I was once naive enough to believe Sarah Palin came up with the Barracuda nickname simply because she has sharp teeth. Now I don't know anymore, maybe it was just a product placement for the Plymouth Barracuda. I don't blame her, do what you have to do when raising money on the campaign trail. But the "music" group Pussycat Dolls, an awful composition of strippers/teenage role models, has been outed for an artistic gaff that would have been the end of such a group 15 years ago. They tried to sell their lyrics out.Ok, I know. No one cares about this anymore. As Rob Walker points out in his book "Buying In" (also thanks, Rob, for linking this story in your blog), Gen X cared about selling out, while Gen Y embraces it. Looking back, I certainly agree. Why not let corporate America finance my dreams? I mean, not like any real fans wouldn't see through the BS, right? Of course, ask me these questions 15 years ago and I'd think you were joking... or a Republican or something.
All that being said, these advertising geniuses have completely out done themselves here. The highlights:
- The Pussycat Dolls representative was offering a product placement for "Double Happiness Jeans", which, apparently is a jean manufacturer in the game Second Life
- The people who create Double Happiness Jeans basically work for about 90 cents an hour, most likely in virtual sweatshops somewhere in China
- The email offering this placement was accidentally sent to Jeff Crouse of the Anti-Advertising Agency - something so dumb it reaks of espionage
As you could probably guess, hilarity ensues.
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