by John Jarzab
Hard to believe an entity would not be honored to have their name used as a slang to describe an activity of a non-profit organization of autistic chirdren who are buildig a minature golf course for paralyzed, wheelchair-bound golfers. In the future, we should all be aware of the different names for "Faux Golf" and this individual, when playing "Faux Golf" in the future, will spend his "real money" only at a "miniature golf" facility.

by Reid Whitaker
A friend of mine played on the putt putt tour for money which was televised on Saturdays. He gave my son who was 12 at the time lessons on putting. For years, my son and I would go out hunting for a different putt putt course, and would play 72 holes. It does take skill, and there are no windmills or obstacles in the way. And it is very abdicting. And it also bothers me when people refer to goofy golf as putt putt when it is not.

by Mikem
A press officer's night mare - an executive who wants to keep their brand name OUT of the media! Exactly the kind of po-faced, proprietorial attitude that harms not helps the product - witness the response already from your readers. Perhaps her boss will help her wipe the egg off her face.

by Mary Smith
These children are not autistic kids; they are children with autism. The disibility is not the child. The child has the disability, as in a child with Down Syndrome or a child with cerebral palsy.

by Kiel Christianson
I understand the importance of words, and can see the value in avoiding labels. Still, I'm not convinced that "autistic" is a negative adjective. Should tall kids be called "children with height?" Does the ban on adjectival use serve to point out the negative aspect? Hmmm...
As I say, I'm not convinced that the adjectival use is pejorative; I certainly didn't mean it in that way. Still, I will consider my words (and your input) more carefully in the future.

by Margaret Mantooth
I would be thrilled to have you give
me some free advertising for my son's
golf course...I hope she is a little
less sensitive with the kids..
Margaret

by Kent
Great tongue in check response. I'm sure the kids will understand that you didn't mean to insult them with the Putt-Putt comparison

by Al Noblin
I would think that Ms. Johnson would be pleased that you used their trademark in your article. It is every product's goal to be so recognized that its name is used in the generic. Putt Putt is one of those that is nearly there, but not quite. I think she should have been more appreciative of your subject than worried about the (minor) abuse of their trademark, especially considering the people content of your article. Her reaction shows the ever more mercenary attitude of the corporate sector.

by Rhonda Sawtelle
I understand protecting trademark laws, but the blog wasn't making money off of the name...it was a "generic term" used to discribe a game/place. Too many people are quick to point out the "mistakes" made, but what about the bigger picture? Wasn't the entire blog about a great opportunity to help children with disablities have a place where they can have some fun? Yes, a "trademarked" word was used....but did it cause any harm? No, their "rights" were not denied them at all. It's interesting that the "Putt-Putt" officials didn't offer to contribute to the organization. Maybe they need to re-think their efforts in protecting their trademark.

by James Rydzel
You may have thought your followup article was bright repartee, but you missed the mark--trademark. Kleenex, aspirin, thermos, even xerox were at one time valuable trade names whose value was lost or risked because not policed properly. PuttPutt was simply and properly (and very politely) protecting its valuable property--your smart comments were the ones that were off, not theirs.

by Golf Goddess
Who says their value was lost? Their name recognition tests off the charts. Isn't that the goal of branding?

by John Blankenship
Thank you James, at least I found one comment I could agree with. Has anyone considered that perhaps Putt-Putt does not wish to take credit for something it did not do? And since when is protecting a trademark "liberal political correctness"? I call it conservative capitalism (which is a good thing).
I grew up playing at a local Putt-Putt course. Some would call it boring, but it is a skill based version of miniature golf that should be distinguished from all other brands. I kept going back to improve my score..not to see if I could time a windmill or hit it in a clown's mouth.

by Golf Goddess
I can't help but notice that Putt Putt didn't offer to contribute to this most worthwhile project in any way. Shame on them.

by Patrick Scheidt
What Putt Putt should be doing is helping to build the course for those kids. It's typical politically correct, liberal moranic America at its finest!

by Golf Goddess
Melanie Johnson is nuts. Who in their right mind would OBJECT to free publicity? Not Kleenix. Not Xerox. Not Band-aid.
Hello, CEO of Putt Putt LTD, can you hear me? You need to hire a new marketing manager asap. Don't take my word for it, just ask your ad agency.