JW Commercialism

[Qapla]

So, Stavro, are you saying that having the logo on your undershorts might be a but overboard?

[Tortuga]

If the URL is on a book cover, service bag, pin, etc, it's clearly visible to the householder, and remains within the context of the ministry.

 

If the URL is on tennis shoes, t-shirts, or painted toenails, that's very tacky and approaching the realm of disrespectful, but at least it's sometimes visible to the public.

 

If the URL is on a wall hanging in someone's home, there's no possibility for interested ones to see it and learn about the site. Personally, I feel that this starts to cross the line into veneration and commercialism. There's no Kingdom preaching purpose served by these items, and they often take the same places and forms where someone in false religion would normally see the cross or other religious icons.

 

Agreed, however it seems like it is more like the Jews view of the temple in Jerusalem instead of a Catholics view of a cross. Stand by..I'm looking for articles that might explain it better...

 

EDIT: I was looking for the article that talked about how the Jews viewed the temple as a talisman but after reading it I don't think it applies to this topic as much as I thought it did. Nonetheless, my opinion is that some friends need to be more balanced with the way they use the logo but I don't think it is veneration, just an unbalanced enthusiasm.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Tortuga

[Rajan]

I get a strong feeling there will be an article or talk about this soon. I wouldn't be surprised if we get reminded about copyright laws, making a profit off of brothers and sisters and showing proper respect for our spiritual tools.

 

What's next, silver NWT luggage? GB bobble head dolls?

 

There was a letter to the BOE  from the Branch here on Sept. 9, 2014 about use of Logo. Among other things,    I have quoted following  from the letter "

 

 

Reminder: The logo is a registered trademark. It should not be used indiscriminately on brothers’ personal items and no modifications should be made to the design.

 

So I hope there is already a letter given to all the Congregation BOEs  about this.  

[Tortuga]

I found this, it doesn't directly apply to this topic but if it is the last direction we have received about using a logo on personal items, then we should still follow direction.

 

*** km 4/09 p. 4 Question Box ***

Question Box

▪ Is it appropriate for congregations or individuals to use the logos of legal corporations used by Jehovah’s Witnesses?

A logo is a name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy and definite recognition. The Watch Tower logo is representative of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania and other corporations used by the organization. The Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses uses an open Bible in its letterhead. Other corporations used by Jehovah’s Witnesses have different logos.

Congregations or individuals should not use logos or names of the organization’s legal entities, or variations thereof, on their Kingdom Halls, signs, letterhead, personal objects, and so forth. Such use of the organization’s logos may cause confusion for public officials, publishers, and others about the legal affiliation of the congregation with the organization’s legal entities. Similarly, written correspondence could be misinterpreted as being approved or sent from the world headquarters or the branch office.

The Watch Tower logo, or a variation of it, should not be used in future Kingdom Hall projects even if the Kingdom Hall is owned by a Watch Tower entity. Congregations with existing Kingdom Halls that bear a logo are not required to make immediate changes to signs or designs, since such changes may involve major alterations and much time, effort, and expense. However, consideration should be given to making a change if it would be minor and would not require extensive work. Otherwise it can be made when the building or sign is scheduled for renovation.

 

EDIT: I thought this was discussed recently. I found it

http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/18783-using-jw-logo-and-sophia-and-caleb-likeness-in-a-gift/?p=266783

Edited July 24, 2015 by Tortuga

[Allabord4Jah]

A sister in another hall gave me a bag that had the blue and white logo JW.ORG (square) and on the other side is a logo of Sophia and Caleb.  This is my service bag and that is what I use to carry my Bible, and the rest of my spiritual arsenal.   She gave it to me, she didn't charge me or others that had the same bag.  Its a nice bag too.  When I get a chance, I'll take a picture of it and put it in here.  Then you can determine if it is good or bad. 

[Stavro]

Nonetheless, my opinion is that some friends need to be more balanced with the way they use the logo but I don't think it is veneration, just an unbalanced enthusiasm.

 

Unbalanced enthusiasm would be putting the logo on tennis shoes.

 

Clear veneration would be using the logo in a way that clearly and intentionally mimics a religious icon, or is incorporated into one, such as a crucifix with the crosspiece removed and the logo added in its place in a way that it appears the logo is being 'held' in the hands of Jesus.

[Seabriar]

"who have his name and the name of his Father, Jehovah, written on their foreheads." Don't know if the JW.org would really fit in here.  Had to do a double take at the assembly.   It was a little disturbing to have a sister hand me what she considered precious, as a gift, and receive that icon. 

 

There have been novel and interesting tools over the decades and  this is another one.  There is more effect and more bling, true; but without holy spirit, nothing will grow no matter how far we broadcast it,  Let us not forget that in 1914, a momentous eventful year, the PhotoDrama of Creation was state of the art and seen by millions.  Nonetheless, Jehovah's discipline 5 years later, permitted our brothers' imprisonment in Atlanta and all ground to a virtual halt.   It is a cautionary tale, reminding us that Jehovah's examination and cleansing of his temple continues until the end with or without technology.

[Miss Bea]

No respect. Almost the sort of thing I'd expect from am apostate. Just my opinion...

[Dages]

No respect. Almost the sort of thing I'd expect from am apostate. Just my opinion...

And we certainly would not want to buy anything from an apostate.

[bohemian]

I have a badge attached to the strap of my service bag, a bag also used for carrying my iPad etc when shopping or on holiday. Several times it has prompted brothers or sisters to make themselves known to me.

In a market in Villeneuve les Avignon, a man was cooking aubergines (egg plant) in Provencal sauce and when he saw the badge he asked if we were Jehovah's witnesses. When I said yes, he broke into a huge smile and ran round the stall to me saying "Mon frere" (my brother)!

I think a discreet badge etc can be very useful, but I would never think of using the logo to commercialize the work.

[train]

Unbalanced enthusiasm would be putting the logo on tennis shoes.

 

Clear veneration would be using the logo in a way that clearly and intentionally mimics a religious icon, or is incorporated into one, such as a crucifix with the crosspiece removed and the logo added in its place in a way that it appears the logo is being 'held' in the hands of Jesus.

Dear God, have you actually seen that?

[timpin]

I like the tie....

what tie?   ...   the window keeps closing on me

[ChocoBro]

GB bobble head dolls?

 

 

 

Want!

[ChocoBro]

Whoops I forgot to add the shoes picture is in horrible taste!

[richietj77]

I get a strong feeling there will be an article or talk about this soon. I wouldn't be surprised if we get reminded about copyright laws, making a profit off of brothers and sisters and showing proper respect for our spiritual tools.

 

 

I can see it coming too. The problem here resides in finding a balance. But when it comes out (I think it will be in a Question Box of a future KM), everyone will see what's a proper use of this great provision.

About the stilettos... if they can be used to outrun dinosaurs, then they are necessary tools for Armageddon!   

[Daxsector]

There is a letter to the BOE about the logo and it's usage. It should only be used for approved Branch use (KH, Public Witnessing etc).  I never wore any buttons and the only time I used the logo was during the international convention. There are still a few friends in our hall that wear the buttons. It is wrong for someone to make a profit on something they did not create.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Daxsector

[DW]

Let's respect the trademark.

Edited July 24, 2015 by DW

[Tortuga]

 

Unbalanced enthusiasm would be putting the logo on tennis shoes.

 

Clear veneration would be using the logo in a way that clearly and intentionally mimics a religious icon, or is incorporated into one, such as a crucifix with the crosspiece removed and the logo added in its place in a way that it appears the logo is being 'held' in the hands of Jesus.

 

I agree to both points. I haven't seen anyone use the logo to mimic an icon.

[Tortuga]

Want!

NOT! 

 

[Tortuga]

what tie?   ...   the window keeps closing on me

 

I personally would not buy this tie but if I had it, I would wear it to the KH but not out in service. That's just me, my taste, my opinion.

[Tortuga]

A sister in another hall gave me a bag that had the blue and white logo JW.ORG (square) and on the other side is a logo of Sophia and Caleb.  This is my service bag and that is what I use to carry my Bible, and the rest of my spiritual arsenal.   She gave it to me, she didn't charge me or others that had the same bag.  Its a nice bag too.  When I get a chance, I'll take a picture of it and put it in here.  Then you can determine if it is good or bad. 

 

http://jwtalk.net/forums/topic/18783-using-jw-logo-and-sophia-and-caleb-likeness-in-a-gift/?p=266783

 

It isn't up to any of us to determine if the gift is good or bad. Take a look at this topic and it may help you.

[kejedo]

Is this going to far? or is it a conscience thing? JW.ORG is plastered on almost everything. 

 

 

https://www.pinterest.com/IngridTaillefer/jw-ministry-supplies/

 

Great.  The website on shoes that you used to travel to the Red Light District to see.<sigh>

They are beyond stilettos, this style are originally known as 'Pole dancer' shoes (extreme high heels with platforms.) Yes, they have shown up all over, now, but still look a bit extreme.  When "I love Lucy" featured a shoe segment, Lucy put her name on the bottom of her shoes to attract attention to herself.  Just a thought. I would never judge a Sis who wore this shoe style,but I surely wouldn't choose them for myself. It's probably photo shopped, but I think the jw.org logo would look more attractive in a different placement. 

[JSmith]

It seems to me that the JW.org imagery has long passed the point of advertising a means to learn the truth, instead becoming a mockery at best, or a semi-acceptable replacement for the cross at worst.

I don't mean to imply that most people are worshipping the logo or giving it veneration, but for some people, their constant devotion to plastering the logo on anything and everything they see is virtually indistinguishable from idolatry.

I dont know that anyone is venerating the jw.org logo, but I absolutely agree with you that some seem to be using it as a type of symbol to identify them just as christendom uses a cross.

Reminds me of when everyone was putting purple triangles on everything.

[Shawnster]

Is this going to far? or is it a conscience thing? JW.ORG is plastered on almost everything. 

 

 

https://www.pinterest.com/IngridTaillefer/jw-ministry-supplies/

 

 

Photoshop is a wonderful tool.

[Tortuga]

Photoshop is a wonderful tool.

I had a hard time accessing the website but it looked like the shoes were being advertised on the site, that's why I didn't think it was a photo shopped picture.