I’m all for co-opting corporate logos and advertisements, but I can’t stand it when it’s the other way around. Even if it’s by companies I like, and at the expense of someone I barely tolerate.
It turns out Apple copied the Postal Service Such Great Heights music video for their commercials showcasing their new partnership with Intel. Not only that, but they hired the same video director to assure a shot for shot copy. I’m not a fan ofBen Gibbard, but i still think Apple has enough money to buy some rights to the video first.
Just the other day Ticketmaster was exposed for stealing a copyrighted photo from flickr to use on Colin Meloy’s tour page. And several months ago Nike ripped off an album cover from Minor Threat, Ian MacKaye’s DC hardcore outfit that if it stood against anything it was corporate shilling.
What’s with all the blatant ripping off? You want those images so bad, pony up some bucks! Otherwise, you’ll be found out, and exposed. Is it just the old adage “all publicity is good publicity?” These tactics work in the short term, but they can only tarnish a reputation. These stories get swept under the rug, but if companies keep it up there will be a backlash.
And at the risk of getting way off the subject, I can’t help but feel that the music industry is setting up a double standard by blaming individuals for fair-use violations and ignoring larger companies. I’m sure what they’re thinking is that by Apple mimicking a music video will give the video free exposure and increase the album’s sales, whereas someone downloading the song will hurt it. There’s probably some truth to that, but it means unlawful copying is fine if it benefits them in the end.
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