I had actually wrote this blog ages ago, but it was around the time my computer just died on me, and I couldn't recover it. I've just now had time to sit down and rewrite it.
Product Placement. You know all about it. You've seen it constantly. Just turn on the television to any regular show, and you'll probably see some sort of product placement. The most notorious example I can personally think of is the advertising of Nissan on Heroes (different car each season), or the Stride episode of Smallville. As if the first commercial in the break and the frequent 'sponsored by' messages were not enough.
But then, there are some shows that avoid product placement so much that they even blurr out the images of various products on the show, even if it's clearly obvious what product they are using. Mythbusters is my best example of this, though other Discovery channel shows do this as well.
And so this got me to thinking. Why do some shows freely use product placement as a technique, and others are completely against it? Product placement allows money to go to the show in question, so it's a readily used device to get the money needed for a show. But then, why do some people outright refuse it?
Going along with that, is it even right to allow a product to be featured in a show? I mean, people can flip through the channels when commercials come on, but if they want to watch a show, they can't change the channel when a product is featured in the show, can they? And you know, with some people today, simply seeing their favorite television characters use the product, they'll go out and get it, whether they need it or not. Effective advertising, sure, but is it right?
This is horrible compared to the first write-up I did, but whatever. What are your thoughts on the matter?
This makes me even more glad that I don't watch T.V. I've never really appreciated people throwing adverts in our faces. It seems like they are everywhere as is, so I am numb to them. I'm not sure I could even our faces every where we go, so I've made myself more than numb. I don't even see them anymore.
Here in China they throw adverts in your basket as you bike by them. It is really annoying. I've gotten into the habit of throwing them back just so I don't have to waste the paper and maybe find a way to recycle it.
The sanity within is overwhelming.
I think that having a product featured is good of course for advertising like you pointed out, but I believe it is pointless. I don't care what product I see in a show, I will not buy it just because it is my favorite show. I guess some people are more gulliable when it comes to seeing a product then rushing out to buy it.
I don't think it is right because it is almost extorting the show to sell the product. I hate it and I can't stand it.
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
I totally see what you are saying. And it's not only on tv, but everywhere. You can't even leave the house anymore without seeing at least one advertisement. It just seems like everywhere you go someone wants to sell you something.
The article does need a little work but overall it's a great topic, keep working :)
It doesn't bother me nearly as much as it annoys me to see a show using totally thought up products. That just ruins it for me, particularly when they're set in some real world time or place. I'd rather see a can of spam than an ever corny can of wham... I have a hard enough time getting engrossed in a show.
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~Fallon~
An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't- A. France
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I agree. Reminds me of a documentary I watched about political campaigning... they didn't want to offend Democrats or Republicans, so they made up some random off-the-wall party names. Ha.
I don't mind product placement mostly because entertainment is really a way to capitalize on the interests of people... make money off of entertaining them. That's what Nike does when they put their retro shoes on Hugh Laurie on House... they're making money from the entertainment [and placement] of their product.
If someone's successful at capitalizing, let them do it. It's the American way. What pretty much every business [and most individuals] strive for. Good for them.
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You are the Voice of the Childwen of the Revowution! [Toulouse, Moulin Rouge]