Tayari's Blog: Product Placement?
Posted by TayariJones on April 21, 2008 08:04 PM
Filed under
Current Events
I am not even sure what to make of this. Well, that's not true. I know what I think about it. But then again, there are some writers I respect on this list. So good grief. Here's the deal:
Galleycat reported today that Lexus is paying writers to write short stories that make their cars look good. (Perhaps they should give back-pay to a lot of urban-lit authors that have that territory covered. And they could send a few checks to a few rappers I could name. And what about Chrissette Michele? "Be OK" is my jam.) But anyway, I was surprised to see a number of serious writers on the list. I actually know a couple of them, so maybe I could send an email and ask what gives? From where I am sitting, it reminds me of this article I blogged about back in 2005. Apparently the pharmaceutical companies were paying writers to create thrillers that would scare people from buying drugs from Canada. And Lexus is hiring writers to make thier product look good, look smart, look hip.
I was trying not to go there-- with the nation trying to heal and every thing-- but it seems that irony is already embedded in this post. The urban-lit writers and rappers (and lovely Chrissette)who already say such nice things about the Lexus brand don't get any love from the company. I couldn't help but take another look at the list of artists whose endorsement the company will pay for. They are from a whole other world entirely.
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There are 4 comments on "Product Placement?". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Shelley ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
This is horrifying and gross. On so many levels, as you point out, Tayari. I think the trend was begun a few years ago when Fay Weldon wrote a novel that actually advertised a diamond company (whose profits no doubt come from super-exploited South African miners) in its title: The Bulgari Connection, if I remember correctly. Of course, I'm equally horrified when I see an actor I respect doing a TV commercial. I think, jeez you're an artist, why are you selling this company's products for them? The answer, of course, is for money, and, sadly, I guess we can assume the same in this case.
April 22, 2008 09:28 AM
Comment #2, by carleen
I always think twice before mentioning any specific product by name. I hate to advertise, but at the same time, people do ask for a Coke in a restaurant (for example), so sometimes it works.
Think of all the so-called chick-lit writers who could be getting paid too for all the designer fashions they mention! Bet some of them are mad!;)
April 22, 2008 12:07 PM
Comment #3, by Sarah Schulman
Jane Smiley is writing ad copy for Lexus? Does anyone have access to her and can ask her why?
April 22, 2008 02:04 PM
Comment #4, by Jackie
I am chuckling softly to myself as I remember that there are children named Lexus and Mercedes. Oh and Porsche. Does anyone know of a Honda or a Chevy? Ford is legit, though. I'm just saying.
April 24, 2008 09:38 AM