Most of our readers will remember the iSaw USB Chainsaw that we featured on the site on Tuesday. Well, as most of you probably guessed, it was a hoax. People who pre-ordered it received the following email.
“Hello.
We love that you liked the i.Saw enough to pre-order.
Truth is, you already own a chainsaw. Your keyboard.
Help save more trees by cutting down on unnecessary printing. Download PaperCut, a free application that plays the sound of a chainsaw each time you press Ctrl-P.
Available for Mac and PC.
Thanks for the support. Help spread the buzz, if you will 🙂
PaperCut Team
(formerly known as i.Saw Team)”
The Clever Hoax with a Purpose
The iSaw USB Chainsaw hoax was not just a random prank; it was a clever marketing strategy with a meaningful message. The creators aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of unnecessary printing. By making people believe they were purchasing a USB-powered chainsaw, they captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and environmentalists alike. The follow-up email revealed the true intention behind the hoax: to promote PaperCut, a free application designed to reduce paper waste.
PaperCut is a simple yet effective tool that plays the sound of a chainsaw every time you press Ctrl-P, reminding users to think twice before printing. This innovative approach not only highlights the importance of conserving paper but also adds a touch of humor to the otherwise serious issue of environmental conservation.
Impact and Reception
The iSaw USB Chainsaw hoax received widespread attention and sparked conversations across various platforms. Many people appreciated the creativity and the underlying message of the campaign. The hoax was covered by several major tech blogs and news outlets, further amplifying its reach.
For instance, Gizmodo, a popular technology blog, featured an article about the hoax, praising its ingenuity and the positive message it conveyed. The article can be found here. The coverage helped drive traffic to the PaperCut website, where users could download the application and learn more about the importance of reducing paper waste.
The success of the iSaw USB Chainsaw hoax demonstrates the power of creative marketing and the potential for technology to drive positive change. By leveraging humor and surprise, the PaperCut team effectively communicated their message and encouraged people to adopt more sustainable practices.
In today’s digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it is easy to overlook the environmental impact of our actions. The iSaw USB Chainsaw hoax serves as a reminder that even small changes, like reducing unnecessary printing, can have a significant impact on the environment. By raising awareness and providing practical solutions, campaigns like this can inspire individuals and organizations to take action and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Very clever, it certainly got everyone’s attention. You can download the free application over at PaperCut.
Gizmodo via
Head on over to for the full story behind the project.
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