@ the DMV

At the DMV in New York, while waiting for one's number to be called, one is bombarded with corporate messages designed to simplify transactions at the DMV and to announce concepts that would have some bearing or resonance among all of the various sorts of people who daily inhabit the place. For example, the NYSDMV alliance with Discover Cards is quite prominently featured -- everywhere. This alliance seems stronger than NATO. Yes, of course they take other cards...but Discover must have paid for such prominent placement. They also advertise cold remedies.

What's striking about this is that few other government agencies seem as overtly commercial. Sure there are credit card logos at all US Post Offices, but that's really it. Post Office advertise post office products, the NYSDMV sells media space for any product.

Why don't car companies advertise at the DMV? Insurance companies -- I'm sure that's coming...

The look, feel, and vibe of the place is very reminiscent of China and other developing world public forums that quickly become festooned with advertising-consumed media space in a desperate attempt to raise funds. But China, by comparison, shows restraint.

The Shanghai Driver's License Renewal Page: http://www.shanghai.gov.cn/shanghai/node8059/ServiceforCitizen/node8109/node8110/userobject22ai9227.html

The New York Driver's License Renewal Page: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm

Well, unfortunately that doesn't prove my point. Eh, I give up.