How I Got Fired From the Job I Invented

New submitter frost_knight writes "Travel blogger Turner Barr discovered that his entire brand, image, and web personality has been hijacked by a multi-billion dollar company for use in a marketing campaign. 'The video for their marketing campaign was particularly creepy for me, as even my age and personality didn’t escape the level of detail spent on creating this doppelganger (they used a paid actor of course). ... I’m no longer even the first thing that comes up when you Google my brand name. I’ve turned down work opportunities and put on hold any future travel job plans to deal with lawyers, long distance phone calls, corporate executives and other such nonsense — all along feeling misled and patronized. This situation has been extremely confusing for not only myself, but also for participants in company’s marketing campaign who message me thinking that I am am part of the company.'"

Comments

Re:who are intelectual property laws protecting ag

[DNS-and-BIND]

Is this just a knee-jerk, canned argument that gets posted by a bot when this topic comes up? I noticed the "authentic" spelling error.

What IP was violated? Trademark, copyright, or patent? In which jurisdiction did this white male backpacker register?

Nah, let's trot out the old tired meme again. Heck, it always works!

Admit it dude, you're thrilled by the publicity.

[whatthef*ck]

You're obviously no fool, and you know this is the best thing that's ever happened to your blog. Youtube videos that you posted a mere two months ago are showing less than 100 views, but your most recent one where you discuss this issue has 23,000 views. I understand why you're acting so glum -- it should sweeten the "pain and suffering" damages you'll eventually get -- but not all of us are fooled by the act.

I'm not saying I blame you a bit, just that I'm not buying the "woe is me" schtick.

Move on

[vikingpower]

Get a life, drama queen.