In my recent post, titled Naked Ladies, I asked opinions on the use of Playboy center folds as the main graphic on Burton’s new Love snowboards. Apparently, these not-quite-naked ladies (and Burton’s Primo board graphics) have become quite a controversy among people who find these things controversial.

“According to a report by the Burlington Free Press, Smuggler’s Notch report (sic) and Vail Resorts have prohibited employees from using Burton’s Love and Primo snowboards, which feature vintage Playboy centerfolds and “cartoonish graphics of self-mutilation.” Vail Reorts, which owns Vail, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado and California’s Heavenly Mountain Resport, revised its employee policy after concerns were raised about the controversial artwork,” SportsOneSource Media wrote on 10/28/08.

I searched the Burlington Free Press archives and there have been a number of articles (including one about 100+ protesters waving signs and marching down Industrial Parkway to Burton HQ) and letters to the editor on this topic.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t read them all (here’s one) because the Free Press archives ain’t free. You’ll need to pay if you want to see the archived articles. To check it out, hit up this link. Transworld Business also reported on the hate mail rolling into the mail box at Jake’s office.

Burton’s Love and Primo boards, are limited production pieces and sold only at core shops. The boards were first shown to retailers at SIA waaaaay back in February.

I wonder how many of these boards are actually being made? It all seems like much ado about nothing – but mucho free press (and some added ”outlaw” cred) for Burton.  I mean if ‘big brother’ resorts are prohibiting the boards and mom’s are making signs and marching in protest against Burton, isn’t that the sweetest sweet spot for positioning your brand among young, male snowboarders? 

I wonder what the women on Burton’s team or other pro female boarders like (Tara Dakides, Gretchen Bleiler and Jamie Little) think of all this?

Part 2 in a 4 Part Series: Part 1 – Naked Ladies: Part 2 – Much Ado about Nothing: Part 3 – More Ado about Nothing: Part 4 – Nothing. Does it End?