Hut Rewards from Pizza Hut jacks up the free pizza for loyalty race

Pizza lovers have to pick their poison to rack up free pizzas. Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Domino's (and others, I'm sure). All now have 'earn a freeby' programs that are pretty clear and friendly. Hut Rewards has generated a lot of excitement because during launch--now until October 1, you can earn a free pizza by spending as little as $50 online. 

The important point is that you've got to stick with a supplier! Online and mobile ordering are also usually required, and you'll still pay tax, tips and delivery charges. 

I expect this to become the industry standard, like frequent flier programs at the airlines. Which brings me to an important point. Many people gravitate to the most generous program, but some of us are more concerned about the experience. Pizza is not a big enough part of my budget to justify anything but my favorite slice. 

So watch these programs develop over time, and let's see if Pizza Hut continues to be the leader or if they jockey for position. 

Loyalty without trust

Power allows people to demand loyalty they haven't earned, but I'm not sure it should even be called loyalty. We usually call it "coerced loyalty" but the important thing is that it's not based on a track record of mutual trust. The interplay between trust and loyalty has been amazingly examined in Kendrick Lamar's LOYALTY video, directed by Dave Meyers & the little homies, featuring Rihanna. I'm not sure the point comes across in the lyrics as clearly as it does in the video, which contrasts coercive and trust-based loyalty vividly. 

Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty
Tell me who you loyal to
Is it money? Is it fame? Is it weed? Is it drink?
Is it comin' down with the loud pipes and the rain?
Big chillin', only for the power in your name
Tell me who you loyal to
Is it love for the streets when the lights get dark?
Is it unconditional when the 'Rari don't start?
Tell me when your loyalty is comin' from the heart

Watch the video at Vevo. Lyrics at Genius.