Selling out
With big bucks in the offing, performers and personalities are all too often tempted by advertisers, but is signing on with a brand selling out? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Megan Reynolds investigates.
When Ashton Agar made his cricketing debut in the first Ashes Test earlier this month, he got more than the hearts of sporting fans and teenage girls beating.
Advertisers across the country would have been chomping at the bit at the sight of his fresh new face. At just 19 years old, Agar’s sensational 98-run debut shot him on to the front page of just about every Australian newspaper. With his clean cut looks and yet untarnished reputation, he is virtually a blank canvas for brands to project themselves on.
However, in a bold move, Agar has said no to potentially millions of dollars in sponsorship deals choosing instead to focus on the game.
I’d say selling out consists of signing on with a brand or product that has nothing to do with your trade. Essentially being a money grab. I have no moral stance on this and would definitely sell out for the right price. However some well worn musicians claiming that they haven’t sold out is not convincing. I’d probably say that too.