# (Disturbing) Viral Book Campaigns "The Gargoyle" Burning Flesh Ad By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-08-08 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-gargoyle-burning-flesh-viral References: [somethingbadisgoingtohappenhere](http://www.somethingbadisgoingtohappenhere.com/) Using a [viral campaign to promote a book](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/read-like-you-listen), in this case, *The Gargoyle* by Andrew Davidson, is still pretty rare. This very graphic and unsettling video is not for the squeamish. The Gargoyle is about a man who suffers [unspeakable burns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burnable-billboard) during a car wreck. The video describes, in detail, what would happen if you put your hand, and then your face, on a glowing stove burner, and then pulled it away. [Can you smell it](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lola-mullenlowe)? Were you intrigued to read the book? Or just grossed out? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **(disturbing) Viral Book Campaigns:** Opportunity for book publishers to create unique and attention-grabbing campaigns using viral marketing strategies. - **Graphic Book Promos:** Potential for book marketers to create visually impactful and provocative promotional materials to generate interest and intrigue. - **Emotional Storytelling:** Possibility for authors and publishers to leverage emotional storytelling techniques to engage readers and create a memorable brand image. ### Where This Applies - **Publishing:** The publishing industry can tap into disruptive marketing approaches to capture audience attention and drive book sales. - **Advertising:** Opportunity for advertising agencies to develop unconventional and impactful campaigns for book promotions. - **Digital Marketing:** Potential for digital marketers to leverage viral video campaigns and emotional storytelling strategies to enhance book marketing efforts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Garlic Romance Novels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garlicinfused-romance-novel.md) - [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md) - [Flame-Grilled Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flame-grilled-billboard.md) - [Provocative Guerrilla Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mwcurated.md) - [Water-Activated Book Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dehydrating-book.md) - [Photosensitive Book Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-outside-book.md) - [Book-Based Perfumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/die-hot-with-a-vengeance.md) - [Bloody Promotional Game Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blood-for-a-pc.md) - [Book-Themed Hot Sauce Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-hot-sauce-set.md)