OnePlus Holds Misguided Beauty Contest For Women To Bolster Ailing Image
In a move that's guaranteed to go down in history as one of the most misguided attempts at positive PR in history, OnePlus has initiated a "ladies first" contest for smartphone invites. The best part? Contestants don't get the chance to win a phone, they get the chance to win an "invite" to purchase a phone. Oh, and a T-shirt, of course.UPDATE: The contest has been pulled.
Jerry, you've really done it this time. "In true gentlemen fashion and because chivalry is not dead," suggests OnePlus administrator 'Jerry', "we are giving the lovely ladies of OnePlus a chance to skip the invite line and introduce themselves to us." Internet votes will commence, and the "most well liked" women will receive a T-shirt.
Brilliant, OnePlus, just perfect.
Dive into the comments on this contest and you'll find the following messages:
"Although I want the shirt so badly, I don't dare to post my picture here" – mary115
"Nice contest, beautiful girls, cheers!" – fury land
"I'm thinking wet t-shirt contest. (18+ of course)" – bhups
"Heh heh...I guess this is all in good fun but already I see the sh#tstorm coming from THIS contest. I mean, this IS 2014, not the 70's Ladies Night at Hogs and Heifers. :p I wonder what contest the lady admins will be sponsoring next ....." – keithnyc
"Absolutely wrong.... but most womens/feminist thinks they re right about everything... But if they do a wet t shirt contest... i won't blame them personally.... " – SamOAD59
"im not flirting i have a wife and 2 kids and a baby boy on the way i just appreciate a women that shows her natural side.." – bigdustin
"Yes, I am a woman, and I've never had anyone question that from my pic. Do you need to see breasts to prove gender? Seriously?" – Krista
"Thanks for this. I think a few forum members took this contest the wrong way. It was simply a chance to give the female members a chance to get an invite in a sea of guys." – Jerry
"Exactly. The competition is appalling and I find it shocking how many people a lapping it up. Modern phone brought to you by outdated principles." – Pootleflump
OnePlus appeared for a moment to have had their heart in the right place, but have failed to address the inherent sexism of their "Ladies First" contest in any significant manner at all. This is bad.
OnePlus will end up suffering dearly for this contest without a public statement readdressing the subject at its root.
What do you think OnePlus should do?UPDATE: It would appear that the original thread has been edited. According to 'Jerry': "EDIT: Thread has been cleaned (offtopic and flamewares have no place in this contest)."