Are you "BRANDwashed?"

[marmar]

I'm watching the film "The Corporation" - the segment about how corporations don't necessarily try to sell products, but brand identity. I like to think of myself as an independent thinker who's immune to mindless consumer culture, but then I thought about it and realized that I am beholden to certain brand names - Starbucks Coffee and Apple iPod among them - for no particularly good reason. (In the case of iPod, I'm sure it's because subconsciously I've bought into their advertising assertion that they ARE the standard for MP3 players.):shrug:
So, are you a slave to a particular brand?

[Deja Q]

1. If you work hard for the money, product quality is the only factor.

ROI. It's for consumers too.

[unblock]

2. i'm anti-brandwashed -- i'm turned OFF by brands

i equate brand-pushing with snake oil selling.

mrs. unblock does most of the actual shopping, but i try to steer her toward generics and price comparison rather than brand. she, however, is DEFINITELY brandwashed, especially when it comes to fashion, which is by its nature all about image and branding anyway....

[dddem]

30. My kids think I'm a nut because I won't buy Herbal Essence

I have 2 daughters, and I'm no prude, but it bugs the crap out of me that they so blantantly used sex to sell shampoo for God's sake. Thanks, but my kids don't need a "totally organic experience", they just need clean hair. Grrr.

[Quantess]

52. Your daughters might appreciate a shampoo purchase decision, if animal testing is a factor.

Here's a cute link:
http://www.animalsavingsclub.com/products.asp

Clairol does test their products on animals. I suppose that means that Clairol Herbal Essences got scrubbed into a rabbit's eyes, or something. I don't know, but one can imagine. That's good enough reason not to buy it, IMO.

[dddem]

67. Thank you for the link. I'll have my girls check it out.

My oldest now works part time, and has become quite the consumer!

[tpsbmam]

85. Thanks for posting that!

So many people don't shop with this in mind. I admit that it gets hard and frustrating sometimes between "buy blue" and avoiding animal-tested products/companies, etc etc. But it's well worth it IMO. I went shopping with a friend one day -- we were at the market and she needed shampoo. She picked one up that is tested on animals. I challenged her on it and her response was essentially, "but I like this one and it's cheap." I said, "hey, that's fine. You need to buy what you want. Just know that you're responsible for unnecessarily torturing or killing an animal by buying that product. There are plenty of companies that don't do that -- you're buying from one that does." She put it back. I'm going to guess that she continues to buy it when she's not with me, but damn....people should at least be aware of what they're doing. If people would stop buying products from companies that test on animals, animal testing would stop.

I'm not a huge PETA fan, but this is something really good that they've done. Because of their work and that of other groups, many companies have banned animal testing. I try to only buy from companies that have banned this cruel and unnecessary testing.

[Ms. Toad]

73. I'm with you on shampoo...

but if your girls have long hair (mid-back or longer) and they want conditioner you might want to reconsider. Herbal Essence colored/treated/permed/dry hair conditioner one of two conditioners on the market (that I have found) which contain the ingredient that adequately maintains the moisture in the ends of hair that is too far from the scalp to receive the natural oil treatment. (There used to be a couple of cheap brands - HE costs 3x what I used to pay, the other brand costs about 5x as much. Unfortunately, every time I find a new cheap one containing cyclopentasiloxane it disappears from the market.)

Don't know that I've ever seen a Herbal Essence advertisement, so don't have a clue about it blatantly using sex to sell shampoo...my selection is solely ingredient based.

[Raine]

79. Sometimes Big Lots

has Herbal Essence for a couple of bucks. If you have a Big Lots near you it might be worth checking though what they carry comes and goes.

[Ms. Toad]

83. Thanks. n/t

[sam sarrha]

3. When School was a place of actual "Education", we were assigned the book,'Hidden Persuaders' in'67

any teacher assigning that book now would be fired and imprisoned..

[nyrnyr1994]

4. Hidden Persuaders

Curious, tell me more about this book.

[sam sarrha]

58. it explained in detail the methods used to brainwash you into being a Mindless consumer, many of the

techniques are now used by the Reich Wing as propaganda techniques

hidden persuaders: techniques of mass manipulation thru the unconscious

you can get one at http://www.amazon.com type in the title and scroll down till you find an unsigned copy .. there is one now for $2.48 used, shipping isn't bad

[stanwyck]

11. I had that book as assigned reading in the '70's

when, as you note, books could be assigned without parents storming the school with rage about their children actually learning something. I grew up in a small town in Illinois and attended the public schools and continue to be amazed at the books we read: Huckleberry Finn, The Canterbury Tales, The Grapes of Wrath, A Separate Peace, The Sound and the Fury. Much of the population, at that time, had not attended college. But most wanted their children to get a higher education and were very supportive of the schools and their curriculum. As conservative as the parents were, they wanted their children to learn and be exposed to ideas. There was a great appreciation for exposure to literature, art, travel, and philosophy. My hope is that we're retuning to that appreciation.

[Turbineguy]

34. Ah yes, those days when

conservatism required education and thought instead of ignorance.

Saw a car yesterday with 2 bumberstickers.

1) My Son is in the Army
2) Research causes cancer in rats.

I think the driver was confused.

[stanwyck]

68. OK. You really made me laugh

with the bumper stickers.
Now, I've got to come up with my own.
My son is in the Marines (he actually is)
and
How can there be global warming when I'm so cold?
OK. Not quite as good.
I'll work on it.

[timtom]

80. Please tell me you're exaggerating about fired and imprisoned

[eallen]

5. Even though more appreciative of capitalism than many here, I'm not much branded. Except...

In theory, one of the benefits a brand brings the consumer is consistency. Everywhere one travels, McDonalds fries, Starbucks coffees, and Subway wraps come out the same. To me, that eliminates a large part of the point of traveling. I like the fact that when I'm away, the local coffee shop and local eatery and local fish market are different from the ones where I live. And it pisses me off that Starbucks has driven under a local coffee shop I liked.

Of course, I come here. And democraticunderground is a brand, isn't it?

:hippie:

[marmar]

7. "And democraticunderground is a brand, isn't it?"

Perhaps, but kind of in a way that a food co-op is: Of the people by the people. :)

[Greyhound]

23. Ah yes it is, but it is greatly shaped by the admin and mods.

Not that this is a necessarily a bad thing, but it does differentiate it from other similar boards. There are more than a few issues and topics that are pushed and others that are forbidden, and there are quite a few traditionally Democratic issues that there is a bias against here.

[Patiod]

43. I'm the same way - seek out local places when traveling

I'm blessed in Philadelphia that there are TONS of local foods and local restaurants, and no need to eat at chains.
But on the road, it's tough sometimes.

I'm in Seattle now, and damn if there's not a Starbucks on every block -- worse than home, even!!!!

[eallen]

46. Starbucks started in Seattle. That's the one place they're local.

Or were you being funny?

:hippie:

[Patiod]

64. no, I just don't like dark-roasted coffee

wouldn't care if they were a single-store local joint!

[dddem]

6. I voted for patronizing certain brands for ideological reasons,

as much as I can, on my budget. For instance, I refuse to shop at walmart, I only buy energy efficient lighting, I try to buy locally made products as often as possible, I've started buying Springer Mountain Farms chicken, when I can get it at my store, but mostly, I buy the generic brand for financial reasons.
And I just found an awesome coffee. Costs the same as Starbucks at my grocery store, but it's solar roasted (as well as certified organic, free trade). And it tastes good!
I do try to read labels for things like "free trade coffee", "made in the usa" (harder and harder to find), etc., but often, unless you can afford a specialty store (which I can't), you are forced to take what you can get. The chicken, for instance is $4.69 a pound for the free range, hormone free kind, as opposed to $1.99 for the store brand. I buy the good stuff, but we have chicken less often. It kind of makes me mad, because it's becoming that the lower income family (me) almost can't afford to eat healthy (coincidence?). So, in protest, we eat better food, but less of it than we used to. I refuse to compromise. They won't stop offering us crap until we stop buying it.
I can't change the world, but I can try.
Peace.

[marmar]

10. "I can't change the world, but I can try."

I hear ya. I've got a LONG way to go, but I try, every day, to modify my behavior just a little bit to do my part to make the world better.

[dddem]

15. I don't know about you,

but I find that every time I drive my kids crazy because I won't spent my hard earned money in this store or on that brand, it makes me feel like maybe I'm making a little dent. And I think I sleep a little better at night.
Peace.

[Kerrytravelers]

21. I think I love you.

:evilgrin:

This is our line of thinking, as well.

[dddem]

24. You just made my day!

Thank you.

[Greyhound]

27. "it's becoming that the lower income family (me) almost can't afford to eat healthy (coincidence?)"

No coincidence at all and I've been surprised at how few even notice this. We operate under the firm belief in so many things that are just not true, yet we will defend them to the end.

We just fell right in with the idea that unleaded gas should cost more?:silly: All gas was unleaded, they added it to reduce knocking and raised the price, then later they eliminate the additive and the extra step in refining, and they raised the price again, and we let them get away with it?

We are being maneuvered into an inescapable cage and we don't even know it.

[dddem]

29. This is what I've been trying to teach my kids.

It's not easy, but we have to start putting our money where our mouth is. I'm so sick of hearing people bitch about the way things are going, but not one of them is willing to sacrifice to change it. For years, I wouldn't eat at Wendy's because Dave Thomas pulled his ads from the Ellen Show (remember when she came out?). This naturally annoyed my children, but I wouldn't budge. I relented only after (and I mean no disrespect) Dave Thomas passed away. What am I teaching them about right and wrong, and about the 'American spirit' when I don't back up my words with action. Yes, I'm just one small insignificant person with not much to contribute, but if enough of us refuse to throw up our hands and say "whatta ya gonna do?", then the powers that be will have to start paying attention. I'm a firm believer in "money talks", and I try to be sure that what little I have speaks volumes about right and wrong. I'm a mom - I have to.
Peace.

[Greyhound]

53. Good for you, I am always happy to hear that there are at least a few

of us that consider the consequences of our purchasing decisions. If we could just get 10% to go along with us we could force the changes that must be made, but never will without a concerted effort on our part.

Viva la resistance!:hi::headbang::patriot:

[SoCalDem]

54. Yep.. just like "reduced sodium or Low Salt/Low Fat"

items cost more..

They ADD bad things to food, and if we want LESS or NONE of them, we must pay more..

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

8. Hard to be brandwashed when you don't have much money

you get what you can get that has the best quality for the price. I do try to buy locally made products when I can, though-namely because I personally know the folks who make them. Don't even know the brand name of Janet's food bars, but they are the best I've tasted.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

9. I always buy the high quality toilet paper

I guess growing up with a raw bum from cheap toilet paper made me "brand-washed". So sue me - I don't use John Wayne toilet paper.

[sandnsea]

12. Where do people book hotels online?

Expedia? Priceline? Hotels.com? Travelocity?

You bet people are brandwashed. It's actually the biggest challenge smaller businesses have, creating the sense of a brand without millions of dollars to do it.

[monktonman]

13. anyone who says absolutely not

is a liar.

[KittyWampus]

61. you took the words out of my mouth.

[pooja]

14. #1... I am cheap, I look for a bargain

#2. I look for safety of product for fam
#3. I don't like coffee enough to have to have a $4.00 cup of coffee while the children harvesting the beans go without shoes and work 12hr days, and I don't own an IPOD. I want something like this though for when I go running, but I don't need it, have to have it, shiney object, drool, drool, drool.
#4. the job of a corporation is to sell the product. They spend tons of money on advertising to you the consumer. so its not surprising that people are caught up in the brands... What I think is more poignant is that most people buy the same things their parents do. I did for years because that's what my mother uses and says to use... now, I'm older and choose what I like and the bargains that I like.

[liberal N proud]

16. Sometimes - Yes - Most times No

I keep buying the same brand automobile consecutively and look for certain brands of some types of food.
I purchase American when a) one is available and b) I can afford it or it is the better value.

Mostly I look for the best value for my dollar. That takes into account, quality, durability features that best fit my application.
I purchased the PC I am using purely because of the price it is an HP.
I have 4 televisions in my house, 2 VCR's and 2 DVD players, none of them are the same brand.

Commercials on TV are lost on me past any humor content that may be in them. Ask me what brand was mentioned in a commercial and most likely I will respond that I don't have a clue.

[Coyote_Bandit]

17. I'm cheap

and utilitarian.

I tend to wear what is comfortable rather than what is fashionable and do not purchase lots of clothing items. There are some name brand clothing items I will not purchase because I either find they do not generally fit well or are poorly made. Certain athletic shoes immediately come to mind - but they are not alone.

It is not uncommon for me to shop antique stores, thrift stores, garage sales and such for household items. I collect used dinnerware and like to mix and match it at the table.

When I purchased furniture not too long ago I shopped all the local stores and found a new set that was discontinued and marked down over 60%. It was exactly what I was looking for in terms of style, fabric and color.

I have some preference for handcrafted items. My bookshelf wall unit was made for me by a family member. It is not uncommon for me to purchase items from local artists. My guitar was crafted by a local luthier. Likewise my guitar amplifier is completely handwired - has wonderful tonal qualities but is an off-brand. I'm told that the guy who founded the company did so after experiencing some legal difficulties manufacturing counterfeit name brand amps.

I also try to avoid purchasing cheap crap from whatever source.

Brand names are usually overpriced relative to their quality in my experience.

I do not believe in corporate Amerika. I try not to support it. And I am not employed in its service.

edit for spelling - and to add that I prefer to cook from scratch and try to avoid prepackaged, convenience and fast foods. And usually national chain resturants.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

18. I picked Not Brandwashed... but when it comes to Mac and Cheese

I only buy Kraft. It's more expensive, but none of the other brands are even close in taste.

I prefer certain brands (Folgers coffee, for instance) but price is the main determinant.

[Kerrytravelers]

19. There are certain companies and stores we don't buy from because of their

business practices or because of their politics. But, there are also brands and stores we support for the exact same reasons. However, I've never been someone who sees a product as anything more than just that, meaning, as was shown in The Corporation, we don't connect particular human traits to a product or company because, for example, McDonald's can't be "like a family." It's a huge corporation that would lay people off in a heartbeat. Giving McDonald's that much belief of simply willfully believing in bullshit.

We meet people all the time who seem offended when you don't completely buy into this belief that corporations are inherently good. We ask how they can show such loyalty to an inanimate thing? I am loyal to beliefs and to causes that help people, not someone manipulating me to get my money. However, it is ingrained in our culture so deeply, you seem like Chicken Little crying "the sky is falling" if you dare question a corporation.

A very wise man once said to me and Mr. kt that corporations have killed our culture. What he meant by this wasn't "let's end all corporations now," but that everything has to have a label slapped on it. Take the stadium in San Diego. Jack Murphy Stadium. It was named after a person who had a role in shaping San Diego sports. Now, Qualcomm decided to donate a whole chunk of change and slap they're name off it. It's no longer Jack Murphy, but Qualcomm Stadium. What did Qualcomm do to add greatness to San Diego sports? Donated money? So, donating money is now worth more than the history of the game? Nice.

Corporations shape everything we do. They are steeped in our government. Right now, the Supreme Court is hearing the case where car manufacturers are saying that complying with the environmental standards of various states isn't good for "them." Well, the environmental policies are actually good for their own personal health and the health of their children and grandchildren, but apparently that takes a backseat to the good of their wallets. Should all decisions be money-based? Where does that leave people? I am not a commodity to be bought and sold. My health is not a commodity to be bought and sold.

Corporations aren't there for the workers. Sure, they might need workers, but they have no loyalty. Mr. kt was working for a corporation (one that was mentioned in passing in The Corporation) in San Diego, where he lived before we got married. He watched as his office there was downsized to the point of non-existing. Most of the jobs were transferred overseas to... wait for it... India. He came to live in Los Angeles as our home once we were married. The same company gave him a job in LA. Within a few short months, that job, too, went away. After a few months, he found another job in a huge company. He was doing great where his department was sent... wait for it... to India. Yep. It's true. He was one of three people on his entire floor to be transferred to another department within the company. Most others were told... sorry. Now, incidentally, he hates his job. It is terrible and he has virtually no opportunity to earn bonuses and there really isn't a career path... and the pay isn't as great. We are lucky we have a job at all, and we fully acknowledge that. However, we're not so beholden to this corporation that we're blinded to what they are doing. Unfortunately, this corporation is one that many people are beholden to.

I work in education and I'll be the first one to tell you, we're really not able to educate most people anymore. The district I use to teach in and still live in is falling apart. We also service a few smaller cities within our city district. These smaller cities are breaking off and forming their own districts. Enrollment is falling due to many factors, a major one being the corruption that is tearing our district apart. I found out, after taking a short amount of time off teaching full-time for personal reasons, that they really aren't hiring experienced teachers because they simply do not want to pay us. At one time, when applying, they would hire the teacher with the most years of experience or with a higher degree. I cost three times that of a first year teacher, but I also have a world of knowledge over them. I had to sub waiting to get hired when I first started. Now, our local sub ranks are filled with people trying to re-enter the profession, people with specialized credentials, higher degrees, years of knowledge. We've now brought to bottom line to education. And it shows. Look at the mess we're in. We saw it in the 2004 election. How many people have no idea what is going on? They are swayed by stupidity and nonsense. They have little ability to think. Education surely isn't valued because it's not a huge profit-making venue. If education were values, the Boy King would not be our pResident.

If you haven't had a chance to see the film "Idiocracy," I highly recommend it. The premise contains the concept that five hundred years in the future, everything will be about the corporate logo. People's names contain brand names. All clothing has brand names written all across it. Idiocracy isn't too far from the truth.

[tammywammy]

20. Certain products I buy specific brands

Like I always use Tide laundry detergent. My mom says they're all the same, but whenever I've tried switching, I just don't like the other kinds.

But if I'm buying something like generic Tylenol, then it's just the store brand. It depends what I'm buying, I have no problem purchasing store brand products if they are of equal quality of the brand name.

I purchase coffee from an independent coffee shop, which is much much better than Starbucks.

[notadmblnd]

22. I usually buy the brand the dollar store is selling

and when I do buy a name brand product, it's because of the quality. I've also noticed that the quality of some name brand products has gone down the tubes recently, AJax and Comet cleanser along with the AJax dish washing liquid, some laundry soaps and fabric softeners are included in the list. I also think that Starbucks coffee sucks, it has always tasted burnt to me. Every cup is like getting that two hour old crap at the bottom of the pot. When I do have to buy bottled, it's anything but Aquafina water because I think it actually makes me more thirsty, so plain tap water run through a filter is it for me.

[mondo joe]

25. I prefer some brands, but only based on performance or value.

For example, I prefer the Apple brand because I think it's a better product - not because I adore the commercials.

Owning Apple stock doesn't hurt its appeal for me either.

[Montauk6]

26. I voted "not sure"

I mean, if there are two artists I'm totally unfamiliar with, one with Arista and the other with ECM Records; I'm more likely to listen to the ECM band.

If I won the lottery and had my pick of ANY automobile, it would be a 1987 Ford Taurus GL; in fact, I would buy several.

But then again, when it came to shopping for a vacuum cleaner, I was VERY suspicious of Oreck for some reason (maybe the price).

[annabanana]

57. Oreck. . . . made in the USA, (New Orleans, in fact)

Worked very hard to help out their employees, post-Katrina.

[BlackVelvet04]

28. I buy some brand things

like my makeup because I found a brand I'm not allergic to. I buy a specific brand of jeans because they fit....but they aren't a trendy brand, just good old fashioned all cotton heavy duty blue jeans. I buy brand name laundry detergent, again because of skin allergies I have to be careful. But, most things I buy what I find at discount stores...brand doesn't matter.

[mondo joe]

31. y'know, sometimes the brand identity is accurate. NT

[Swede]

32. Tide,dove and apple meant something different 100 years ago.

Now you get your ass sued off for using these words.

[mondo joe]

39. Really? I was just a farmer's market yesterday. They had signs about apples.

Think they'll be sued?

[Name removed]

42. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Gormy Cuss]

45. Tide, dove, and apple mean the same thing as they did 100 years ago,

No one will get sued for using the word tide to describe the ocean movement, dove to describe a bird, or apple to describe the fruit.
Tide (tm) Dove (tm) and Apple(tm) have limited uses in terms of naming products or services. Big difference.

[porphyrian]

33. I'm a fan of products, but not brands.

First, The Corporation should be mandatory viewing for everyone today. It's an awesome, if disturbing, insight into the nature of corporations.

Second, as an amateur memeticist (is that a word?), I've recognized the branding trend and, so far, successfully resisted it. I still demand a certain quality and type of product, and I don't really give a shit who provides it. If I am not satisfied with a product, I'll try another. I understand that brand has become product, but that's not what I mean in this instance.

[NV Whino]

35. I spent many years in advertising

I can generally cut through the advertising hoopla to the value or non-value of the product.

[Subdivisions]

36. "I patronize certain brands, but purely on the basis of quality"....welllll...

and whether or not the brand is on the hood of a Nextel Cup (NASCAR) car...

[Nikia]

37. Sometimes brand=quality

All products are not the same. All companies do not work the same and some so make a better quality product with consistent quality. It is true that some smaller companies do meet those standards, which is why I will try different products. If it fails my precoceived standards (based on my usual brand), I will not buy it again though.
I work in the food industry in quality and research and development for a company that receives ingredients, sells ingredients, and sells finished product. I have scientifc proof that all products are not equal.

[rucky]

38. Sometimes the quality matches the brand identity

Toyotas & Hondas are fantastic cars, for example.
Whirpool & Kenmore appliances.
Craftsman tools & equipment.

Quality and value are marketing strategies with some companies, and sometimes it is truly part of a company's culture to make quality products. If they take that route, of course they'll want to brag about it - and the brand's products live up to the claims & reputation. What you have to watch out for is when the products are trying to pull one over on the consumer with untrue claims.

As for Starbucks, I'm not a big fan of burnt coffee, but they've really tapped into our culture's mesh of community and consumerism. Think about the places you would like to live, and I bet shopping factors in somehow. Think about what qualities are in a community hub that makes it a place you want to be a part of. In my small town, it is the local businesses that are keeping the downtown area afloat. If there were no viable businesses & services, the downtown area would turn to ghost town. In the 'burbs, where there is no community hub, Starbucks has popped up to replace that need - in a cookie-cutter, corporate sort of way. But that's how they like it in the 'burbs. Not sure why I went on this tangent, but I think it has something to do with the types of people who are willing (eager?) to be "brandwashed."

[npincus]

40. Yes.

[lumberjack_jeff]

41. Only one partial exception: Carhartt.

I haven't found work jeans anywhere else that compare.

[FooFootheSnoo]

44. it depends on the quality of the brand

I'll always try generic, but sometimes the quality is not the same. Most of the over the counter medicine I buy is generic. Sometimes, brand names really make a difference. I was very loyal to Huggies when my daughter was a baby. They fit her better, were more absorbent, and she seemed to have less diaper rash with them. The generic ones didn't fit as well, didn't absorb as well, etc. I base what I buy on quality, not brand.

[Initech]

47. There's only one brand I really patronize and that's Apple.

Otherwise I try to avoid brand names like the plague. I get store-brand snacks, I shop at discount clothing stores (like Kohl's), I do not shop at the same gas station all the time. I hate being treated like a consumer, so I try to avoid companies that patronize the word.

[Evoman]

48. No brands for me....I buy a different toothpaste every time.

Same goes with detergents, soap and other products. Sometimes I buy the generic stuff as well. I don't really think about it. I have noticed now that my gf moved in that we tend to use one product for one thing..but only when she buys it (sometimes she specifically requests "DOVE soap"....so I just buy what she wants, but I could care less.

Even when it comes to electronics, I don't buy one brand over another...usually I read reviews on a DVD player or monitor, etc...and then buy the best one for the price. But I've never stuck to one brand name. Although, I have had bad experiences with RCA, so I kind of avoid that company.

[fredsanford]

49. is DU considered a brand?

If so, call me "brandwashed"

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

50. On certain products for sure

For example, I'm addicted to energy drinks. For a long time I bought redbull unquestionably. Then I realized the ingredients on the cheaper knock offs were the exact same thing, they were the exact same product, but in a different can.

I think it's also the same case with Tostitos. I have it in my mind that those are THE tortilla chip of choice.

[Quantess]

55. Sorry to break it to you....

Look at the ingredients on Tostitos. They have partially hydrogenated oil (AKA, trans-fats).

It's really difficult to find tortilla chips without trans-fats, but there are some, usually the local mexican brands. Ironically, the cheapest tortilla chips are the best bet for no trans-fats.

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

65. Trans-fat...

I don't spend to much time worrying about

[Nikia]

59. Sometimes they are the same product, sometimes not

That are generics that are the same as the brand because they were produced at the same company and have the exact same formula. They are the same product.
There are other generics that have the same ingredients but aren't the same product. The company making the generic tried to replicate the name brand product, but just because it has the same ingredients doesn't mean that they quite achieved their goal of replicating it. Exact formulations of food products are closely guarded comapny secrets.

[lectrobyte]

51. You are what you consume, or so it seems some days.

[Quantess]

56. Related question: "George" brand women's clothing at Wal-Mart.

I get all my clothing second hand, and yet I dress better than average. However, I window shop a lot, to get an idea what retailers are selling. "George" women's clothing is sold only in Wal-Mart, no where else.
My question is: Why would Wal-Mart name their women's clothing label "George"? Never mind, I think I know...........x(

[Art_from_Ark]

69. Maybe for the same reason there's a men's clothing brand in Japan called

"Marie Claire".

But what that reason would be, I have no idea :shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[Nicole]

82. George is the name of the designer

Orignally from the UK, I think. Wal-Mart acquired the name when they bought out the store.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

60. Big corporations have anti-branding strategies for anti-brand consumers

A giant corp will buy up a small company with established consumer loyalty because it affords an inroad into a particular mindset.

Or they will cannibalize their own brands by launching "anti-brand" brands they promote through viral, guerilla and other faux word-of-mouth marketing. Better to lose share to yourself than to an outside competitor.

Of course many if not all private label products are produced by the same companies that make wellknown brands.

Even if you buy only based on price, or from local independents, and check to ensure that every company that gets your money supports only fair trade, environmentally sound, worker-owned, non-exploitative policies in the production of their goods and services, you are still (so far as marketers are concerned) responding to a brand mindset. As brand evolves into lifestyle, and lifestyle becomes an expression of brand, this is unavoidable.

I detest lifestyle branding, but it's everywhere. Marketing is what America does best; not just the marketing of America, but the emulation of American marketing has spread to every part of the world. It's futile to chide ourselves for taking part in it, but we can be mindful what part in it we play ourselves.

[ComerPerro]

62. Generally I am not into brands, but I will do whatever is necessary for a pair of Levis

[ComerPerro]

63. No one will admit they are truly brandwashed, but to reply to your observation:

yes, I definately agree that corporations sell brand recognition almost exclusively.

This is important for a couple of reasons.

For one, companies want people loyal to Coke over Pepsi, Budweiser over Miller, etc.

Additionally, there is always name-brand recognition for generic products.

For example, very few people look for facial tissues or ear swabs or acetaminophen. They go looking instead for Kleenex, Q-Tips, and Tylenol.

[REP]

66. Hard To Answer...

I don't own a piece of clothing with a visible logo, but I am loyal to certain brands for their quality (Trader Joe's and their house-labled products, for example - for instance, their house-labeled shampoo and conditioner is lauryl/laureth and cruelty-free, is dirt cheap and is far superior to anything else I've used). Other times, when all else is equal, I will buy the brand that least offends me. I have a choice of Target or Walmart, so I choose Target. My last three cars have been Pontiacs; the first by chance and the next two by choice due to the experience I had with the first one.

A quick look around my kitchen shows a high preference for Trader Joe-labeled food!

[JVS]

70. Northern Quilted Toilet Paper is my brand, but I swear it's because...

it has the feel I like best and this is one area where I refuse to compromise.

[Quantess]

71. Area? WHAT area?

:7

[JVS]

72. .

:thumbsup:

[yurbud]

88. I've noticed the opposite--the fancier the toilet paper, the more likely it is to fall apart

when you need it most. I prefer the generic stuff and wish they sold the kind we had in the military, which was sort of like typing paper.

[Tyo]

74. Some things are worth the price, some aren't

Spend extra for good...

tires
gin and wine (or whatever it is that you drink)
dress shirts
shoes
veggies, meat and fresh food in general
speakers
watches
coffee beans
house paint

and never buy house brand foie gras :)


Don't sweat

house brand canned foods
cheap toilet paper (get a Washlet)
pre-owned cars
$13 Costco jeans
bargain bin tools (unless you use them a lot)
basic versions of scanners and printers (same quality, fewer features)


And basically decide that you really need it before you buy it.

PS, I think the ipod is worth the investment, if only for all the supporting services and products available. (in the interest of full disclosure, I do not work for Apple but I have two Macs and would never go back to Windows although I have to use it at work)

[Quantess]

76. Foie gras and other things:

Your "foie gras" comment sure got my attention!
No! Please don't support waterfowl abuse! It amounts to ducks with feet nailed to floor, with a tube of feed down their throat, until their liver is fatty. I am definitely less opposed to duck hunting, than I am, to the harvesing of foie gras. At least the wild ducks had a good life. Can we maybe nail D. Rumsfeld's feet to the floor, and shove a grain tube down his throat?

Otherwise, I agree with everything else you said! Quality is worth the extra price, very often. Especially with alcohol, shoes, coffee, blenders, and haircuts.

[Tyo]

78. I know.

I love foie gras more than anything but the guilt is pretty much outweighing the enjoyment anymore. I'm grasping at straws here but isn't there a humane way of producing it? Never mind, I already know the answer. I'll probably have it a few more times. Braised in a hot iron skillet and eaten with basil mustard on water crackers. Or spread on a nice rare little rib eye. But my foie gras days are numbered and well they should be. Thanks for the reminder :)

[Ciggies and coffee]

75. Regulation always helps the big brands

And hurts the little guy. Just a thought.

[Trillo]

77. Other -- No: I'm handwashed.

:toast:

[Nicole]

81. I patronize certain brands

purely on the basis of quality most of the time. Sometimes for political or idealogical reasons,

I don't shop Wal-Mart based on all three, imagine that.

[sendero]

84. I go out of my way..

.... to avoid products that are over-advertised. Based simply on the obvious FACT that should I buy such product, I'm paying for that advertising.

IPod is a perfect example. Good product, sure. Worth the absurd markup? Not a chance. Buy one and pay for those clever commercials. :)

Same thing with chain restaurants. Expensive crap, 90% of them.

[Kelly Rupert]

86. Having used the iPod, the Zen, and the Sansa, I have to say that

the iPod really is a better piece of equipment.

[marmar]

87. Agreed. In the case of iPod, it really is a superior product....

not just the illusion of a superior product. Same with Cole Hahn shoes.

[Blue_Tires]

89. this post has been brought to you by your friends at Chevrolet!

Chevrolet: An American Revolution!