Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Zombie-sploitation

I've been approached by Skip Slydell, owner, CEO and mail clerk of Slydellco for a possible business venture. Slydellco, you may be aware, are distributors of such fine products as the Z and Lady Z lines of cosmetics and personal hygiene products, not to mention a whole line of what my trad friends like to call "inactive wear"--t-shirts with pro-zombie slogans like "Some of My Best Friends are Dead" and "Open Graves, Open Minds".

Skip wants to pay for me to put banner ads for his products on the site. I've purposefully tried to shy away from any corporate sponsorship, but there are some zombies in the Haunted House that think we could put the money to some good uses. Others, of course, are totally opposed. I asked Tak and his reply was "I...don't even know...why...you would talk...to a beating heart." Real helpful, that guy.

I'm torn. While I've written before about how cheesy I think Skip's profiteering is, he does use a percentage of his profits for pro-zombie causes. And despite their sometimes goofy message, I do think his products end up increasing awareness for our plight. To be totally forthcoming, I myself wear Z occasionally and am told it smells nice.

But straight-out corporate sponsorship? I don't know. I think I'd feel kind of icky.

What do you think?

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think that the world needs to except us (us as in: zombies and people who love them), but I think there are other ways to do it. I like the idea of wearing the T-shirts, but putting a ad on the site feels wrong...I don't know why; it just doesn't click with me.

~Jacy

Anonymous said...

btw, Tommy: I asked you earlier if you could put my blog on your links...I got the link wrong.

it's:

opengravesopenminds.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Although i think that getting the world to except, that we as Zombies are here, is a great idea and needs to be done. I think putting adds on your blog is not the way to do it. Obviously you are already pro zombie because you are one lol, the whole sight is good for us.
but i guess in the end its your sight, your thoughts and your choice.

Anonymous said...

Hey Tommy!
I understand what you mean about not
putting anything like that on your site,
but it probably wouldn't hurt to,
just make a post about Slydellco
at least.

It's up to you, though.
Either way, what ever you do, is going to work out fine, because you're doing it.
You are like THE zombie.
Everything will turn out for the better.
:)

Brit.

Anonymous said...

it sounds kind of risky but whatever your choice is its probably for the better

good luck
-kay

Anonymous said...

i dont think ur really in a position 2 reject anyone's attempt at helping. ur always talking about being accepted by the living and this could help alot. its not like ur getting a bunch of other offers 2 choose from anyway.

check out my blog:
letsplaythefool-dolcebella.blogspot
.com

Crystal Light said...

I know the all the t-shirts are cheesy and stuff like that but cheesy is the stuff that sticks.It is easier to promote the message by using simple and catchy phrases.Like one of those songs that are stuck in your head. I think u should put the ads up,it is way to gain money for the cause.And none of the t-shirts go against ur direct to beliefs.It makes it easier for peoples that "hearts are still beating" to look at it in a light care free way instead of being totally scared.

Anonymous said...

I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you feel comfortable with the business venture go for it! C: but if you don't then go with that. It all has to do with your gut feeling and if it isn't a good feeling then I don't accept. I mean it is very cool that he came up to you and talked to you about, I mean the profits would be great for the Haunted House and all and it would get people to hopefully accept us but there could be backlash as well. But I think whatever you chose would be for a good reason, Tommy. I hope I helped =^-^=

Anonymous said...

I personally believe that Skip is, overall, a pretty obnoxious in your face guy, but then again, maybe I've just been goth for too long. :D But seriously, if his products are sold on this site, it could potentially bring in lot of money, and eventually make the site available to zombie kids all over the country. Think about it.
-Phoebe <3

Anonymous said...

Here is what I think: Slydellco is a "sly" company and not worth your time. You could do so much else without him and definetly don't need his endorsment. You want my opinon? You got it.

Anonymous said...

Well i think you should do what you want dont let anyone make the choice for you follow your gut and go with the flow

Anonymous said...

I dont think that you should put any ads on your site! it just doesn't fit. and where does the rest of skip's profits go?

Anonymous said...

Putting out an ad on the site doesn't sound right. Of course its really all your choice and opinion. Overall though, the profits would probably be exceptionally great. Though here's my opinion: It doesn't sound like the the best idea. Although it may be a great opportunity and as I said before its all totally up to you. Best of Luck!

~FrozenInsomniac

Anonymous said...

The ad thing does sound...a bit bizarre and a bit hard for me to imagine. But i seems like one of those types of opportunitys that can not be missed out on. Yea, it probably does increase awareness but is it the right way to get it? It might all give us a bit of a bad vibe but you should go for it. Don't give up this chance!

Anonymous said...

what you could do (though it might be too complicated to work out) is allow endorsements but make a deal so that a certain amount of the profits would be sent to places that are helping "zombies"...YES i'll admit its a pretty far-fetched idea, but who knows? but i also would watch out for this guy he seems like an opportunist to me...

AnnaGrace

Anonymous said...

I think that putting ads on the sit would change the feel of the site you know? soo I say no and I now this might be prying but how did Tak die just woundering?

Love Jenna

Natalie said...

well neither Tommy or Daniel Waters have been responding to me so i don't know what i'm accomplishing on this site :S sorry, it's just i've been reading Twilight and i seem to like that gushy, romantic love story, adventure kind of thing. and besides i've been pulling my hairs out wondering what's been going on between Tommy and Pheobe! :P

Natalie said...

by the way...
if any of you dig the whole love story/adventure stuff, visit my blog:

www.thoughtstobethought.blogspot.com

thanks. keep the zombie peace:)

Anonymous said...

I think you should try it, Tommy. Your messsage and zombie acceptance would reach a bigger audience.

If you decide you don't like it, you can always pull it. Don't be afraid to try new avenues.

Anonymous said...

do what ever you feel comforatable with in the end you can always change it right?
by the way on a more personal note not trying to offend anyone but how did Tak die?

Natalie said...

does anyone care about my blog?? please??

if it helps, i think Tommy, that you should go for it, and like they all said, if you don't like it then get rid of it.

Anonymous said...

I think that it would be good 2 an ad. on ur blog They get money and ur blog will get more popular=)


~Kelsey~

Unknown said...

I also think the world needs to accept zombies. (I know I do. I mean I'm pretty weird too. I love zombies and Vampires so at times I feel outside) But like jacy said I don't think you should have to do something or wear something that makes you uncomfortable.

Tatiana
Vampire Princess

Anonymous said...

Hm...an interesting dilemma.

Although any of us could contribute our opinions, it all comes down to one basic thing: this is YOUR site, Tommy.

You're not just using it to spread pro-zombie sentiment; in some ways, this blog is almost like a diary of sorts.

Therefore...anything regarding this personal space of yours should be entirely YOUR decision, regardless of your zombie or trad reader's opinions. It's just like if someone wanted to add something to, say, your bedroom - it comes down to what you are comfortable with.

So...I'd say go with your gut feelings on this one. Weigh the options, but don't feel pressured into anything you aren't comfortable with.

Tommy Williams said...

These are some great thoughts, everyone. Keep them coming.

Would it affect your vote if we were to use all of the money to fund the Get Animated! program? See my post of 7/22 for more info.

T.

oOMermaidBubblesOo said...

i dont think you should use an advertisement to help promote zombieism, because # 1 it makes my computer run slow if there are ads and#2 zombieism could catch on as a fad and every one would get interested but is that what your really looking for in terms of acceptence?

Natalie said...

Sorry Tommy, I was a bit selfish before :( I will make a new post on my blog to help you with your cause and please, if there's anything, anything at all I can do just tell me okay? And if you would like me to mention your site i will if you want so that i can make trad. people aware, just tell me on my site. It would help me, to help you.:)

Lots of love,
Nat from Thoughts to be Thought

Christina said...

I want a "Some of My Best Friends are Dead" or a "Open Graves, Open Minds" shirt! I'll have to keep an eye out for them.xD

Anonymous said...

I think thats its ur website Tommy. If you think its a good idea... go for it!I also had an idea... im not sure if its good but i think if your going to accept, you should ask about products made more for us dif. biotic ppl. Like "Im friends with a beating heart" or somthen. i kno its lame... i just wanted to get the idea out there.

Mikayla said...

I think that you should write more about Pheobe and Adam and Margi.

Anonymous said...

I think a little ad on the site won't hurt but don't just go all out with huge ads and stuff like that.

It's just up to you because anything you choose will probably be best.

ROCK OUT LOUD!

Anonymous said...

I have a good idea for one of Slydellco's shirts. Here it is: Zombie In Disguise- in the front of the t-shirt. That would be cool.

Tommy Williams said...

I love the "Zombie in Disguise" shirt idea--maybe we should do "Trad in Disguise" shirts also. Always keep them guessing.

T.

Anonymous said...

Try not to let zombie-hater-hackers get you down! We all love you here! Keep giving your best everyday!
-Paris

Anonymous said...

i dont like the idea of putting an ad on the site is cheesy. i do love the t-shirts though

Anonymous said...

i think skip has a good point. but he gets over excited some times.

Em said...

im personally an anarchist, n i think nething corporate related is kinda selling out
but on the other hand, the money cud b put 2 gud use n the products r kinda kool
hmm...idk...

Unknown said...

I think it bothers people (living or dead) when there are ads on websites. It might create more hostility toward the cause than necessary...

Anonymous said...

i think that u should leave the websire the way it is and by the way i know u are not a real zombie. its just 2 go along with the book.

Anonymous said...

i know id love to own a "some of my best friends are dead" or "zombie in desquise" [sp?] shirt

zuri smith said...

I think that you should maybe you should put his website on your blog like a link you know? His products are kind of like a zombie version of the No-Stank-You t-shirts. I know I would by one but I can't find his website. Maybe if you do that then you could get some realy cool christmas presents for those of you at the H.H. like some posters and CDs and maybe even like a wii or somthing. BTW i was wondering if "zombies" count as the supernatural than could vampires and wearwolfes be real too? Oh and you should get some Twilight books. I've read them and there realy good. then after some of you read the book you should go see the movie New Moon, the sequil comes out on Nov. 20 next year(the movie, the book already came out) ;D HAPPY QUANZIKMAS!!! (QUANZah-honIKah-christMAS) made it up myself! ;D

zuri smith said...

IDK tommy i think that maybe you should just like puy up a link or somthing. I know I would buy a T-shirt. I think there kind of like a zombie version of the no-stank-you t-shirts. Then with the money you could buy some cool christmas presents for those of you at the H.H. Maybe you could get some posters, cds, you should get the twilight saga, there so good, maybe you could even get a wii! Happy Quanzikmas! QUANZah-honIKah-christMAS
;D

Anonymous said...

i think it's iky too

Anonymous said...

I think that i totally want a pro-zombie t-shirt!!! I'd totally get all my friends to wear it and i'm not a hardcore goth or emo or anything, I have a lot of preppy friends lol! So i'm sure they would totally love the t's anddd if it helps to get money for zombies who wouldn't like it....oh and if Tak gets tick off, just tell him "hey we are taking money from the blood bags and putting it in zombies hands"

DerekszMate said...

I am against the most general types of corporates. E.g.: Holister is the bane of my existance, i hate vitamin water, and Gossip Girl is the stupidest show to air on tv. soo i usually would say no based on principal.
HOWEVER, this company isn't trying to change ure message, it's not morphing you into an undead drone. And u said it yourself, it's a pro-zombie company. SO ure more of promoting a company that shares your ideals then flat out corporate mind-swipe .

Unknown said...

i think skip is diong a wonderful job and he is rite

Max said...

I think you should do it. Sounds good. And this post kind of cancels out the ickiness.

Anonymous said...

No, don't. This is not a corpret blong, Skyler, take a hike. Tried to find his stuff at the mall here, but no. An we found the white van, and the spray paint idea was brillent, that you Phebe. But then we found out the van belonged to the cops, luckily they haven't found us and we're hiding at my place.
(Demon typing: Tommy, how long as she been giving up dates on our missions???)
((Book Geek Here: YES, we got the wrong van. Opps, but is was kinda our other friends fault, he didn't let me cheak the licence plates))
(((Texan Bad Boy, aka the other friend: Sure blame it on me, just cause you wouldn't walk to the other side to read the other plate, plus it was all Kay's idea)))
Opps, looks like I'm in trouble, love you guys bye.

Love, KayKat

Anonymous said...

Tommy, I'm against it, to me it doesn't seem like such a good idea. Companies have their own websites, this is the only place we are allowed to speak our minds. Humans, zombies, heck even others. We don't need to bother with what they think of what we say, at least we have a bit more freedom, is that what prop. 77 is all about? Or are we doing this to help someone that already has a bit too much money on his hands? Think about....maybe you might see anouther point of veiw.

-KayKat

Anonymous said...

I'm aginst it. I don't do dig what corpret compainies do to real sites, were people can speak their minds. I like the freemdom we have here. And giveing some one the page will just make them want more and more power, that's how trads work. Prop 77 is about the rights of zombies, right? Well you have the right to say no, id use that right if I were you, Tommy. But its your page, follow your heart (even if it is no longer beating).

Love,
KayKat