Earlier today, I had a pretty heated debate with Mr. @Tibbon about the word “viral” or a video’s ability to “go viral.” He believes that any company that creates a video with the specific purpose to “go viral” will fail, simply because it will be associated with a company that has a clear corporate gain. These people are missing the point; “going viral” cannot be contrived.

While I agree that this misunderstanding of the beloved buzzword occurs far too often–especially in marketing campaigns–I also believe that if a video or piece of content is THAT good… it will “go viral” regardless who made it. Companies can have awesome ideas too. If it’s funny/cool/original enough, the public won’t hide it away and forget about it in fear of being part of a marketing ploy. People share what they like.

I also believe that something can be viral without “going viral.” For example, I think a video that a single person sends around to one or two friends has a viral quality. Can’t that person-to-person component be considered viral? Or is that only mildly contagious? How rampid does the disease need to be before it can be called “viral?” Can’t we create a gray-scale? What do you think?

I’ll leave you with this OK Go video. That went viral. Or did it?