Innovation requires risk-taking and failure here are some failed products to inspire you to get you to start something

Don't be embarrassed by your ideas, smarter people than you tried and failed.

Only be embarrassed if you never tried, for this F*CK UP FRIDAY

I would like to remind you of some true fiascos.

Did You Know there's a "Museum of Failure" in Sweden which highlights 150+ failed products.

It's meant to show that innovation requires risk-taking and failure.

Here are 10 gems you may not remember:

ESPN phone (2006)

This ESPN-branded flip phone provided grainy video highlights and 24/7 sports news. It cost $399 or "free" with a $65-$225/month plan.

It lasted <1yr, with Steve Jobs telling ESPN execs "“Your phone is the dumbest f***ing idea I have ever heard.”

Ikea a.i.r. (1980s)

Ikea took "DIY" and "transportable" to new heights with its line of inflatable furniture (a.i.r.).

Valves constantly leaked and needed re-pumping.

The line did last almost a decade, though.

TwitterPeek (2009-2010)

A $200 handheld device that *only* ran Twitter. It was a disaster:

You could only see 20 characters at a time

Linked websites were inaccessible

It only refreshed the 10 most recent Tweets

Spray-on Condom (2006-2008)

Step 1: Insert your trash into spray apparatus

Step 2: Spray on melted latex

Step 3: Wait 3 minutes for it to dry

Step 4: This is the most insane thing ever seen in my life

Lifesaver Holes (early 1990s)

Honestly, this was kind of a good idea.

Lifesaver launched a product that was supposed to resemble the punched out holes from the OG circular candies.

It totally flopped.

Nintendo Power Glove (1989-1990)

This was one of Nintendo's first forays into VR tech.

It sold 600k units in the first 6 weeks but didn't actually do anything of note.

The hand-motion tech would later develop into the super successful Nintendo Wii controller, though.

Harley-Davidson Cologne (1996-2005)

Harley has a strong brand and merch makes up ~5% of its sales. In the mid-90s, the motorbike manufacturer got a little ambitious w/ its brand extension strategy: eau de toilette (AKA cologne).

The scent was called -- wait for it -- "Hot Rod".

Apple Pippin (1996-97)

Pre-Steve Jobs return, Apple launched a gaming console.

It used Macintosh tech, so was pretty powerful...but way overpriced.

It cost $600 vs. $200 for the N64.

In a year on the market, Apple sold 42k units (N64 sold 300k on the *first* day).

Arch Deluxe (1996)

It's McDonald's largest flop.

Facing pressure from BK, McD made an "adult" burger: patty on potato-flour bun w/ lettuce leaf (not shredded), tomato + fancy mustard.

It failed after $100m in ad spend (the ad copy had children criticizing the "adult" taste).

Colgate Frozen Beef Lasagna (early 1980s)

The Museum of Failure can't confirm whether or not this *actually* existed (Colgate says "no").

If true, one of the more ludicrous product crossovers ever LOL.

Nike Magneto (1995-97)

Nike created a pair of futuristic sunglasses that didn't have temples (the part that goes over your ear).

One big catch: to wear them you had to glue frickin magnets on your face so the shades could clip on.

Hope you enjoyed this, had a giggle and really thought that no matter what I try it probably won't be as much of a FIASCO as these and these people are ( supposedly) the best in the world in their field!

And as an extra Friday treat, here is a great piece of film on FAILURE!

You're welcome.

?You want to be *really* great??

Then have the courage to fail big and stick around.?

Make 'em wonder why you're still smiling.?

That's true greatness to me.