Gotcha. To me, a phone is something I’d bring to an event like this so it seemed like a mesh-able, natural fit. It didn’t strike me as any different than past editions. But I do understand and have heard your feedback. We turn down as many proposals for these as we accept, as we do look for things that are natural fits, stuff I would take/wear anyway, and I’ll continue to use discretion in such things. Obviously where to draw the line won’t align with everyone tastes, but I again, I do understand the point you were trying to convey.

The article got me thinking about getting the pullover, new jeans, trying something new at an art festival (in addition to my funnel cakes!), a money clip, AoM gear, and maybe take a look at converse again, which I haven’t worn since high school.

The Motorola “ad” was no different than what I’d find on Slashdot (tech news aggregation site), the VzW/Moto websites, or being screamed at me from a TV commercial . I expect something like that on TV, or a tech/vendor site … but not here.

In contrast, the Whisky Tasting, Casual Office, and Fall Picnic “Outfitted and Equipped” articles meshed together exceptionally well, and there wasn’t a feeling of “this article’s only purpose is to sell the sponsor’s wares”.

Normally, I’d attribute this to Motorola being a huge company, though Levi’s is only about 20% smaller (approx 16k vs 20k @ Moto), and they got it right(tm) with their sponsored ads…

http://www.primermagazine.com/tag/the-getup

Anyway, keep it up. And even if I already liked the post, I appreciate you responding to people. It’s nice to get an inside look or whatever.

I’m not “slinging” a bunch of products. I only get paid by the sponsor of the post. I get paid zero for mentioning everything else. Gallery posts like these have been a staple on many men’s interests sites for awhile and I always personally enjoyed them, and was glad to be able to start running them on AoM when I got sponsorship opportunities. I have to pay a graphic designer to put them together for me, as my design skills are negligible, so I didn’t do them until I got some sponsorships to help pay for that. The idea behind gallery posts is to give people a general idea of an outfit to put together for different events. It’s not to say buy this product or this brand. The reason we do list the brands on this kind of post, is because there are going to be lots of people who look at the gallery, and want to know where to get X item. I still get emails for years-old style articles that have photos with no brand listed asking, “Where can I get that? Who makes that?” But I couldn’t care less if people buy these brands or simply use what’s already in their closet to pull together something similiar with their own style. It’s supposed to serve as inspiration, not a shopping list.

While you’ve got to run a business, maybe you’d be better off not slinging so many products in one post.

Obviously, you’ve been doing this for a while, and probably have a method to your madness.

Maybe it’s just the wording of this post that threw me off … but here’s how it came off :

1. Sunglasses — you “need” this brand. (bad)
2. sweater/pullover — great idea to have, and while you’re at it; these guys make awesome right here in the states (good — hey, maybe I’ll check this out)
3. food — try something different than your normal (good — but I’m not giving up my funnel-cakes)
4. phone — definitely written by some marketing stooge. (terribad — buy something else)
5. moneyclip — good alternative to a big wallet (ok-ish … I mean, I’m carrying a wallet anyway…)
6. blanket and thing – hmm never thought of that (good — should get something like this for the car … )
7. Levi’s – jeans are jeans (meh … although if you went the “they make them in the states” route…)
8. belt – you need one ’nuff said (good)
9. AoM tee – get one ’nuff said (good — you’re promoting YOUR stuff … who can argue with that?)
10. shoes – converse are great (bit meh … I like the all stars better)

No Boo from me here, really like what you’ve put together. I’m on the hunt for some new clothes and you’ve given be some ideas – the pull over and blanket look wicked!

Keep up the great work!

I actually agree with you to a point. I don’t think you should have to plan out an outfit for an event like this. However, I think the everyday gentleman needs a good sense of style and these posts really help. But, yeah… just wear what makes you comfortable, but doesn’t make you look like a hobo. If being a hobo is your thing, embrace it.