What's the rationale for some of the more elaborate promo releases?

[osullic]

I always thought the purpose of "promo" releases was to distribute (new) music to radio stations, journalists etc for free, so that the band could get some (more) airplay/exposure. But could someone explain some of the more elaborate promos?  I've always thought, for example, that the Best of 1980-1990 Collection <http://www.u2wanderer.org/disco/pr107.html> and Best of 1990-2000 Collection <http://www.u2wanderer.org/disco/pr139.html> looked like really impressive releases that, even undoubtedly with a high price tag, would have attracted a lot of interest if released commercially.
What is the rationale for the record label producing promos such as these?

[George]

Promos like those are often given to stations to use as exclusive prizes.  They help the stations by encouraging people to listen to win.

[enaul]

I won a "Best Of 1980-1990 Collection Box" through a radio station. I had to pick it up at Universal, and the promo boys laughed with the 10 winners: "so, are you going to play vinyl?" I asked these guys about the "Sweetest Thing" chocolate bar and they told me they ate them all during coffee breaks.

[dagobah]

. . . . . and the promo boys laughed with the 10 winners: "so, are you going to play vinyl?"

I asked these guys about the "Sweetest Thing" chocolate bar and they told me they ate them all during coffee breaks.

To the question "so, are you going to play vinyl?" . . . . . what was your answer?

And what is the "Sweetest Thing" chocolate bar you are referring to?

[osullic]

Sweetest Thing Chocolate Bar:
http://www.u2wanderer.org/silver/sil003.html

[dagobah]

Sweetest Thing Chocolate Bar:
http://www.u2wanderer.org/silver/sil003.html

This is the first time I have ever heard of this.  I wonder how many other U2 things . . . . . . like this . . . . . I don't know about.   

[osullic]

Well, have a look through:
http://www.u2wanderer.org/silver/

[dagobah]

Well, have a look through:
http://www.u2wanderer.org/silver/

Thanks for the links above.  I had a detailed look.  Interesting and kind of funny.  I must admit, I like the October calendar that goes from October 1981 to October 1982.  I think that's kind of cool.  But . . . . . . . I'm just glad I stopped being a collector about a year ago.  I want the music . . . . . the remixes, b-sides, bonus tracks, live tracks . . . . . but all the little knick-knacks just don't do it for me.  But I understand why it's appealing.

[morgan1098]

My mind can't even begin to grasp the awesomeness of that inflatable Trabant.

[George]

My mind can't even begin to grasp the awesomeness of that inflatable Trabant.

That is the one collectible that I have, and I absolutely love it!

[enaul]

I grabbed an inflatable Lemon during a concert in 1997. Also won this beautiful huge Discotheque subway poster. And of course a small mirror ball in a delightful custom box.

[Aaron]

I've got a few of these weird promos. 

Some of it was intended for radio stations to give away to fans.  In '98 the helmets for the Best of 80 - 90 were mostly given away for instance.  But some of it i think is presents for those in the industry as well for supporting the band over the years.  Certainly not all of it has been given away   And what better way to get people in the industry talking than to give them something really weird.  "Did you see that chocolate bar that U2 sent?"

[dagobah]

Still got my chocolate bar. Never touched it and would probably poison myself if I were to eat it.

Have you kept it frozen this whole time?
Or have you kept it in a vacuum-sealed canister?
If not, won't it have mold on it by now?
You've had it for 15 years, right?

[The Hermit]

In france you could win the Helmet Box with the "collection" box set.
In 91, you could win the Mysterious Ways "Special DJ Collector" during radio competition.
The Vertigo promo in black wallet too.

I have my chocolate bar standing next to my lollypop one... still mint