The Tweet That Started It All...
This single tweet from @NathanFillion, star of cult sci-fi series Firefly, resulted in a complete overload of the @arcimoto website. This tweet is also the seed of the Arcimoto Angels campaign, where Fillion’s genuine support has played a key part in its success.
Fillion as Captain Malcolm Reynolds of Firefly Vessel, Serenity
Arcimoto is an American company, devoted to “develop[ing] ultra efficient mobility solutions: vehicles, electronics, software, to catalyse the shift to a sustainable transportation system.” In essence, they build environmentally friendly vehicles.
The Pulse, an electric vehicle for two, is still in the prototype stages of development, but does not appear to be far off commercial production. Arcimoto is hosting test drive events in the Northwest of the US, and expects to retail the Pulse for about $17,500 [US].
An Example Of @NathanFillion's Transparent Tweeting
Fillion’s honest enthusiasm to help Arcimoto has appealed to his fans the world over. His commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and securing American jobs is clear. His transparent planning and brainstorming of this Arcimoto Angels campaign firmly establishes his belief in Arcimoto, and the Pulse as genuine.
A Snapshot Of The Arcimoto Angels Campaign
The Arcimoto Angels campaign is a fundraiser for Arcimoto (dubbed ‘fundvertising‘), which heavily references science fiction/fantasy myths. People who show their financial support are rewarded with Bronze, Silver, Gold, Mithril, Unobtanium or Wonderflonium wings. Mix in the strong leadership from the iconic Captain of Serenity (aka Fillion) and a pledge to match the first $5000 donated, and voilà!
Many devoted Firefly/Fillion/sci-fi fans respond in droves to this call to action, crashing the Arcimoto website once again. They commit more than their cash: spreading word of the cause through re-tweeting @NathanFillion’s @arcimoto posts. Some dedicated fans, like @MacGrip, have created their own graphics, inspired by Arcimoto Angels and iconic Firefly ship, Serenity.
Engaging an active niche-interest group is clearly a strong way to spread word of your product or cause, especially if you are genuinely supported by a key influencer.
> Read more about Arcimoto Angels, keep up with @arcimoto on Twitter, see @NathanFillion having fun in a Pulse on Facebook or see Arcimoto’s news blog here.
