say voice your opinions, but dont put others down about theirs, because all your doin is showing your ignorance, in thinking that yours is the only right opinion, i mean really. as for the lineup, yes, its not the best, but bullet is playing, so i couldnt give a dam, as they are excellent, and if you check the voting, they owned it. in fact, most of the bands playing had the higher amount of votes, so if people didnt want to see the bands that are coming, then why did they vote for them. think about it, its obvious dont you think???
bleh | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
I have never managed to get into the official site… How sucky is that? Oh and by the way, the 5fm site has the other local bands, but i don’t know, are there gonna be more internationals announced?
D-Man | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
I think, as many people on this blog have said so far – the real reason for the coke legal action is because this blog became a vocal opposition against the farce that is Coke Zero Fest 2009.
And to Mbgele : piss off and go to Zimbabwe – I’m sure you’ll feel more at home there.
WTF | Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
This is why I drink pepsi. Jason great job on promoting the event, how about taking this over into a neutral music event blog with the functionality you spoke of. Use the following you have here to seed that site. Also be sure to do a getSatisfaction post about cokes closed mindedness and their lack of understanding of the web as a tool for brand expansion. I wouldn’t be surprised if their old school static media agency started this whole situation.
Mitchell Geere | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
@ Mbgele
First of all, WTF does race has do with ANYTHING?
I’d rather be wasting my time as the minority than be part of the idiotic majority. jsyk.
ryro | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
You brought up race @sshole.
Anon | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
@Mgbele
lol dude, you are so ignorant its funny. Think about it, if Coke thought for one minute they’d pull more black people than white people to the festival, wouldn’t they be getting behind bringing huge black artists like Kanye and Chris Brown here instead of Oasis and Snow Patrol?
instead they opt to bring white rock bands out, even after catching serious flak from government for last years coke fest.
Coke has balls and has said a collective fuck you to government interference. And that should be applauded, not because it’s racist, but because they’ve shown that they will not be pressured or intimidated by the government.
Matt | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I hear coke is taking legal action against your mother for not headlining
Coco | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
@Mgbele
lol dude, you are so ignorant its funny. Think about it, if Coke thought for one minute they’d pull more black people than white people to the festival, wouldn’t they be getting behind bringing huge black artists like Kanye and Chris Brown here instead of Oasis and Snow Patrol?
instead they opt to bring white rock bands out, even after catching serious flak from government for last years coke fest.
Coke has balls and has said a collective screw you to government interference. And that should be applauded, not because it’s racist, but because they’ve shown that they will not be pressured or intimidated by the government.
Matt | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Anonny Mouse – Yes, I might live in a nice simple world.. But maybe you should look at yourself, you are spending your time insulting people for no reason at all. Please do us all a favor and don’t post anything else in this blog.
If you disagree with us, that is fine. Each to their own, but your comments are quite simply.. Not wanted here. Go away.
bigD | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
To quote Anonny Mouse – ‘Continuing this argument is almost pointless as it seems the conversation is driven by emotionally motivated pimply teenagers who haven’t a clue about how real world business works.’
You are right, there is no point for you to continue this argument. So once again, please don’t post anything else.
bigD | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
You are all f**ked
Robert Mugabe | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I said the same thing to your mother.
Coco | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
So aside from the sad retards who think they are genius’s for throwing insults left right & centre… all I can say is SHAME!
It sounds like Coke shot themselves in the foot for not making this their official site – seeing as though its so popular already. Why not incorporate Jason & this site and make it official instead of getting messy with lawyers? Oh well, good job Jason. You can walk away from this knowing that you dont have to work for a big corporation like Coke to be successful. Good luck for the future
Rocker | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Well, this is what I have come to expect from a company like coca cola…it is honestly pathetic that you are taking legal action against this blog and unless they bring a truly AMAZING band, I will have no further part in My Coke Fest or “Coke Zero Fest”.
Wayne | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Well, its sad.
But hey, you know what, perhaps you should try turn this into an opportunity, make sure you back up the site before you close it, for professional web development this is a very very attractive portfolio piece. Anyway, cokefags have done both wrong and right here. The Officialness of this site was something no corporate company would want.
However they did not need to respond in the way they did, it would have been better for them to perhaps buy you out or incorporate you into their online repotoir. Rather obviously they did not see value in that so there must be a reason behind it.
So they are right to do as they are doing, but it is the extreme of what they could have done, making you list your site as unofficial would have been a more congenial effect.
If you wish to gain coverage, I suggest emailing news 24 and some other reporters with the story and see if they will run it.
Theos | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Now we can only hope that Coke Zero fest is screwed when this website closes down and it becomes even more difficult to find information on Coke Zero Fest.
Wayne | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
If coke was willing to work with Jason this would have been a great oppertunity for this event but knowing how huge corporate companies think, this isn’t a huge surprise.
Wayne | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Eat stones you coke bastards
Robert Mugabe | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Because of Coke’s behaviour I’ll be boycotting the show. They’ve announced such shit bands anyway so it’s not like it’s hard.
Last year a bunch of my mates and I came up from Durban to show our support of SA music and Coke for bringing such awesome bands to SA, but after this, I doubt we’ll ever make the trip again.
SO SAD!!!
Debra | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
So fitting that it’s now called The Zero Fest!
Debra | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
What could HAVE been! Not ‘what could OF been’ !
Dee | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
I hate Britain and running water
Robert Mugabe | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Coca-Cola Company responds to MyCoke.co.za closure – http://www.marklives.com/wordpress/?p=374
Herman | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Coca-Cola’s Statement (in full) from http://www.marklives.com/wordpress/?p=374
“In early December 2008, The Coca-Cola Company became aware of a website being operated at http://www.mycoke.co.za, which contained information and blogs about the MY COKE FEST 2008 events. Of concern to the Company was unauthorized use of its registered and well-known trademarks, including MY COKE FEST, COCA-COLA, COKE and the famous CONTOUR BOTTLE. Large portions of The Coca-Cola Company’s official MY COKE FEST 2008 website had also been copied and reproduced on Mr Bagley’s website in contravention of copyright legislation.
The images, wording, statements and domain name used for mycoke.co.za created the impression that the website was official and/or authorized by The Coca-Cola Company. However, this is not the case as there is no relationship between Mr Bagley and The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company had not supplied or authorized the content of the website although visitors to the website were being led to believe that this was the official MY COKE FEST website.
At that time, the unauthorized website contained a number of sponsored advertisements which were generating revenue for Mr Bagley.
The Coca-Cola Company’s intellectual property rights (trademarks, copyright works, goodwill, etc.) are assets of substantial value which require constant protection. Allowing third parties to make use of this intellectual property without authority can lead to confusion among members of the public and, ultimately, a dilution of important brands. The Coca-Cola Company cannot countenance such an infringement of its intellectual property rights under any circumstances.
In this case, since The Coca-Cola Company had no relationship with Mr Bagley and no review of the content on the mycoke.co.za website, there was great potential for harm. In the circumstances, The Coca-Cola Company obtained legal advice and then instructed its intellectual property attorneys to address a letter to Mr Bagley, explaining its position and rights and requesting him to delete the domain name mycoke.co.za and cease all and any unauthorized use of the Company’s trademarks. This letter was addressed to Mr Bagley by e-mail on 12 December 2008, with a response being requested by 15 December 2008.
On 16 December 2008, Mr Bagley responded to Adams & Adams, advising that he would be on leave until 7 January 2009. In response, Adams & Adams advised that, in view of the very serious nature of the infringements, the matter could not be held over until 7 January but that, provided the website was suspended immediately, they would be prepared to wait until mid-January for a comprehensive response to the demands.
On 18 December 2008, Mr Bagley sent a further e-mail to Adams & Adams advising that the website had built up a large following and enquiring about the possibility of entering into an arrangement with The Coca-Cola Company to leverage the marketing value of the blog. He also advised that he had taken down the advertising from the website.
In view of the fact that Mr Bagley’s conduct in using The Coca-Cola Company’s intellectual property without its authority was unlawful, the Company felt that it was neither obliged to, nor willing to, enter into any discussions with Mr Bagley which would involve paying him any amount of money or taking over the website. He was advised of this decision in mid-January and was again requested to cease the infringing conduct by no later than 23 January 2009. Mr. Bagley’s site remained active and continued to include intellectual property of The Coca-Cola Company without authorization.
In the meantime, the 2009 COCA-COLA ZERO FEST event was announced and the mycoke.co.za website was amended to include details of this announcement, again worded in such a way that the mycoke.co.za website appeared to be the official website for the event, despite the correspondence exchanged between Mr. Bagley and outside counsel for The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company has its own, official website for this year’s event at http://www.cokezero.co.za/fest.
No response to the requests to Mr Bagley was received by Adams & Adams, despite further and final reminders being sent to him on 4 and 9 February. On 9 February, however, Mr Bagley announced on the mycoke.co.za blog, that he had decided to comply and would be taking down the website by 16 February 2009.
The Coca-Cola Company appreciates all comments and feedback received from fans of the MY COKE FEST events and encourages discussion and dialogue about these events in open forums. However, the Company cannot knowingly permit such discussions to take place in conjunction with the unauthorized use of its trade marks which could ultimately result in harm to its brands and image.”
Anonny Mouse | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Maybe get everyone from like people on facebook and stuff to come and check this out…
Wayne | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
This is an outrage!bring Metallica and Smokie!
Derek whats | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
ok, so, there’s only a couple of days left of life in this site so let’s make it big!
Let’s be democratic, free speech and all, right to vote etc. let’s put up two polls:
1. Should the coke execs go fuck themselves – yes/no.
2. Pepsi or coke.
myphotographer | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I think Coke have a damn cheek closing down this website. They are happy to get the free publicity when the going is good but the moment people start giving some negative comments about the current Coke Fest they want to haul Jason off to court. Whatever happened to freedom of speech? People should have the right to voice their opinion. Shame on you Coke!
Shawn | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Just heard that the Fray are coming, classic!
Dwarren | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The lineup for 2009 still sucks donkeyballs…LOL
The Dude | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
I vote for starting a new site.
We need a place to complain about stuff…hehehe!
We can make MyDorkFest the first topic…
kuiken | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
FUCK Coca Cola for closing this site down! Just because they are greedy and hate freedom of speech. They are just like the ANC!
ShRoOm | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
bunch of fags if u ask me
Lindi | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
That is why I drink Pepsi… tastes heaps better too. Good luck dude, they’re just corporate pigs that need a good rear-ending
Trippy Grape | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Maybe if you didn’t use the heading “could of been”, but rather wrote “could have been” they wouldn’t have thought of you as the moron that you are.
I’m glad you got shut down!
Michael | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The CocaCola Logo is fair use… Its not like you’re using to sell a soft drink
Coke pulled an asshole move here! I’ve submitted to boingboing, hopefully it will get coke some negative attention for being shortsighted.
Bm | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
This is not the first time coke has done this: check out http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/0,39042972,13025028,00.htm
Bryan | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Micheal, are you the same asshole from the band Michael learns to rock? Cos you whine just as much!
Go strap a dildo on your brother nobhead!
Micheal Bolton | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Dont worrie my boet i are also wiff you, it are could of been so great hey!
Sorrie for everyfing man
-fanie
Fanie | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
nooit man michael learns to rock are my favourite rock band
Fanie | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Hahaha Michael Botlon has daddy issues… his daddy comes into his room last at night.
The really funny thing is this idiots real name is probably Michael Bolton!
Michael | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
The closing down of this blog also made it to News24.com
http://www.news24.com/News24/Entertainment/Local/0,,2-1225-1242_2468719,00.html
Coke Zero Fest Admin | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Guys we’ve syndicated the story on Skopbeen at http://www.skopbeen.co.za/?p=119
We feel with you, get back online soon.
Adriaan | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
Coke shuts down Coke Fest blog
Duncan Alfreds :
Cape Town – The highly anticipated Coke Fest has been thrown in controversy after Coca-Cola SA closed the Mycokefest blog run by Jason Bagley.
“He used the opportunity unlawfully,” Coca-Cola communication manager Sammy Mohlaoli told News24.
“He used our intellectual property including the logo; the shape of the bottle and this led people to believe that it was the official Coke Fest blog.”
Mohlaoli said Bagley was given an opportunity to respond to Coca-Cola’s request to remove their intellectual property form the site.
“We became aware of the site in late 2007 and only sent a letter requesting him to stop it on December 12 2008.
“He responded on December 18, saying that he had a following of over 2 000 and wanted to offer us a partnership, but by that time we felt he was operating in bad faith and requested him to close the site immediately.”
Wanted to work together
On his blog Bagley writes that he contacted Coca-Cola to “explain” himself, adding that he wanted to “offer them the opportunity for us to work together on this blog”.
“But, being a huge company with more red tape than ribbon on their coke cans, the message never got through. I wanted to work with them, not against!” he adds.
Mohlaoli said Coca-Cola has its own official site for the Coke Fest and they were obliged to protect their intellectual property, even though there is no link to the 2009 Coke Fest on the Coca-Cola SA website under the upcoming events section.
“You know this guy was selling advertising – he was generating an income form this blog using our name and property,” said Mohlaoli. “And even though he removed the advertising, we didn’t feel we want to work with him.”
Bagley writes that the final post will remain on the site until February 16, after which it will become history.
- News24
Brandon | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
thanks for keeping us informed, this site has helped more then coke itself as well as 5fm, from next year I doubt that any of us will even know anything till the band anounce it themselves, some helpfull info, keep an eye on Punkskelm Band Management, (their info on Facebook is quick and helpfull) They are the management crew of Fokofpolisiekar, aKING, and Van coke kartel, and are still very well connected with Foto na dans, Dirty skirts and Lark.(yes, they have worked with at least one band at all 4 Coke fests) Keep well, thanks Jason you did a good job.
HENRY | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
What the hell? You know what…if this is the way they’re going to act screw My Coke Fest. I’m not going to it.
I feel very strongly about companies treating their supporters like garbage.
Lydon | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
Great – first the blog, and then (hopeully) the event itself. I was unfortunate enough to have “attended” the event without having bought a ticket last year in CT. We stay many kilometres away and the noise was fricken intense.
This year we will have to pray for a Northerly gale.
Craig | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
Shame Craigie
Why don’t you and the wifey move to a nice little coastal town and go retire already.
Cape Town doesnt need to listen to your “old people” moans and groans. Your smell doesnt help either.
Deal with it, or get out.
Kendra | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
Craig,f@ck off you moron.go listen to yout techno and sokkie treffers.one day of rock music…shame.did you little gay ears start bleeding?
Sarah | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
“Tallying up your votes for the 2009 My Coke Fest”???????????????????????????????????????
So that’s why the 2009 line up has nothing to do with our votes, Coke didn’t even know our votes existed!! Thanks for nothing!!
James | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
Absolutely ludicrous…
Woerie | Feb 14, 2009 | Reply
Does this mean the line up might change?
ScAv | Feb 14, 2009 | Reply
Sorry to hear about this. Maybe move it to Facebook would love to see Coke and them head to head! LOL
Skinz | Feb 14, 2009 | Reply
im sick of this hole zero fest bullshit. why is it that everything about this years fest is smelling like a huge pile of shit.
why even carry on having the fest if they’ve forgotten why they started it in the first place.
Fully well done for the blog Jason.
too bad those idiots didnt see your logic.
Screw them all
Dissapointed metal fan.
For shit sakes | Feb 15, 2009 | Reply