Poor taste: "NOOK Honours Remembrance Week"

ShellShock · 11-02-2013, 06:02 AM

Just had this email from B&N (NOOK UK): "In honour of Rememberance [sic] Week, NOOK brings you the best new Military History books in tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present." The email links to a collection of war and armed services books on the Nook web site.

Does anyone else find this commercial exploitation of the sacrifice of many men and women in poor taste? There is no indication that B&N will be donating any of the profits of this promotion to the appropriate charities. Is this all that remembrance means to B&N? Another chance to flog some product? In what sense is this "honouring" Remembrance Week?

patrickt · 11-02-2013, 11:20 AM

No, it doesn't particularly bother me. I don't have a Nook but I occasionally buy books dealing with WWII and if they came out for Memorial Day I wouldn't be offended.

If you are, don't buy any of the books.

auntykatkat · 11-02-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShellShock

Just had this email from B&N (NOOK UK): "In honour of Rememberance [sic] Week, NOOK brings you the best new Military History books in tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present." The email links to a collection of war and armed services books on the Nook web site.

Does anyone else find this commercial exploitation of the sacrifice of many men and women in poor taste? There is no indication that B&N will be donating any of the profits of this promotion to the appropriate charities. Is this all that remembrance means to B&N? Another chance to flog some product? In what sense is this "honouring" Remembrance Week?

I also agree. There are to many people who have forgotten or think that parts of it never really happened. I do not think it is exploitation, I think it reminds us of those sacrifices that were made. We should NEVER forget.

Auntykatkat

JSWolf · 11-02-2013, 03:07 PM

I too don't feel it's in bad taste. We have to remember to bad with the good no matter how bad the bad was.

crich70 · 11-02-2013, 03:25 PM

I don't think it's in poor taste to remind people of the true cost of the freedoms we do enjoy. Whether or not B&N actually donate any of the proceeds of the book sales towards any charities would seem to be a matter of their own choice. In fact by not saying that a percentage will go to (name of charity) they are probably protecting themselves against charges that funds are being misused. I remember after 911 there were some fraudulent schemes where people claimed they were collecting funds for the widows and orphans of those who died and possibly B&N are covering themselves against possible charges that they are doing the same thing by not stating that they will donate a portion of the funds to charities.

theducks · 11-02-2013, 03:34 PM

This thread really belongs in Politics.

There are all sorts of reasons that apply to those who served their countries call.

We need to remember so we can appreciate the good reasons
and avoid making the bad reasons again.

Antoinekamel · 11-02-2013, 10:05 PM

Is it poor taste to offer condoms in the Women's day?

Ahn, ok, it is.

ShellShock · 11-03-2013, 04:36 AM

I suppose I object most to B&N's use of the word "honour". In this context it usually means buying a poppy and a minute's silence, not trying to make a self-interested profit. I have absolutely no objection to the books themselves, just to B&N's crass insensitivity.

Witty Username · 11-03-2013, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShellShock

Does anyone else find this commercial exploitation of the sacrifice of many men and women in poor taste?

No. This is a subject that often isn't taught in schools and many youngsters are unaware of the reality and horror of war. If promotions like this encourage people to read and learn about a subject that is so important in world history then I'm in favour of it.

TV news is all very well for a two minute item with helmet-cam footage reminiscent of video games, but as a lot of readers know, there is much more detail given and thoughts and feelings are described more vividly in print (IMHO).

Try watching this video and see how some of the students feel about their ignorance of such an important topic.

ShellShock · 11-03-2013, 07:24 AM

Again, I have no objection to the books themselves, or teaching children about the horrors of war, what I do object to is B&N claiming to be honouring the dead, when they are doing nothing of the sort...all they are doing is trying to sell more books. Remembrance Week is not just meant to be another business opportunity.

kikar · 11-03-2013, 08:21 AM

Here in America we have Memorial Day and Veteran's Day, during which sales are promoted. I once thought this was in bad taste. But as a vet who served time in a combat theater of operations and has to live with that fact everyday, I think that anything that helps people remember just how awful war really is and that it is not a video game or movie is fine. We live in a consumer's world and if a sale or promotion makes some young kid ask a parent "what is Memorial Day?" then maybe they might learn something. I was not alive during World War I or II but the men and women, both civilian and military, should never be forgotten. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be matched. Lessons need to be taught and in this day and age without these sales these holidays may just be another day marked in red on a calendar.
I respect your opinion ShellShock. Your reverence for the men, women and children who had to live through the horror of Britain under siege is admirable. Their bravery, courage and their will to win should never ever be forgotten. I know that it used to be Armistice Day and it honored the end of WWI and in America we changed it to Veteran's Day. I just wanted to bring up World War II because I feel that people should also remember war can affect civilians as well as soldiers whether it is by living through the bombing of their cities or seeing their loved one go off to war and having to do everything back home while living in fear of never seeing that loved on again or in some cases, like mine, they have to help on a daily basis long after the soldier has returned.
I am sorry for the long post. I tend to rant and ramble sometimes. Thank you ShellShock for your passion and reverence. I do like your idea of a portion of profits going to charities, as there are vets today that can't get the care they need for one reason or another and desperately need our help.

llcj · 11-03-2013, 08:54 AM

I've been sitting here (in Canada) trying to think of an instance when some sort of commercial promotion has been done in association with Remembrance Day and I just can't come up with one. Remembrance Day remains largely a solemn event untouched by consumerism, jingoism, or boosterism. This is something I greatly appreciate.

From what I understand, primary and secondary schools spend a fair bit of time addressing the subject of war during the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day with visit by veterans and preparations for various Remembrance Day activities.

HarryT · 11-03-2013, 09:01 AM

Is it really any different to the commercial exploitation of religious festivals such as Christmas and All Saints' Day? How many people who engaged in "Trick or Treating" last week considered that they were commercially exploiting All Saints' Day, so you think?

kikar · 11-03-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

Is it really any different to the commercial exploitation of religious festivals such as Christmas and All Saints' Day? How many people who engaged in "Trick or Treating" last week considered that they were commercially exploiting All Saints' Day, so you think?

Excellent point.

kikar · 11-03-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llcj

I've been sitting here (in Canada) trying to think of an instance when some sort of commercial promotion has been done in association with Remembrance Day and I just can't come up with one. Remembrance Day remains largely a solemn event untouched by consumerism, jingoism, or boosterism. This is something I greatly appreciate.

From what I understand, primary and secondary schools spend a fair bit of time addressing the subject of war during the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day with visit by veterans and preparations for various Remembrance Day activities.

All I can say is Wow.

11-02-2013, 06:02 AM	#1
ShellShock Wizard Posts: 1,178 Karma: 2431850 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: IPad Mini 2 Retina	Poor taste: "NOOK Honours Remembrance Week" Just had this email from B&N (NOOK UK): "In honour of Rememberance [sic] Week, NOOK brings you the best new Military History books in tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present." The email links to a collection of war and armed services books on the Nook web site. Does anyone else find this commercial exploitation of the sacrifice of many men and women in poor taste? There is no indication that B&N will be donating any of the profits of this promotion to the appropriate charities. Is this all that remembrance means to B&N? Another chance to flog some product? In what sense is this "honouring" Remembrance Week? Last edited by ShellShock; 11-02-2013 at 06:33 AM.

11-03-2013, 07:24 AM	#10
ShellShock Wizard Posts: 1,178 Karma: 2431850 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: IPad Mini 2 Retina	Again, I have no objection to the books themselves, or teaching children about the horrors of war, what I do object to is B&N claiming to be honouring the dead, when they are doing nothing of the sort...all they are doing is trying to sell more books. Remembrance Week is not just meant to be another business opportunity. Last edited by ShellShock; 11-03-2013 at 09:01 AM.

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11-02-2013, 11:20 AM	#2
patrickt Wizard Posts: 1,221 Karma: 8381518 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico Device: Paperwhite 4 X 2	No, it doesn't particularly bother me. I don't have a Nook but I occasionally buy books dealing with WWII and if they came out for Memorial Day I wouldn't be offended. If you are, don't buy any of the books.

11-02-2013, 03:07 PM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,103 Karma: 144284184 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I too don't feel it's in bad taste. We have to remember to bad with the good no matter how bad the bad was.

11-02-2013, 03:25 PM	#5
crich70 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,310 Karma: 43993832 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Monroe Wisconsin Device: K3, Kindle Paperwhite, Calibre, and Mobipocket for Pc (netbook)	I don't think it's in poor taste to remind people of the true cost of the freedoms we do enjoy. Whether or not B&N actually donate any of the proceeds of the book sales towards any charities would seem to be a matter of their own choice. In fact by not saying that a percentage will go to (name of charity) they are probably protecting themselves against charges that funds are being misused. I remember after 911 there were some fraudulent schemes where people claimed they were collecting funds for the widows and orphans of those who died and possibly B&N are covering themselves against possible charges that they are doing the same thing by not stating that they will donate a portion of the funds to charities.

11-02-2013, 03:34 PM	#6
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 30,898 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	This thread really belongs in Politics. There are all sorts of reasons that apply to those who served their countries call. We need to remember so we can appreciate the good reasons and avoid making the bad reasons again.

11-02-2013, 10:05 PM	#7
Antoinekamel Addict Posts: 278 Karma: 2511467 Join Date: Feb 2012 Device: ABC W p2	Is it poor taste to offer condoms in the Women's day? Ahn, ok, it is.

11-03-2013, 04:36 AM	#8
ShellShock Wizard Posts: 1,178 Karma: 2431850 Join Date: Sep 2008 Device: IPad Mini 2 Retina	I suppose I object most to B&N's use of the word "honour". In this context it usually means buying a poppy and a minute's silence, not trying to make a self-interested profit. I have absolutely no objection to the books themselves, just to B&N's crass insensitivity.

11-03-2013, 08:21 AM	#11
kikar Zealot Posts: 138 Karma: 258574 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Knoxville, TN Device: Too many eReaders, One annoyed wife.	Here in America we have Memorial Day and Veteran's Day, during which sales are promoted. I once thought this was in bad taste. But as a vet who served time in a combat theater of operations and has to live with that fact everyday, I think that anything that helps people remember just how awful war really is and that it is not a video game or movie is fine. We live in a consumer's world and if a sale or promotion makes some young kid ask a parent "what is Memorial Day?" then maybe they might learn something. I was not alive during World War I or II but the men and women, both civilian and military, should never be forgotten. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be matched. Lessons need to be taught and in this day and age without these sales these holidays may just be another day marked in red on a calendar. I respect your opinion ShellShock. Your reverence for the men, women and children who had to live through the horror of Britain under siege is admirable. Their bravery, courage and their will to win should never ever be forgotten. I know that it used to be Armistice Day and it honored the end of WWI and in America we changed it to Veteran's Day. I just wanted to bring up World War II because I feel that people should also remember war can affect civilians as well as soldiers whether it is by living through the bombing of their cities or seeing their loved one go off to war and having to do everything back home while living in fear of never seeing that loved on again or in some cases, like mine, they have to help on a daily basis long after the soldier has returned. I am sorry for the long post. I tend to rant and ramble sometimes. Thank you ShellShock for your passion and reverence. I do like your idea of a portion of profits going to charities, as there are vets today that can't get the care they need for one reason or another and desperately need our help.

11-03-2013, 08:54 AM	#12
llcj Addict Posts: 250 Karma: 883854 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Canada Device: kobo touch	I've been sitting here (in Canada) trying to think of an instance when some sort of commercial promotion has been done in association with Remembrance Day and I just can't come up with one. Remembrance Day remains largely a solemn event untouched by consumerism, jingoism, or boosterism. This is something I greatly appreciate. From what I understand, primary and secondary schools spend a fair bit of time addressing the subject of war during the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day with visit by veterans and preparations for various Remembrance Day activities.

11-03-2013, 09:01 AM	#13
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Is it really any different to the commercial exploitation of religious festivals such as Christmas and All Saints' Day? How many people who engaged in "Trick or Treating" last week considered that they were commercially exploiting All Saints' Day, so you think?

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