Friend Friday - Product Placement

It's time for another Friend Friday post! For more Friend Friday fun (why is this phrase so conducive to alliteration?!), check out Modly Chic.

This week, we're talking about

Product Placement

And I know I haven't seen a single episode of Bones in the past two seasons without thinking about this, so here we go...

1. As we watched the Chilean Miners being rescued last week, there were many things to take note of - the amazing faith of these people, the joy of life, love and family, and - interestingly enough - product placement. As you watched the rescue efforts did you notice the products? What were your thoughts?

I was glued to the tv while this was going on, but I will admit that I did not even notice the product placement. It wasn't even until the next day that someone mentioned that they were wearing Oakley sunglasses. I guess I was too busy BAWLING as the miners were reunited with their families and marveling at Chile's President, Sebastián Piñera, and his political savvy. I mean, there's nothing that will boost your popularity as president like taking charge in a time of crisis and sticking around to hang out with the little people, as it were. Did no one else think that was a great political move?

2. Product placement is all around us today, what do you think makes it such a marketing gold mine?

For some reason, product placement makes me think of that episode of Saved by the Bell where Zack decides that he's going to use subliminal messages to get Kelly to go out with him. Not that I was ever obsessed with Saved by the Bell or anything. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that product placement is kind of like that. It can be a subtle way of getting your brand out there and it's unlikely to get you run over by zombie-like teenage girls who all want to go to a dance with you. If it's done subtly, those of us who don't pick up on details (me), don't even notice that we're being blasted by ads. And really, the more often I see something, the more I'm aware of it - and the more I think it could work for me. GAH! I am so suceptible to the hype!

Of course, there are times with product placement when I'm like, "Really, BONES? Was all that extra information about these Toyota models necessary to the plot line?!" My favorite though, was in a novela I watched years ago when the husband was like, "Oh, son, look at this! Your mom made us some delicious Tyson's nuggets! Tyson's nuggets are one of my favorite weekday meals. Why don't you thank your mom for making us these Tyson's nuggets?" It's funnier when you think about the way a Spanish speaker pronounces "nuggets"(NOOG-gets) because it doesn't sound subtle at all.

3. On your blog, either now or in the future, what is/will be your stance on highlighting specific products?

I was going to say, I haven't highlighted specific products yet. But I have. I highlight my clothes all the time, and PS, Target, I'm giving you a lot of free publicity. (Ditto, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor.)
So here's my stance: if I'm using it, I'm talking about it. Why? Because that's what I do. I do it in my real life and I do it on the blog. I've always said that when you've got something good, you've got to share. That goes for my dark chocolate M&Ms, my wardrobe, and my favorite stores.
Now, when it comes to product reviews that are solicited by companies, I haven't had to navigate those waters yet. If it's something I would use, then as long as there's proper disclosure, I don't have a problem with it. Also, I'm one of those rare people who will turn down something free if I have no use for it or just don't like it.


4. If the opportunity arose would you give a bad review of a product?

Hm. I think I would, but with a caveat. I'm a generally positive person, and I believe in honesty with a healthy dose of tact. My dad always says, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." - except he always says it in Spanish.
This is kind of my philosophy with products, as well. Even if it's a bad review, I'll be sure to point out the positives as well. Sometimes what doesn't work for my body or my hair will work for someone else's, so it's important to point out the pros and cons.

Well, except for the times that I've had outright racist encounters at specific establishments, and then I'll go ahead and share that because, really? You don't need our patronage. And yes, that has happened; I had to stop shopping at 5-7-9 as an eleven year old because of it.

5. Do you view your blog as a product? Where have you or do you hope to place it?

I think I've recently started to view my blog as a product or a brand. And I suck at marketing. I mean, I don't even have a proper header. (Any takers?) I do have it on Facebook, though. Also, I guess by commenting on other blogs, I'm kind of doing a little product placement (I'm probably overthinking it now) on blogs I enjoy and support.... I don't know where I hope to place it. I think one of the things that I'd like to see as a result of my upcoming move to Costa Rica is to get more readership in Latin America. Going to a bilingual format might do that for me, but I guess that's getting into last week's topic....



So what do y'all think? Does product placement also make you think of Saved by the Bell? Do you hate it? Are you oblivious? What's your take on product reviews?