Backlash Over Randi Zuckerberg’s Self-Promotional Veteran’s Day Tweet
File this in the “Think Before You Share” category. Randi Zuckerberg set off a Twitter firestorm earlier today when she posted a Veteran’s Day-themed tweet promoting her new book, Dot Complicated. The tweet read “In honor of Veterans Day, share how tech helped/complicated life while serving & get a free signed copy of my book!” Naturally, the response so far hasn’t been very good with no apology yet from Zuckerberg (yes, she is the sister of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg). Zuckerberg’s embedded tweet (and some responses) are embedded below. Should she apologize? How should she respond?
In honor of Veterans Day, share how tech helped/complicated life while serving & get a free signed copy of my book! pic.twitter.com/3MU7UijrPL
— Randi Zuckerberg (@randizuckerberg) November 11, 2013
.@randizuckerberg you’re promoting yourself as a thank you to veterans…?How exactly does that work?
— louie mcfly (@ps2ill) November 11, 2013
I’d like to nominate @randizuckerberg for a Purple Heart who injured herself pandering to Vets. https://t.co/ksPXjHc7FU — DogWalkBlog (@dogwalkblog) November 11, 2013
@randizuckerberg why don’t you mail some of your books to deployed troops and they can use them for toilet paper? Shameless fool. — Teahadist Holly (@hollyR_J_N) November 11, 2013
@randizuckerberg @jbrodkin I showed this to an actual vet. He had some choice words.
— Nick Kolakowski (@nkolakowski) November 11, 2013
@randizuckerberg you somehow turned Veteran’s Day into a promotional tool. Wow… that takes skill.
— Kelly Bracha (@kellybracha) November 11, 2013
@randizuckerberg Oh log off.
— Jordan Kay (@_Jordan) November 11, 2013
When posting a tribute to veterans, it’s usually best just to say “Thank you.” I often find myself at a loss of words when it comes to thanking veterans for their service but sincere thanks with no strings attached can go a long way. One thing’s for sure, “I want to thank you by promoting myself” probably won’t go over too well.
For another good read, check out Kevin Roose’s New York Magazine article: Randi Zuckerberg’s Honestly Confused Guide to Life Online.
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I’m really not surprised. Silicon Valley is out of touch…
I’m a veteran, and I’m not offended by her action. She simply asked for input from service members about how tech helped or hurt them during their service. If they respond they get a free book. How is what she’s doing all that different from all the companies around the country who promote themselves with their sales on Veterans Day? Are they not promoting themselves as “THE place to go” on Veterans Day for the best deal? How many offer a free gift for coming in to their store?
Thanks for your input, Paul, and thanks for your service. Great point regarding retail stores doing essentially the same thing. In fact, Veteran’s Day sales rarely have anything at all to do with veterans. Just another excuse for a sale. Maybe the difference is that people have grown to expect this type of promotion from corporate retail, but not from individuals.