It was fashionable, to me, for a brief time, to rage against The Gap. (Or is it just Gap?) (My ragings were never particularly well-informed.)
But raging 'against' something is ultimately so draining, so unproductive. And the marketer in me cries out, "So what? What's the call to action?" Because we can't just NOT do things.
"What are you doing today, Bill?"
"NOT windsurfing!"
So, I decided to do something: Obscuritees.
http://www.cafepress.com/livelife
http://www.cafepress.com/obscuritees
A new line of apparel, developed by a brand-allergic boy to appeal to like-minded clothes-wearers. Fully aware of the irony in promoting this idea, I present you with the links to my CafePress stores.
The first, LiveLife, features a girl-centric design that has earned rave reviews from members of its target audience. "Do what I say not because I tell you to, but because it is right." I've got sweatshirts and t-shirts (or tee shirts, or tea shirts, if you're really feeling spelling-challenged) with the design.
The second shop, Obscuritees, carries several designs. "Not a Superhero" pokes fun at our own limitations, but also appeals to the good in us -- we may not have the superhuman abilities of a superhero, but we can make the moral decisions they do and place proper value on the most important things.
"Reality TV Ruined My Life" is less an autobiographical statement than a prophecy. As prophecies go, it's not a terribly important one, but I think it has some significance.
And finally, "I Steal MP3's." With the happy little pirate. Because I think the RIAA is one of many special-interest groups in this country that needs a major refresh of its long-term goals. Consumer slavery is not going to work forever, and Britney Spears will not die the instant copyright laws are revised in the US. (Or... Maybe she will? That would be fantastic.)
All items are priced at cost, because I'm selling factory-direct to you! Wait for a sale, because CafePress is almost always having some sort of sale. You'll save money and the global economy will move in the direction of encouraging thrift.
Comments (2)
I would like to recommend to you trying out www.spreadshirt.com as well as cafepress. You can customize your own store, it will have unique feel, you will be able to print your designs on dark t-shirts and I'm sure you will find our service extremely easy to use. We are a market leader in Europe, what allows you to sell your products throughout whole EU - think about it and check how hassle-free it will be. It is also free in financial terms :)
Posted by Bartosz | August 1, 2005 2:11 AM
Posted on August 1, 2005 02:11
Well, that's sort of an advertisey comment, but I'll let it slide, because I did spend some time looking for alternatives to cafepress. Spreadshirt looks a little more restrictive, to me, and their technology is more intrusive, and their prices are higher, and they're based overseas. But other than that, I'd say they're a decent alternative.
Posted by Tom Dalton | August 1, 2005 3:12 PM
Posted on August 1, 2005 15:12