wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Michael Grammas from Birmingham, Al August 28, 2007 - 01:06AM

  Thank you-

  Michael

  
  
• [2] Kate from NYC from Manhattan August 28, 2007 - 10:05AM

  This idea to drape ads on cars isn't particularly new or innovative -- what's new is our seemingly boundless tolerance for crass commercialization. Our zoning laws protect us from excessive advertising -- certainly in residential areas -- so aren't these car-based ads just a way to get around zoning rules by putting billboards on wheels?

  I know (regrettably) that everything is for sale, but it's getting to be there's literally nowhere to hide....

  
  
• [3] Aaron from Brooklyn August 28, 2007 - 10:20AM

  The reason I don't advertise my own business on my personal car, is that I do not want to break the state law, or commit insurance fraud.

  If I used my car for commercial purposes, I would be obligated to register it as a commercial vehicle. My insurance rates would go way up. The restrictions would include removing my back seat and, avoiding some streets.

  Why don't police and insurance companies crack down?

  
  
• [4] Doug from forest Hills, NY August 28, 2007 - 10:45AM

  Brian,

  people don't have to be aid to wear advertising on their shirts, they instead pay the companies. think of all the shirts that say the store's name on them, or shirts with coca-cola on them you can get at places like urban outfitters.

  The only time I can think of getting "paid" was when my college received shirts from Starbucks with their logo and our name and we got free cans of the espresso drink. I did wear that shirt (though now it's more of a keeper since we only got one each!)

  
  
• [5] jjlev August 28, 2007 - 10:45AM

  If you've got your car dealer's name on your license plate frame -- and for that matter the make and model on your car -- then you are already serving as a so called "citizen billboard" -- for your dealer and auto maker.

  
  
• [6] Robert from NYC August 28, 2007 - 10:53AM

  Absolutely, Brian, I agree, I DO NOT wear designer clothes or anything that advertises the designer or store or brand name. I've always felt they should pay me. At least I know I'm not crazy or at least we're both crazy and that means company (LOL). I only wear T shirts that are blank so too other clothing.

  
  
• [7] Bill August 28, 2007 - 10:54AM

  The guy with the Hummer is perfect: a mindless consumer wanting to see how he can sell himself to another corporation to influence other mindless consumers. The circle of life.

  
  
• [8] Harlan from Morningside Heights August 28, 2007 - 10:54AM

  Recently I saw a male volleyball game on TV where the players were shirtless but managed to find advertising space on their skin: Their shoulders and chest were covered in symbols for "gatorade" and "nike." While they were clearly not permanent tatoos, but I found it very distasteful.

  It' strange because I have no issues with having logos on racing cars or racing uniforms, but something about having the emblems on their skin was very distasteful and disturbing. Having the symbol on their actual body crosses some sort of line.

  
  
• [9] Jesse from NYC August 28, 2007 - 10:56AM

  Thank you Aaron and Kate from NYC,

  Those were my questions exactly. Do they let those cars drive on roads that are banned to commercial traffic such as the Hutchington River Parkway?

  The state of VT has banned billboards along highways. Would this apply? It should.

  I personally think something needs to be advertised, its not worth buying.

  
  
• [10] a from NYC August 28, 2007 - 10:56AM

  Maybe we are in the end days after all....

  http://community.sparknotes.com/index.php/2005/05/25/body-branding/

  
  
• [11] Brian from Manhattan August 28, 2007 - 10:57AM

  have any wrapped vehicles been involved in a DUI or other accident? What ramifications does this have for the brand?

  
  
• [12] Alexis August 28, 2007 - 10:58AM

  Professional sports equipment is virtually always branded, even the uniforms of national teams. Is the next step letting regular people have sponsors for expensive bikes and ATVs?

  
  
• [13] TM August 28, 2007 - 12:02PM

  In the immortal words of the sages Run-DMC, "Calvin Klein is no friend of mine, don't want nobody's name on my behind."

  Of course they went right ahead and contradicted themselves with "My Adidas." I always liked the sentiment, though.

  
  
• [14] Khalil N. from Brooklyn August 28, 2007 - 07:35PM

  I don't see what the big deal is. If it offends so much turn your head. I only pay attention to new advertising anyway myself, many people will ignore it.

  I'm a married man with children to feed and nurture, educate and cloth. Rent, utilities, car note and insurance, loans and credits cards also have to be paid. I'm seriously considering doing this. Daycare is so expensive my wife quit her job this summer to watch the kids, because daycare would be more expensive than her salary. NYC is one the most expensive cities in America, this could help.