Boggs Strike

What you say? Boggs strike? That is correct. I am taking a stand against Miller and letting them know their latest attempt at marketing has rubbed me the wrong way.

If you don’t live in Seattle, then you don’t know about Miller’s sponsorship of UW Husky football. I for one refuse to drink a beer that is packaged in purple and gold, but it hurts to have go pick out an 18 pack of the competition, especially after so many great times with Miller Delites. So, in attempt to get things back on track for Miller up here in the Pacific NW, I wrote them a little feedback. Below are my comments, followed by their response (or lack thereof):

This may seem a little petty, but I like Miller Lite and I want you to succeed, so I thought I should give a piece of advice from a consumer. I recently have heard advertisements for Miller Lite as the official beer of the University of Washington Huskies. I have also seen 18 packs with Husky logos on them. I understand the thinking, but you should know that there is a large contingent of Washington State Cougars living in the Seattle area. Cougars and Huskies don’t get along very well. So when a Cougar sees/hears Miller Lite as the official beer of UW Football, the first reaction is to stop drinking Miller Lite. Whereas, a Husky probably wouldn’t change his/her preference due to any sort of sponsorship. And the reality is, Cougars drink a lot more than Huskies (this is fact, it has been statistically proven). My reason for writing this is not to have you jump ships and sponser Cougar Football (although that would be glorious). I only wish you to stop promoting Husky Football so that I can get back to drinking Miller Lites (aka Miller Delites, aka Boggs’). If you want to see some dedication to your brand, check out http://tastybooze.com/2007/04/the-origin-of-boggs/. This one article has logged over 100,000 hits and is linked through wikipedia and espn. Go on, read it. About two years ago we made the switch from the site stating “Where the Anheuser’s are Always Cold.” Search Boggs or Miller Lite on the search side, you will see the dedication. So, all that being said, why don’t you go ahead and drop this campaign so that you don’t have to divide Miller Lite drinkers. Thanks for listening and let me know when I can go back to my normal drinking habits.

And the response for Miller?

Thank you for contacting the Miller Brewing Company. We are glad to hear you enjoy our product Miller Lite. Consumers like yourself have helped to make us one of America’s leading breweries. We always appreciate receiving both positive and negative feedback from our consumers. Please rest assured all of your comments will be forwarded to the appropriate department.

Miller Brewing Company Consumer Affairs Department
Ref: Case#N20063671

Weak. You appreciate my interest in your company?!?! How bout my thousands of dollars I have spent on you. Not to mention some serious viral marketing that has been happening for a couple years. This is more than just an interest brother, it is a way of life. So I say get with the program Miller. Know your target audience and thank your faithful drinkers. I think my loyalty deserves more than a Dear John response.

So for now, I am on a Boggs strike. I encourage others of you disturbed by this new packaging with a strange looking dog on it to stray to the Anheuser. Who’s coming with me?!?!