Ok, so I just got done reading the prologue, the first chapter, the second chapter, and the third chapter to Monster High (the novel based off those cute dolls everyone has been going crazy over), and can anyone say product placement? No seriously, every few words were practically plugging a brand name. The story and from what I could guess of the plot were cute, but the product placement just kept getting me. Are teens so materialistic that they wouldn’t “get” a story without Gucci, Uggs, and Calvin Klein being mentioned? Since when did characters in stories become so materialistic? That was honestly a turn off for me, and I thought to myself would I let my son or daughter read this novel, if i had either of course? And I believe I would let them read it, but I would worry if this would make them want more instead of appreciating what they have or what can be afforded. I don’t know, maybe I am thinking to much into this. I just don’t think the story needed all the product placement in it. It’s a good story so far.
But it also makes me wonder why they released so much of the story. Are they worried it won’t be good or accepted? Perhaps this is a thing the author already did in the past. Not sure, I will be investigating her blog some more and report back. But it does make me wonder about other YA/MG authors and if they plug a lot of products. It’s been some time since I read YA, but that will be changing soon as I am planning to hit the library some time in the next week or so to check some out for research for my writing. But tell me, what do you think about product placement in stories? I mean mentioning the characters are going to McDonalds, which I am sure will show up in the story somewhere, is one thing, but mentioning over 10 different products in maybe 30-40 pages worth of novel is a bit much. And a lot of them got repeat mentions. So it just makes me wonder how others feel about it. Maybe I am just getting old…I am turning the big 3-2 in a little over a week after all. *tear* I wouldn’t have minded product placements if they were made up items like J.K. did in the land of Harry Potter. This story could have done that with monsters being the main characters…I’m assuming. I won’t say more on that, go read the chapters to get what I mean by that.
Ok peeps, I’m off. I need some sleep. I want to try some shopping tomorrow. I’ve decided I am going to purchase Frankie and maybe one more doll tomorrow. Not sure yet, but Frankie for sure. I want to slowly collect them all like Pokémon. ;-) Also want to get some small knitting needles at 40% off…I wonder if they do coupon from other store deal? I’ll have to see about that. And then I need to see if I can get some Halloween fabric. I have some fabrics I want to show you guys too, maybe in a video. They are getting wrinkled now because I was so frustrated over not being able to fix patterns that I just tossed them to the side, but I finally got one of the patterns I was working on to print out right so we are ready to rock!!! So excited!!! Ok, seriously need to go. More later when I a more awake. Bye for now.
Loves ya,
Mouse
Ick. Product placement is so grimy. I mean, it's one hing to make characters hit McDonalds or whatever, I mean, sometimes specific places/things can serve a purpose-- like if you have a snooty character who is always name dropping labels or whatnot, I guess you could work it in, but from what you're describing, I'm not sure I could make it through the book! Sooo annoying!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I meant to say this before (not sure if it will help or not) but if you're downloading the patterns that you're having that frustrating inch problem with, I've found that if I save the pattern, then open it, it will print out right, but if I just print it straight out, it screws up, for whatever reason. So, if you could try that, if you're not already. Glad you got one to work, can't wait to see what you've been up to!
Yeah, I refuse to buy the book so I am going to see if I can get it from the library. The product placement is just how you are picturing it. It's horrible.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have tried so many ways to get that darn thing to print right. I am glad I have one that works right. I will try your method and see how it works. Somehow I feel this is the craft gods and goddesses telling me to start making my own patterns. LOL!