On Branding Bras, Branding Britney, and Branding Balls.

[diorling]

As I got my morning bagel at the café downstairs, the lady that runs the place (it’s a family business) was explaining to me that some of her customers were complaining about the Java Jackets they were distributing with hot coffee. You know-those handy recycled things that keep your hands from getting burnt while holding the paper cup. She gets

Comments

[drkaos]

Considering the Pop Princess has changed her look constantly, and considering she was at a "make your move or become a joke like rhinestone jumpsuit Elvis" moment, she had to take that stage. You've got one way for her to do it, I would vote for another direction that Madonna has used when she was at a crossroads (no shame in following in the footsteps of the most successful woman in entertainment

[diorling]

Well, that might work if she could sing...but...alas, she's more of a "whole package" kind of offering. Take away the extra floofy stuff, and you get what you got at the VMA's. If she could belt it out like Billy Holiday, the piano thing would work.

I still say give her a dance collision course, better image with some class, let her sing what she's trained well to sing, and all will be well.

[drkaos]

Since her talent is about as real as the natural flavors in a pepsi, there is a bit of an issue there, yes. But backing away from your image and building it up again is a good move that helps make one a classic. The best example is how Springsteen reacted to the multi-platinum smash of The River. The next album, Nebraska, was an introspective acoustic album that is now acknowledged as one of his best.

If she could have done the same type of thing, in her context, that would have been the smart move. However, she can't. She is an ingredient, not a flavor.

Personally, I have a taste for trainwrecks. But I'm a John Waters fan. And she's perfect for a future dreamlander.

[debg]

Huh.

Subject #1 - I'm with you, but I think the whole "holy crap, there are TITTIES ON MY CUP!" branding thing was very likely deliberate. It smacks of some 24-year-old go-getter with a lot of ambition and no creative urge whatsoever. Annoying, though. I prefer minimalism.

Subject #2 - I may be the only person in the US who has absolutely no opinion about Britney Whatsis, because I simply don't care. I don't even recognise her on magazine covers. I came of age in the age of genuine rock stars, and she aint one, period. I can't tell her from Paris Hilton or one of the innumberable Nicoles or Vanessas out there. I queue up at the supermarket and there are eight jillion magazines and about 99% of them have Angelina (gag me, yuck) Jolie on the cover, and they all trumpet contradictory statements, and I find myself blinking and shaking my head: who cares? who in hell ARE these people...?Subject #3 - Now here, I have an opinion. Hoo boy, do I have an opinion. It's been seriously loudly stated, right here, in fact

[diorling]

I totally agree with the asterix comment - If rock stars can go platinum and tour around the world wow'ing fans while hopped up on gods know what kind of self-meds or meds in general...performing and pleasing crowds, and then get inducted into the Rock n Roll hall of fame (or even becoming famous for their drug use, like Keith Richards) and live life as living legends...it seems odd to me that Baseball (though a performance sport) would be so shy about their own history of "unfair" fair play.

[debg]

Exactly. Professional sports? Category there is ENTERTAINMENT, damn it.

I listen to these "but athletes who take drugs are Sullying The Purity Of Our Noble Red White And Blue National Pastime" people and I just want to go upside their heads with a cluestick. Idiots.

And you'll notice, here we are into the 20th century and there are still no women pro players. The only sport whose stupidity 'tude pisses me off worse than baseball's is pro cycling. I hate the governing bodies there with a stone flaming passion.

[kaaawababy]

Oh, Britney. What a trainwreck. I'm about to expose myself as the compassionate elitist I am, so bear with me