Update: Underwriting Perversion

When I posted the commentary Underwriting Perversion, I promised to update OAF readers (all several of you) about any communications I received from Miller Brewing Company in relation to my inquiry about their corporate sponsorship of the Folsom Street Fair.

The following is the text of a message I received this morning in my email box:

Thank you for contacting Miller Brewing Company.

While Miller has supported the Folsom Street Fair for several years, we take exception to the poster the organizing committee developed this year. We understand some individuals may find the imagery offensive and we have asked the organizers to remove our logo from the poster effective immediately.

We regret that our failure to adhere to our own policy led to an inappropriate use of our trademark and apologize to anyone who was offended as a result, particularly members of the Christian community who have contacted us to express their concern.

We are conducting an immediate audit of our procedures for approving local marketing and sales sponsorships to ensure that this does not happen again.

It is important to understand that the Folsom Street Fair does not target the general public in its communications. The fair itself and the organization’s website are only intended for the adult alternative lifestyle community.

Sincerely, Miller Brewing Company Consumer Affairs Department

While I am thankful for to Miller for their reply and their promise to audit / review their procedures for approving local marketing and sales sponsorship, it appears that they are still fixated on their logo being on the offensive poster. My request was that the company not sponsor the event in the future; I will wait to see if Miller is a sponsor next year.

Also, I have to take issue with the assertion that the Folsom Street Fair and its website are only intended for the adult community. With due respect, anyone - anyone - can access the website without any screening for age (even Miller asks people to say they are 21 y.o. before entering their own website). Further, links to sponsors of the fair provide access to graphic nudity without any type of age screening. To imply that this is a "closed" venue is incorrect.

To reiterate, there is no attempt to request government intervention or censorship here; rather, it is merely a request that a responsible company not sponsor, and therefore promote, such filth.