Comments for Product Placement, Real World Professional References In My Story

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Re: Product Placement, et al.
by: Todd Bergmann-Rogers

Crystal clear, and thank you so much!

I knew I had already asked a similar question, but I was hoping that the slight change in context might yield an answer that confused me less (not your fault, certainly, I think I thought myself into a box with the last attempt to understand this subject).

With the political climate the way it is today, you just never know when you're going to run into a situation whereby you're facing down a cease and desist order or some kind of legal haranguing over a mention that wouldn't have garnered interest before.

Your explanations are, as usual, clear and very well thought out.

I am grateful you gave this another shot for my benefit.
Hoka requires permission
by: Arthur Gilbert

Hello,

I hope I am responding to a response and not posting a new post. The question is can we use business references in our truth fiction books? Well I am about to take all the businesses out because Hoka said one needs permission to mention them. I do not see how this is possible after everything I have read about fair act and mention without harmful words or actions is all good.

It is a common sense act to stick with not harming. However without permission intention while good can become harmful. My epic book which will bring in major revenue is subjected to this blame factor without permission.

In my story I am telling what I see. And as far as Hoka is concerned I sell the Hoka Tectons the entire book whereas I walk through South Africa for 3 months living in a village no one dares to go. I think it is dumb that Hoka would not want it but dumber is allowing an open door for Hoka to come in and take at will is not good. I say get their permission in writing before mentioning. Hoka will lose this epic movie story but I can create my own Hemp shoe company instead. - a.G
To Arthur
by: Glen

Sorry to hear about your experience. Hoka would be shooting themselves in the foot to insist you not mention their product. So they don't want anyone writing reviews of their products either?

Did they actually contact you about this? If not, I would be tempted to contact them, explain your project, and ask. If you did this and they still said no, you might still be within your rights to mention their name, but as a writer, it might not be worth your while to fight them on this.

I understand why you would want to protect yourself, but am also saddened because not naming the product might reduce the authenticity of the book. Nonetheless, perhaps you could use a generic phrase like "hemp shoes" rather than make up a fictitious shoemaker.

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