Real or publicity stunt? Everything we know about the ‘Ladyball’ so far
For the past few days, we seem to have been inundated by advertisements, media reports and general outrage about a controversial new product called the Ladyball.
As ads began to appear in national newspapers, on Irish television and all over the internet (the Ladyball has quite literally taken over the Independent website today), we are all left to wonder what the hell is going on and could this possibly be an actual product?
As we try to figure out what the campaign could really be about, here is everything we know so far about the Ladyball:
1) A ball designed for a woman's ability
The Ladyball is simply a ball, but according to the product's questionable marketing campaign, it has been adapted to suit "a woman's ability."
Yep, the Ladyball adheres to every gender stereotype going claiming that it's pink design and softer touch will encourage more women to play sports.
According to the website, the product is "a soft, trendy ball that [can] enhance natural feminine abilities and make it easier for girls to play."
2) Sworn to secrecy
Sources have told SHEmazing! that the marketing firm working with the company behind the Ladyball have all signed non-disclosure agreements but maintain that the product and campaign are real.
Shifty, very shifty….
3) Could it be legitimate?
Ever since launching nationally two days ago, everyone is trying to figure out if the product is real or not.
With a testimonial on the website like "finally, a ball that matches my boots" and tweets reading "don't break a nail, break boundaries", it is certainly hard to take the product seriously.
Many have speculated that the campaign may be a publicity stunt or will perhaps turn out to be raising awareness for a related cause, but two days later we are still no closer to solving the mystery of the Ladyball.
4) No news on where or when it can be purchased
While the advertisements are literally everywhere, the product cannot be purchased yet adding to our suspicions that the campaign is a ruse.
The officinal line of comment is that the ball is: "not yet in development – distribution and sale may be subject to demand."
Hmmmm.
5) Endorsed by Ger Brennan
In perhaps the most bizarre aspect of the campaign, the Ladyball is endorsed by Dublin GAA player, Ger Brennan.
Having been known for his questionable views in the past, Ger's comments on the website bring the whole campaign into a new territory of farce.
"I have no doubt the softer texture will be welcomed by all the ladies out there," says Ger on the site. "The fact that it is pink is an added bonus."
6) Everyone is suitably confused and/ or outraged
While we are assuming that the campaign is fake, Twitter has been predictably outraged by the whole thing.
Whoever's behind this lady ball prank sure has lots of dosh to spend! Adverts in papers on radio & tv. Hope the reveal's worth it! #ladyball
— Sinéad Desmond (@sineaddesmond) January 15, 2016
If anyone wants me I'll be under my desk weeping at the Ladyball and its "EAZI-PLAY: FOR A WOMAN'S ABILITY".
— Lisa Carey (@msleedy) January 13, 2016
This @theladyball_com has to be the worst thing to ever happen the world – hoax or not!
— Jennifer O'Reilly (@Jennosport) January 15, 2016
If only i'd discovered the #Ladyball earlier there wouldn't have been so much permanent scarring caused by my DIY crystal encrusted sliotar
— Amanda Duff (@tnyadventures) January 15, 2016
We wait in bated breath for the grand reveal that we sure do HOPE is coming.