Does advertising actually WORK?

Well, again, it isn't quite. I mean, suppose that you open a business in real life, and so does a competitor, and they start advertising their products with images from the latest Hollywood blockbuster, but without getting permission. They take your customers away, and you're likely to go out of business, but the owners of the blockbuster movie just think they're small potatoes and turn a blind eye, so there's no blame. The only thing you can do to compete is to pick another big studio and violate _their_ copyright yourself, and if it happens that the studio you picked _do_ decide to sue, you'll have to face that... Does that sound even vaguely like how it ought to work?

If it did work that way, we'd have many small companies violating copyright on famous IPs on the offchance that they might sneak under the radar and get a lucrative marketing bonus for free.



Well, I understand what you're saying, and I can't possibly prove that the name affects your sales. But I think the main counter-argument is, if using the Nikon name isn't a good business strategy for you, then why would you be doing it - given that it *is* kinda risky?

Well if those posters only have a problem with YOUR product, then you would be right and you are being singled out.

But if they have a problem with the PRACTICE of using trademarked names on SL products. You are simply the most accessible example of the product. And of course the only practitioner people have been made aware of on the forums.

I had said a couple times there are a lot of people who do this. You doing so makes you no worse .. nor better .. than they.

Regardless of your motivation.

This came up about 2 years ago. A big name car dealer in SL basically got the same treatment you are because his products were based on Real Life Cars right down to the name.

You're quite right. As I've mentioned, I've seen other occasions too - where someone's launched a product with a trademark or other copyright infringement present in it, and later removed it, but that didn't matter because the trademarked version was around for long enough to get attention. Once it had that attention, the product could continue to sell via word of month, freezing out competitors who didn't risk breaking the law.

There are plenty of other examples though. Movie avatars, lightsabers, "force" items (in cases where the word "force" is clearly meant to imply Star Wars), 'Harry Potter' magic items, 'Bewitched' magic items, a whole 'Silent Hill' sim, and so on.. (Although these last ones are rather tricky - as far as I'm aware, it's not at all illegal to role-play Star Wars or Harry Potter or Silent Hill with your friends, but the moment you _sell_ anything to do with them you're in danger; yet, role-players do need to find the products)

I know you're not the only one with stabbing remarks. I don't think I said you were. I don't mean to attack you personally. I'm sorry if you feel that I am. That's not my intent. Your use of a brand name is between you and that company. I do disagree with your opinion of the POWER of a brand name and who should benefit from its value. You have very strong opinions, I have many years experience in marketing with some knowledge and opinions to share.

Yes, I only know you from your posts. I do get a sense of who you are from them, whether you believe that or not. Also, it appears that you are in SL for business (or do you mean, not in it for MY business?). Otherwise, why the huge billboard with every post? (Even that speaks to who you are, and what your marketing strategy is.)

Not being difficult. If you think it's too obvious of a comparison then try putting the Nixon and Nikon cameras in separate areas of your store, or place both on SLexchange, on alternating days/weeks. I honestly believe there will be a significant difference in sales. If there isn't any, then the entire theory/science of branding is bogus and the success of Nike, Coke and Nikon is pure dumb luck.

In SL, there are a few great brand names that have grown through word of mouth and great products/services: Xcite, Celadon, Bits and Bobs. Without being able to use traditional mass advertising in SL (except for the worthless ad farms and billboards), their brands are growing much slower. But their brand "names" have real, tangible, sales-impacting value.

Others' biting remarks might get you empathy business. But your responses might negate it. If you believe any PR is good PR, then go for it. I certainly don't believe it, but it's a strategy that some celebs like Ms. Spears and Limpbaugh use all the time, either by accident or on purpose.

Happy Holidays to you, too.