Net nutrality

 Controversy in marketing can be an effective way of getting noticed, which is why some brands purposely look for ways to create a splash.

They recognize that if you want to stand out, you can’t always play it safe. Offbeat, controversial and edgy campaigns create an experience that others will want to share. However, riding the wave of controversy isn’t without peril. You want to create the right kind of buzz -- the kind that gets people excited about your brand. You have to know when it’s worth taking a risk and deeply understand what “clicks” with your audience. And, of course, timing is everything.

If you can nail it, a controversial campaign can propel your brand faster than nearly anything else. Want to know how? Delve into these 8 edgy and decidedly nontraditional campaigns to see how they broke the mold and found success.