Have you seen 'The Truman Show'?

[elisi]

"Hi honey. Look at this. It's a 'Chef's-Mate'. Dicer, slicer and peeler in one. Never needs sharpening. Dishwasher safe."

You know the whole 'strike-thru' thing was beginning to bore me. Yes they handled it badly, but child porn is a serious issue, and they've tried to address the problems. It's not ideal, but we are talking about very delicate, complicated stuff here.

But... then I saw this. (Diet Pepsi MAX has created some special stuff just for LJ in the hopes that you'll want to try their new drink that has zero calories, ginseng and extra caffeine. The HELL? My response here)

I mean I knew they'd sold out, but this is just... *boggles* Actually, you know what it is? It's a Trojan horse. And the really galling thing is that they're showing it off saying 'Oh look at the cute horsey!' We all know what's inside. Why is there no mood for 'insulted'? (Yes I know I can write it in the little box beside the mood, it just occurred to me that it should come as standard...)

I have children to get up (as in - force to get dressed), so I'll end with another quote from 'The Truman Show'. If you have never seen this film, then get it - *today*! It is brilliant on multiple levels, and right now? It provides some kickass references. (Yes we bought the script!)

INTERVIEWER: And since the show runs 24 hours a day with no commercial breaks the staggering profits are all generated from product placement.
CHRISTOF: Yes, everything you see on the show is for sale - from the actor's wardrobe, food products, to the very homes they live in--
INTERVIEWER: All products carefully chosen and tested by you for quality and aesthetic value.
CHRISTOF: There's nothing on the show I don't use myself.
INTERVIEWER: And it's all available in the 'Truman Show' catalogue. Operators are standing by.

ETA: And here we were, thinking that their April 1st post was a joke...

Comments

[elisi]

What do you know, a few weeks later they start banning for fictional work.
I've not been following that part all that closely, but - as I said elsewhere - it *is* a hugely difficult area. I mean how would you classify underage RPS? Many blurry lines. Not saying that they're handling the issue well, mind you, but I can see where they're coming from and understand that they're walking a very, very fine line.

But this last thing is in a different league altogether - a blatant and overt advertising ploy that they had no reason what-so-ever to do, except for the money. Damn.

And if we can leave before my paid time expires that would be especially pleasing because I cannot deal with the thought of having less than ten icons./shallow
Oh god, I know *exactly* how you feel - I don't know if I'll ever be able to let my icons go... *clings to teh pretty* (And I know we can have tons on IJ, but it's not the same.)

I sincerely hope there'll be a lot of grovelling, although I have no idea how they can explain such a huge lapse in common sense and decency.

[kittyzams.livejournal.com]

I mean how would you classify underage RPS?

For me, that was not the issue. I think LJ has every right to ban anything they want. The thing that I had a problem with is LJ staff telling SEVERAL users who asked if fictional work (including both art and fiction) was going to classified as obscene when they put up their new - as of then - TOS guidelines. These questions were asked in reference to the users buying permanent accounts and they didn't want to hand over their money until they knew for sure where LJ was going to stand on the issue. LJ FLAT OUT TOLD THEM THAT ANY FICTIONAL WORKS WOULD BE FINE. I saw the comments for myself. I saw them lie for money. In my book, lying to a customer's face (erm, you know what I mean) is a hell of a lot worse than whoring themselves out to corporate sponsors.

Despite the fact that I think LJ has the best (and most prettiestestestest!) system around, I would be gone in a heartbeat if I wouldn't lose so many wonderful friends I have made here. I'm not hoping that this settles down. I don't have any good feelings towards LJ/6A after seeing their money-hungry (ooh! so dramatic! ;D) ways. I hope that fandom_flies develops a website that kicks LJ's arse and that we all leave for a place that isn't run by ass-monkeys.

Oh! Haha! You're loving me right now, aren't ya? *g* I just get so upset when I think about it. Anyway, enough of my panties being in a twist. I hope you're having a fantastic day and maybe a little sunshine too!

<333

[elisi]

Hey, I understand exactly what you mean. But LJ was always about friends for me - so it's like settling in a nice cosy neighbour hood, and then the new landlords want to build a casino in our backyard. And I think I'm gonna give them a good fight... There is an icon somewhere with the text 'We build LJ, you just bought it.'

[kittyzams.livejournal.com]

There is an icon somewhere with the text 'We build LJ, you just bought it.'

EXACTLY!!

Oh man, Elisi, you have got to go watch this Spike vid right now - http://dualbunny.livejournal.com/108171.html

It's the best BtVS vid I've seen in AGES!! :)

[elisi]

Waaaaaaaay ahead of you! Downloaded it this morning and watched twice in a row! *g* And yes, truly brilliant. :)

EXACTLY!!
Must ask around for it...