Hollywood's Calling

Brooks Barnes is speaking my language in today's Wall Street Journal. He's got an article talking about how Hollywood is turning to blogs for some positive spin on their new shows. They're offering Payola in exchange for good reviews. Dig this.

Trying to tap into the burgeoning power of blogs as promotional tools and fed up with the jaded attitudes of professional critics and TV feature writers, studios and networks are flooding bloggers with free stuff in hopes the flattered recipients will reward them with positive coverage. Flowing into the trough is everything from fancy gym bags and toasters to video iPods and free trips. Some networks -- in the spotlight this week as they unveil their fall schedules to advertisers -- have even borrowed a term from the technology industry to describe the strategy: blogola.

Can I be bought? You bet, baby. I've got two words for all you Hollywood Producers out there: sunflower seeds.