A Chink in the Taylor Swift Armor

Word has come out that merchandise released in conjunction with Taylor Swift’s single “ME!” has something quite notable that isn’t the colors or style.  Instead, it’s something that’s notable for the wrong reason.

Lo and behold, there is a typo on said shirts.

If you have read my weekly blog posts long enough, you know that this is something that I’m rather outspoken about.  Image is everything and you only get one chance to make a good first impression.  On the www.SpeakerBruceW.com website you’ll read that one of the talks that I offer is entitled (intentionally misspelled), “Wat iz Yer Grammer Saying About You’re Brannd?”  People that you’re appealing to can very easily be turned off by something like a typo and go to your competitor.

Will people stop buying Taylor Swift’s music and merchandise now?  I seriously doubt it.  However, here is where her PR people will make their money.  Some damage control is needed right away.

While fans will still flock to purchase concert tickets for Swift’s shows, it’s the embarrassment that warrants mention.

Should Taylor Swift herself be signing off on every single piece of merchandise that goes out bearing her name?  Well, conceptually, yes, probably.  But, does she need to be the one to sit and look at proofs of whatever is being printed?  Not when you’ve reached the level of stardom that she has.  That’s why you assemble a team.

But, this is where difficult decisions need to be made.  Whose responsibility was it to oversee production of those shirts?  Who missed the typo?  Is this a deal breaker and someone on the team needs to be replaced?

By now you might be thinking that I’m making a big deal out of an apostrophe being in the wrong place.  But think about how much has to be done to undo this.  Is there going to be a recall?  What about fans who are going to decide they want their money back or a corrected shirt?  Is the expense of redoing the shirts going to have to be incurred?  This is a multi-million-dollar operation (Taylor Swift Music, or whatever the legal business name is).  It is a big deal.

Now, if you’re an independent musician, think of your own operation.  How upset would you be if shirts that you ordered to sell at your live shows and on your website had a typo on them?  Think of the aggravation that comes with having to go back to the provider, who is going to tell you, “Sorry, you signed off on the proof.”

What about something like your website?  Are there mistakes on there, typographical or otherwise?  Could they lead to embarrassment?  Book a private, online video consultation with me and let’s take a look to make sure that what you’re putting out there is first class.

Oh, and notice in the sentence above that, unlike the Taylor Swift shirts, I had the apostrophe in the right place for the word you’re.  ((wink))

What should Taylor Swift do about the bad shirts?  Have you ever been bitten by a typo on something of yours?  Talk about this blog with others in our Facebook group.