I have a question about Brands, brands in everyday life, food, products etc. I have seen many a book with branded items in.
What do you think about having brand names in books?
Does it make it feel familiar? Or is it just free advertising?
Does it seem like a stamp, that says this was written in England, America or France, because of the products used. Or is it just annoying like product placement?
And in some cases, is it even allowed?
Your views and opinions are much appreciated.
Back in the '80s, I went to see "2001, A Space Odyssey", dubbed into Spanish with a visiting English friend who doesn't understand Spanish [the visuals and the music are well worth it, and besides, he'd seen it before and knew the plot] (and a Spanish couple). Every time I see this film, another facet hits me. This time it was the politics of the thing.
Seeing discreet but visible "Pan Am", "Hilton Hotel", "AT+T", etc. signs made me think: "In the future, the same multinationals will still be controlling everything!" He was CRITICISING monopolies. (Though Kubrick was wrong about Pan Am, wasn't he?) I mentioned this to my English friend, who replied: "What struck me was that Kubrick must have done the rounds before filming, before even creating the models: 'Gimme 10 million bucks and I'll have Pan Am stenciled onto the fuselage. Otherwise I'm going to TWA...' "
Both of us agreed that Kubrick was enough of a genius - and enough of a rascal - to be doing both at the same time: Getting Hilton to subsidise a criticism of Hilton hegemony!
Sorry, I MEANT to reply to your question with another, viz: "Are you getting paid for mentioning brand names?"
Mind you, if you mention that the sadistic killer always wore Nikes®, their PR staff will probably give you a call...
In some cases brand names are registered and one isn't supposed to use them without including the registration symbol with the name. I agree with Jeff though, that specifics can help set a scene. I would suggest they be used sparingly and with intention to create a particular type of image they sometimes have a place.
I once used a Marmite jumper on a cyclist, to identify him easily, and that will only translate in England, pretty much. (Unilever haven't sent me anything, yet...) If it's not overdone, it does help set the scene, and allow that familiarity you mentioned. I guess it comes down to how the writer does it; 'He chose a Chateau St Emilion chardonnay, 1974, to impress her' vs 'he chose a fine vintage white wine to impress her'. Some readers love that 'extra' information and some aren't fussed. As I said, they don't bother me as long as they're not overdone, which makes it appear clumsy writing.