here today, gone tomorrow: san pellegrino *almost* made me famous Tweet

there for a while, originally uploaded by gorgeoux.

Via their agency, Besanopoli, San Pellegrino asked to display my photo next to a lifestyle article on the San Pellegrino website. I was not told what the story would be or that there would be a collection of photos to illustrate it. I was asked how they should the credit the photo, and used the opportunity to correct the wrong spelling of my surname.

Today the article got published, and it's about saffron. There's no saffron in the dish I photographed, the photo's tags and description, but it is a dessert made by London restaurant Zafferano (which means... saffron). And my surname is still spelled the wrong way (as some brides-to-be also managed last year, because it doesn't matter, does it, accuracy?) even though I suggested they use 'gorgeoux' for simplicity. Oh, well, what now?

I wrote to suggest they remove this photo from their collection, perhaps replacing it with more appropriate photos in my stream, like all those crocuses tagged with saffron, but I'm not sure I'll be hearing back soon. Their last email said something about being back from holiday on August 31st, but question is, when did they leave? Lost in translation, I guess :)

Beyond the sadness of seeing online PR do a rushed, if not poor job, right after it excited me with the right approach and seeming smartness, I can't stop smiling at the many ironies and missed understandings involved in this tiny storm. Above all, how vain was I to think my photo will be THE photo in some article! My photo is precisely the WRONG photo in an article, of many that are not central, and I had to spot and tout that myself. Ha!

P.S. Their website uses some old school Flash, so sorry, I can't link to the story itself. You'll find it on the front page today (August 3rd 2009) and for at least one month longer, I guess, but probably not with my photo in, so hurry, have a laugh at my #lameclaimtofame :)