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A viral video is only really viral if it is something people latch on to and spread. When pushed by a marketing company, it is not. Then it becomes viral manipulation. This is what seems to be happening with a video campaign for NBA All-Star votes on behalf Amar'e Stoudemire. Lineage Interactive, which produced the videos, wrote us and asked us to share the video.



At first, there was hesitation. Why should we do something for free? Why should we showcase a video showing a not so good performance by David Spade? Then a realization came to light: there will never be a "great" performance by David Spade. And since it is on YouTube, it is not costing us any bandwidth.

So it is for you decide, is this series of videos one that could have gone viral naturally? Is Spade reallynot so good in it? Would it lead you to cast an All-Star vote for Amar'e Stoudemire?

So here is the first of the four videos in the campaign, followed by the press release that accompanied the video link:

AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE COACHED BY DAVID SPADE
Actor/Comedian Spade Helps Stoudemire Improve his Game

(PHOENIX, ARIZONA) December 10, 2009 — Phoenix Basketball Star Amar’e Stoudemire enlists well-known actor, comedian and Phoenix native David Spade to help him become the starting Center on the Western Conference All-Star Team.

Starting today, fans are able to watch as Spade takes Stoudemire’s game to “The Next Level.”

Based on the overwhelming response to last year’s successful campaign, which received over 4 million views spreading virally via television, radio, print and online, Amar’e pulled together his creative team to develop a series of comedic videos to show his fans how determined he is to be the best at his game.

“I had a great time testing my acting abilities with one of the funniest guys I have met. I think the fans are going to enjoy the series and who knows, they may see me throw in a couple of David [Spade’s] suggestions into my game,” said Amar’e Stoudemire.