Vox

Idolatry - But Not Too Much

I just received an email from Cafe Press announcing their new "American Idol" portal. They are inviting members to create and market American Idol themed merchandise to be included in a big store front. Here is the fine print:

All images created for the Official American Idol Fan Portal must comply with the following rules. Please note that these rules may be updated from time to time.

• No alterations, reproductions, or resemblance of the actual oval logo
  
• No substitution of words, catchphrases or images to be used inside of the oval logo
• No use of any images of contestants (past and present), or images of host Ryan Seacrest, or images of any Judges (past and present or guest) including without limitation Paula Abdul, Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell
• OK to use contestant names only
• OK to use names (first and last) for Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Kara DioGuardi, and Randy Jackson
• No use of cartoon, caricature images of contestants (past or present), judges, or Ryan.
• No reference to drugs or medication
• No derogatory reference to race, gender, religion, mentally handicap, obesity or physically impaired
• All images must be tagged with "american idol"
• No use of Simon Cowell's name, image or likeness
• No use of profanity, vulgar or hate language
• No use of explicit sexual language, images or graphics
• No use of copyrighted material from the television series or its promotional materials (e.g. no use of images of the television series, television series posters or from the television series website)

© 2009 FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
American Idol is a registered trademark of 19 TV Limited and FremantleMedia North America, Inc.
Licensed by FremantleMedia Enterprises.

So, basically, they want you to play along, as long as anything you make has virtually no connection to the show and/or performers whatsoever. That should make for some really special swag. Good thing the products will be tagged with "american idol" or no one would ever find them. Posted by Vox at May 1, 2009 12:19 PM | television