Strange Strategies

Writers, singers, artists, publishers, politicians all use specific strategies to attract notice. For instance, it's likely more folks will click on a link with a naked man as the draw than if I posted a picture of a sweet kitten. Sad, but true.

During my recent sabbatical from writing, I've watched quite a bit of television (via Netflix)--murder mysteries and that sort of thing. One particular plot that seems to be very popular is the writer, singer, artist who pretends to die (or is murdered) so his or her works are more valuable.

The first time I watched this plot unfold, I thought it was mildly amusing. The second time...not so much. Now I'm wondering if I should take precautions against the hunk knocking me off to make my books more attractive.

One particular story was quite interesting. The artist faked his death. His paintings sold for a fortune. His cohort strategically arranged to 'find' more 'lost' paintings while the artist frantically painted away in his hideout. When the artist grew tired of hiding and refused to stay 'dead', the cohort killed him.

I wonder...

Do people really buy artworks or albums or books just because the producer of those works has died? In reality, would such a scheme work? And in the case of real death (as opposed to a faked death), who gets the money? How long would the bump in profits last?

Why wouldn't the retirement of the individual work just as well? After all, the cessation of output is the draw, isn't it? Or is it? Could it be the notoriety of the death that compels people to buy?

What does that say about us?

anny