No Logo
1 journaler for this copy...
I think this is probably a modern classic, if I can judge on the basis of ubiquity! And i've not read it yet, so a donation from DS is a perfect opportunity to put that right!
(08/06/20) This feels very familiar, and is still insightful and relevant, even 20 years later … the sign of a good nonfiction book I think? The book follows the C20th history of the marketing of consumer goods, the fall and rise of super brands in a globalised world, and the inevitable backlash. The last and longest largest chapter looks at 1980’s & 90’s activism to regain the streets and billboards (‘no space’), and fight the monopoly of big brands (‘no choice’), the McJobs and third world sweatshops (‘no jobs’). Interesting that after almost a generation the Nikes, Starbucks and McDonalds are still as strong as ever, wither ’no branding’ idealism?
One of the most interesting things, which should have been obvious, was the deliberate and unapologetic removal of messy and quotidian production of ‘things’ from the equation. Companies can focus almost entirely on the brand, the story, the ethos and image that drives and subsumes everything else. Why just make sneakers (trainers!) and employ expensive staff, when you can outsource everything to the lowest bidder, and just do the marketing, the celebrity sponsorship, the flagship stores, theme parks and other 'experiences'. Fascinating!
(08/06/20) This feels very familiar, and is still insightful and relevant, even 20 years later … the sign of a good nonfiction book I think? The book follows the C20th history of the marketing of consumer goods, the fall and rise of super brands in a globalised world, and the inevitable backlash. The last and longest largest chapter looks at 1980’s & 90’s activism to regain the streets and billboards (‘no space’), and fight the monopoly of big brands (‘no choice’), the McJobs and third world sweatshops (‘no jobs’). Interesting that after almost a generation the Nikes, Starbucks and McDonalds are still as strong as ever, wither ’no branding’ idealism?
One of the most interesting things, which should have been obvious, was the deliberate and unapologetic removal of messy and quotidian production of ‘things’ from the equation. Companies can focus almost entirely on the brand, the story, the ethos and image that drives and subsumes everything else. Why just make sneakers (trainers!) and employ expensive staff, when you can outsource everything to the lowest bidder, and just do the marketing, the celebrity sponsorship, the flagship stores, theme parks and other 'experiences'. Fascinating!
