Remember when Artcaffe literally offered coffee for a full year as compensation for creative work?
The Kenyan restaurant chain went to social media to announce a new initiative dubbed #ARTofthecity. The contest was meant to give Kenyan creatives a platform to showcase their artwork. According to Artcaffe, anyone that won was guaranteed to ‘win big’. But the rewards part did not sit well with a number of people.
Shame on you Artcaffe. No really, shame on you.
— Elayne (@ElayneOkaya) August 4, 2020
1 coffee a day for a year is Kes 91,250.
Offer that instead of a cup of coffee that no one needs. Also, you know the winner won’t be able to redeem everyday, that’s why you offered this.
Respect creatives, they deserve to be paid. pic.twitter.com/CBWrnrERZW
After several complaints regarding the incentive, they eventually changed the terms for prizing, and offered creatives actual monetary compensation.
Recently, Java posted a tweet promising anyone who replied to the same free coffee for a year, clearly mocking Artcaffe’s efforts in it’s #ARTofthecity campaign.
Free coffee for a year to everyone that replies to this tweet. #20YearsofJavaLove ☕️ pic.twitter.com/ny0wvc8ONT
— Java House ☕ (@javahouseafrica) August 13, 2020
They however cleverly limited replies on the post, ensuring that no one would be able to respond to their tweet.
Despite this little trick, they still got a bunch of positive feedback, with some people falling for it, and others knowing exactly what they were doing.
Yes!best coffee shop https://t.co/6SaEzhcS00
— I'm Tuts (@Tuts53749204) August 14, 2020
I’m coming for coffee tomorrow https://t.co/eOg2jlUkys
— Andrew Mibei (@andysitian) August 13, 2020
Java’s petty AF ? https://t.co/CicXmBYm3s
— PJ Lerr (@shwizzie) August 14, 2020
Y’all mad childish for this ? https://t.co/WBDmdGOT1m
— Nessa (@vtwits) August 13, 2020