Endorsements?

[KwinS]

I searched for this question on my phone, but it's difficult to narrow the search down, so I apologize if this has been done already.

My understanding of the use of the term "endorsement" is that the artist endorses the company or product. Not that a company endorses the artist.
I see, more often than not, people saying they are/were endorsed by brand x, y, or z.

Am I incorrect in my understanding of the process?
Thanks!

 

[Pacman]

You are absolutely correct.

 

[KwinS]

You are absolutely correct.

That's what I've always thought. Why do we hear it in reverse all too often?

 

[Sixpack324]

That's what I've always thought. Why do we hear it in reverse all too often?

Semantics

 

[dustinfennessey]

So if a company was paying you or giving you free gear should you technically say you are sponsored?

 

[KwinS]

So if a company was paying you or giving you free gear should you technically say you are sponsored?

I think if that's the case, then you would be sponsored to whatever degree is agreed upon for your endorsement of the company. Yes.

Edit: that is how I understand it. I'm not an expert here. That's why I'm asking, too.

 

[KwinS]

Semantics

Is it really that simple? Do you mean that the definition doesn't matter, to the point it means the same thing, either way?

 

[Sixpack324]

Is it really that simple? Do you mean that the definition doesn't matter, to the point it means the same thing, either way?

Yes.....I do believe it's that simple....

Technically, you are correct...

However...

In the real world.....the way the term is often used......It's usually used incorrectly.....

So when a musician says they've received an endorsement deal.....what they usually actually mean is that they are endorsing the company in question. What they're really trying to say is that they got free gear, which means that they're sponsored...

 

[KwinS]

But saying that you are endorsed is not the same as saying you have an endorsement deal. The latter is true. I'm curious in how the actual contracts involved are worded.

 

[lowfreq33]

But saying that you are endorsed is not the same as saying you have an endorsement deal. The latter is true. I'm curious in how the actual contracts involved are worded.

I don't have written contracts for any of my endorsements, but they way it works is I am endorsing the product.

 

[KwinS]

Cool. So yours are just kind of sealed with a handshake, then? Interesting.

 

[alembicguy]

So if your profile says endorsing a product would I be able to go to their website and see you listed as one of their artists or is it just your way of saying you like their gear?

 

[icecycle66]

Endorsement can go either way.

Endorsement: approval
Link Removed

Sponsor pays someone for something.
Sponsor: a person who vouches or is responsible for a person or thing.
Link Removed


I endorse Markbass, Shamray, and ESP. i own their equipment and approve of their products. They do not endorse me. They don't even know I exists.

I could be considered to sponsor Markbass, Shamray, and ESP. I vouche for their products and make pledges on their behalf (Buy a markbass, you'll love the way it sounds.)

Talkbass and its mods look at either the same way. if a company is providing you something that could possibly call your biases into question when discussing that company, then you can say anything you want as long as everyone one knows you are getting stuff from that company.

 

[OnederTone]

Endorsement can go either way.

Endorsement: approval
Link Removed

Sponsor pays someone for something.
Sponsor: a person who vouches or is responsible for a person or thing.
Link Removed


I endorse Markbass, Shamray, and ESP. i own their equipment and approve of their products. They do not endorse me. They don't even know I exists.

I could be considered to sponsor Markbass, Shamray, and ESP. I vouche for their products and make pledges on their behalf (Buy a markbass, you'll love the way it sounds.)

Talkbass and its mods look at either the same way. if a company is providing you something that could possibly call your biases into question when discussing that company, then you can say anything you want as long as everyone one knows you are getting stuff from that company.

Rule #9: Endorsed Artist / Remuneration Disclosure
If you are an artist who endorses a music-related company, or if you receive remuneration (financially or in-kind) as the result of a relationship you have with a company, please disclose this via the "Disclosures" field in your profile. The text should be plain and clear, with no disclaimers, hype etc. For example: "Endorsing Artist: Joe Doe Basses" or "Affiliated with JD Amps" or "Discounted Gear: JD Amps", etc.

Also, please preface any relevant gear reviews on product you're affiliated with, with a brief disclosure in the post itself.

The purpose of these disclosures is to provide those who read your posts with the full knowledge of your situation, when considering your opinions on gear. We recognize the fact that in some circumstances a minor discount or other "non-endorsing" remuneration may be too insignificant to consider for disclosure. We trust that as honest bass players you'll use your best judgment and moral guide to determine if your fellow members would benefit from the disclosure of this information. TalkBass reserves the right to require disclosure if the remuneration is deemed significant.

Please note : Abuse/Misuse of this field is prohibited. Do not use this field unless you have an actual established relationship with the companies you list. Other profile fields are available for you to list your favorite gear.​

 

[KwinS]

Endorsement can go either way.

Endorsement: approval
Link Removed

Sponsor pays someone for something.
Sponsor: a person who vouches or is responsible for a person or thing.
Link Removed

I endorse Markbass, Shamray, and ESP. i own their equipment and approve of their products. They do not endorse me. They don't even know I exists.

I could be considered to sponsor Markbass, Shamray, and ESP. I vouche for their products and make pledges on their behalf (Buy a markbass, you'll love the way it sounds.)

Talkbass and its mods look at either the same way. if a company is providing you something that could possibly call your biases into question when discussing that company, then you can say anything you want as long as everyone one knows you are getting stuff from that company.

This is nowhere near what I'm talking about.
You do not have an official, professional arrangement with any of those companies.
Thanks anyway.

 

[KwinS]

I don't have written contracts for any of my endorsements, but they way it works is I am endorsing the product.

Could you explain this a little more, please? If there's nothing written, how does the company, and/or the artist show proof of their professional relationship?

 

[Jon Moody]

Could you explain this a little more, please? If there's nothing written, how does the company, and/or the artist show proof of their professional relationship?

Show it to who exactly? Many of my endorsements have been verbal (or as verbal as email can be) with the Artist Rep, at which point it's not that hard. I would think that the AR have spreadsheets or some sort of table outlining who is in their "artist stable."

There were only two (Warwick and Seymour-Duncan) that had actual written contracts fully outlining what was required of me as an endorsing artist, and what they would do.

 

[bluewine]

Anybody can endorse anything.


At the end of s set I could say "wow this blue moon beer really taste great. Buy one I promise you'll love it.

Now unless blue moon beer is shipping me a case every week free of charge, I don't have anything.

 

[KwinS]

Show it to who exactly? Many of my endorsements have been verbal (or as verbal as email can be) with the Artist Rep, at which point it's not that hard. I would think that the AR have spreadsheets or some sort of table outlining who is in their "artist stable."

There were only two (Warwick and Seymour-Duncan) that had actual written contracts fully outlining what was required of me as an endorsing artist, and what they would do.

I would figure that there would be lists, as you say, for accounting and tax purposes. I believe an email agreement could be used for your tax purposes, but I don't know.
Why would Warwick keep records, and others not?
I'm just looking at this from several different angles. Exploring if it is something that I would like to pursue, other than for bragging rights on the Internet.
My question about the use of the word "endorsement" comes from what I understand to be proper wording, vs what I see used more commonly, especially on the web.

Edit: ...and do endorsements even effect your tax status in any way? I would think they would from the manufacturers' standpoint, but what about the artists'?

 

[alembicguy]

Are you asking if they have a actual relationship with a company or is it just their way of saying they like the product. Sometimes that line gets blurred around here.
Just because you like a companies product does not mean you are endorsed.