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Religious Imagery in a Secular Product???

by write-stuff
15 replies
I'm getting close to the release of a new product called "The Squidoo Bible". Now I'm not so concerned about the name since the word bible is used in this context frequently.

I am considering using a photograph of a smiling priest in a long black robe for the cover shot. There won't be any religious symbols, but the guy is clearly a priest.

Would any of you find something like that offensive or objectionable?

- Russ
#imagery #product #religious #secular
  • Profile picture of the author JeffH
    I don't think there's any problem with the word bible because it's used all over the place and is usually for something that is a source of a lot of information.

    However, I think a priest would be considered a religious symbol and I personally would find the use of it a little offensive.

    Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author BrainDance
    how about using something a bit more generically religious, like a church pew as the background of the book with the squiddoo bible in the foreground, or have the bible site on a podium. I don't find a priest offensive, but to avoid any problems, I'd say go generically religious. The use of fonts will also help the bible theme.
    Or you could make the entire cover bible-like by using a leather background , add a tassel/bookmark, do the text in readable old english in gold.
    you can then bring the leather look to the site background.
    hope all goes well!
    Linda
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  • Profile picture of the author valerieSONORA
    If someone gets offended by an image of a priest, they are way too hyper sensitive, must have a very hard time dealing with life as there must be at least several offensive things they come across each day if they DON'T get on the internet, would probably faint at all the possibly offensive stuff on the internet, and should be in therapy for being severely emotionally disturbed. JMHO
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    • Profile picture of the author JeffH
      I don't get offended easily and I would not be offended by an image of a priest, but I don't think it's cool using religion to sell an unrelated product. If the product is something like lessons for Sunday School Teachers...no problem. To many people religion is serious and real, and using it to sell stuff would be distasteful to them.

      I would keep the name but steer away from a connection with religion. For the image maybe try to focus on how much valuable information is inside. (e.g. a very thick bible, well-worn, and with sticky tags to bookmark pages)

      Jeff
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    It's not a question of whether or not it's offensive, it's a question of whether or not it conveys what your book is about. Look at similar titles and see if theuse any such imagery. That would be a big clue.

    If you have anything religious, a priest IS religious, then people may think your angle does have something to do with religion. Such as a Christian approach to business.

    However, you mention this is not the case. My suggestion? A black cover with "The Suidoo Bible" in a nice font.

    @HarveyJ. Yeah, that's offensive and you know it.

    All the best,
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author kabbalah
    I'm Jewish so it wouldn't offend me.
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    • Profile picture of the author write-stuff
      Thanks everyone. Good insights to ponder. Hey, kabbalah, if I used a picture of a grinning rabbi would you find that objectionable?

      I'm trying to make this an entertaining spoof, not an insult to people. Ted Nugent pulled off the priest thing on an album cover back in the early 90s, but his market was much more likely to be an irreverant crowd. Hebrew National hot dogs used to do a series of TV commercials about their product having to answer to a "higher power".

      - Russ

      Originally Posted by kabbalah View Post

      I'm Jewish so it wouldn't offend me.
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
        Originally Posted by write-stuff View Post

        Thanks everyone. Good insights to ponder. Hey, kabbalah, if I used a picture of a grinning rabbi would you find that objectionable?

        I'm trying to make this an entertaining spoof, not an insult to people. Ted Nugent pulled off the priest thing on an album cover back in the early 90s, but his market was much more likely to be an irreverant crowd. Hebrew National hot dogs used to do a series of TV commercials about their product having to answer to a "higher power".

        - Russ
        Hi Russ,

        Some people would consider making it an "entertaining spoof" as objectionable. Why not focus on the content, instead of poking fun at religion (or making it an "entertaining spoof" as you say it)?

        I don't know if it will kill sales or not, but again think of other covers that use "The ________ Bible" and see what images they use. Also, look at the cover of Bibles themselves and see what they look like. I think you will find your best answer in studying those kinds of covers.

        All the best,
        Michael Oksa
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas
    Call it, "The Squidoo Koran" and put a picture of an Imam on it... or, "The Squidoo Torah" with a Rabbi.
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  • Profile picture of the author write-stuff
    And another question comes to mind. Would Jewish or Muslum people NOT buy a product because it is has the word "Bible" in its name?
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Brock
      With referance to your original question, have you considered 'adapting' the Squidoo squid by putting the Pope's hat or a Bishop's mitre on it?

      That might be effective - not sure if it would offend though? As someone that isn't offended by much I can't really comment on that.

      Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Carl Kelly
    As a Bible-based Christian, I wouldn't be "offended" as such, but I certainly wouldn't purchase it if I knew that image was on the cover.

    Additionally, if I were selling a product I'd personally avoid using the image of a priest for any reason, considering all recent reports of appalling bad behavior regarding catholic priests -- I wouldn't want to be associated with that even in a passing fashion.
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  • Profile picture of the author write-stuff
    Ok, enough of the priest idea. Would this one be any less controversial?

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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      Would the use of the Squidoo trademark be an issue?
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      • Profile picture of the author write-stuff
        No, although they reserve their right to change the policy. For now they don't mind if products use the logo as long as it's clear that the product is neither endorsed by nor affiliated with Squidoo LLC. I cover that on page 2 of the ebook.

        Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert View Post

        Would the use of the Squidoo trademark be an issue?
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