I am a fan of generic items in general and am almost always happy to try whatever brand looks good/costs less. But tonight a conversation about pickles got me thinking about my exceptions.
Claussens is the only pickle brand I buy (with the exception of a random big deli pickle.)
I only like Silk brand chocolate soy milk.
Most of my other brands are related to Alden. We buy California Baby, 7th Generation and gDiapers.
There may be a few others, but I can’t think of them. I’m curious to know what brands inspire loyalty in others.
And an unrelated question: What’s a good entry point to the Neil Gaiman cannon? I’m not a deeply experienced fantasy/sci fi reader. But I am curious.
jaysaint 
Posted by travellight on March 30, 2009 at 3:17 am
Heinz Ketchup. Hunt’s canned tomatoes. Crest toothpaste. Seasonale birth control pills.
When it comes to whipping cream, I only like the store brand, and I prefer it to be from Kroger. For some reason, the store brand always makes a better whipped cream.
I believe I’ll go take some of my other ridiculously expensive pills that don’t come in generic yet.
Posted by travellight on March 30, 2009 at 3:17 am
Heinz Ketchup. Hunt’s canned tomatoes. Crest toothpaste. Seasonale birth control pills.
When it comes to whipping cream, I only like the store brand, and I prefer it to be from Kroger. For some reason, the store brand always makes a better whipped cream.
I believe I’ll go take some of my other ridiculously expensive pills that don’t come in generic yet.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Interesting that you vary in your tomato product preferences.
Posted by travellight on April 5, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hunt’s ketchup is too sweet and runny. Heinz doesn’t make, as far as I know, canned tomatoes. I don’t mind Cento, but I can seldom find them.
I would rather not have ketchup than have to eat Del Monte, but I will eat Hunt’s, if I’m at somebody’s house and that’s what they have.
As for salad dressings, I generally make my own because I’ve finally just become too picky. And I make really good vinaigrette.
Posted by raving_liberal on March 30, 2009 at 3:18 am
American Gods is his best book. It’ll make the other stuff less impressive, but why start with anything but the best? Good Omens is also good and Anansi Boys is an enjoyable, delightful read.
Posted by raving_liberal on March 30, 2009 at 3:18 am
American Gods is his best book. It’ll make the other stuff less impressive, but why start with anything but the best? Good Omens is also good and Anansi Boys is an enjoyable, delightful read.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Thanks for the advice! I am a believer in going right for the cream.
Posted by travellight on April 5, 2009 at 2:00 pm
You are a woman after me own dear heart.
Posted by heathrow on March 30, 2009 at 3:19 am
I really like American Gods or Stardust. American Gods is much darker.
If you do graphics novels, what brought him to fame is the Sandman series. You cannot go wrong there. It’s just … amazing. 🙂
Posted by heathrow on March 30, 2009 at 3:19 am
I really like American Gods or Stardust. American Gods is much darker.
If you do graphics novels, what brought him to fame is the Sandman series. You cannot go wrong there. It’s just … amazing. 🙂
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I never have done graphic novels, but am open to them.
Posted by heathrow on April 6, 2009 at 3:14 am
They’re lovely and literary. Give them a try. 🙂
Posted by cinnabari on March 30, 2009 at 3:25 am
What Heathrow and ravingliberal said. American Gods is my favorite of his novels, closely followed by the Sandman series of graphic novels. His short stories are really excellent, too–Fragile Things and Smoke and Mirrors have some good stuff in ’em. But honestly… start with Coraline. It’s a kid’s book, but it’ll give you a good idea what the general flavor of his stuff.
Posted by cinnabari on March 30, 2009 at 3:25 am
What Heathrow and ravingliberal said. American Gods is my favorite of his novels, closely followed by the Sandman series of graphic novels. His short stories are really excellent, too–Fragile Things and Smoke and Mirrors have some good stuff in ’em. But honestly… start with Coraline. It’s a kid’s book, but it’ll give you a good idea what the general flavor of his stuff.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Great advice. I’m really interested in Coraline, and was sorry to miss the movie in theaters.
Posted by liddle_oldman on March 30, 2009 at 3:35 am
Many people say “Sandman”. I’m not so much with comic books. I say American Gods. Or Coraline is good too.
Posted by liddle_oldman on March 30, 2009 at 3:35 am
Many people say “Sandman”. I’m not so much with comic books. I say American Gods. Or Coraline is good too.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Thank you! Right now I’m leaning toward a two-fer of Coraline and American Gods, and then I will decide about the graphic novels.
Posted by liddle_oldman on April 6, 2009 at 1:06 am
You’re welcome!
And, of course, although I forgot to mention it, Good Omens is a must-read.
With Terry Pratchett, you have to start at the beginning, even though those books aren’t as good, and work your way forward. Gaiman’s books are independent, and can be read in any order. Frankly, now that I think of it, pick up any of them and start there. 😉
(ed) Last thought — I would advise against reading his short-story collection first. I’m not as fond of that as the novels.
Posted by willowkitty on March 30, 2009 at 4:30 am
his kiddo books are awesome. the wolves in the walls is darned pretty and pretty neat.
he has a livejournal account too. its usually amusing.
Posted by willowkitty on March 30, 2009 at 4:30 am
his kiddo books are awesome. the wolves in the walls is darned pretty and pretty neat.
he has a livejournal account too. its usually amusing.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:22 pm
The LJ account is actually what raised my interest. I stumbled across it and have been following for a few months. It’s odd to read is personal stuff without having read any of the books he talks about.
Posted by lemon_says on March 30, 2009 at 11:57 am
Angel Soft toilet paper, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, real Cheerios (I don’t eat them, but my kids and P insist on the real ones), All detergent.
I’m not wildly brand-loyal, and use a lot of Kroger or Publix brand things. Pop Tarts really need to be the real thing. Huggies wipes work best. Mostly I’ll buy what’s least expensive. And you’re right–Claussen pickles are the best.
Posted by lemon_says on March 30, 2009 at 11:57 am
Angel Soft toilet paper, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, real Cheerios (I don’t eat them, but my kids and P insist on the real ones), All detergent.
I’m not wildly brand-loyal, and use a lot of Kroger or Publix brand things. Pop Tarts really need to be the real thing. Huggies wipes work best. Mostly I’ll buy what’s least expensive. And you’re right–Claussen pickles are the best.
Posted by heathrow on March 30, 2009 at 1:03 pm
The Costco wipes are pretty awesome. They’re not too stinky and you don’t have to use a ton.
Posted by lemon_says on March 30, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Some of them (Publix, I’m looking at you) don’t do a damn thing but move poo around. They’re stiff and just don’t work.
Posted by heathrow on March 30, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Haaaaate Publix wipes. Hate.
Back when I was working full time, Amelia’s daycare used Costco wipes. We bought a box to see if we liked them, then converted because of the savings. (I know I could make my own out of flannel cloths and reclaimed unicorn spit, but I have to use that time to eat bon bons.)
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I don’t think I’ve ever tried generic Cheerios (or Oatie-os or whatever they call them.) I’m still mourning the loss of the Cheerios with the dried strawberries in them. I would eat cereal every day of my life if I could still find that in the stores.
I agree about the Pop Tarts.
Posted by travellight on April 5, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Pop Tarts do have to be the real ones. And for chocolate milk, you have to have Quik, because the store brand won’t dissolve right in the milk.
Posted by heathrow on March 30, 2009 at 1:03 pm
The Costco wipes are pretty awesome. They’re not too stinky and you don’t have to use a ton.
Posted by lemon_says on March 30, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Some of them (Publix, I’m looking at you) don’t do a damn thing but move poo around. They’re stiff and just don’t work.
Posted by heathrow on March 30, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Haaaaate Publix wipes. Hate.
Back when I was working full time, Amelia’s daycare used Costco wipes. We bought a box to see if we liked them, then converted because of the savings. (I know I could make my own out of flannel cloths and reclaimed unicorn spit, but I have to use that time to eat bon bons.)
Posted by electricrocket on March 30, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I only drink SocratesTM brand hemlock.
I enjoyed Gaiman’s Smoke and Mirrors collection of short stories. It’s like a sampler platter of Gaiman.
Good Omens is very funny. John Gregorio will back me up on that.
American Gods is pretty good, too.
Posted by electricrocket on March 30, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I only drink SocratesTM brand hemlock.
I enjoyed Gaiman’s Smoke and Mirrors collection of short stories. It’s like a sampler platter of Gaiman.
Good Omens is very funny. John Gregorio will back me up on that.
American Gods is pretty good, too.
Posted by elemess on March 30, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I just finished American Gods and enjoyed it, but if you want comedy, you can’t go wrong with Good Omens, which he wrote with Terry Pratchett. One of the funniest books I’ve read.
There are some things you just can’t go with the cheap stuff. TP, Pop Tarts, pickles (also Claussen or Schwartz, which is what Blimpie uses), ice cream. I do like the Publix brand instant oatmeal, it’s way better than Kroger’s.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I’ve never had a Schwartz pickle, but would be willing to try. What brand of ice cream do you buy? Or is it just any “good” brand?
Posted by elemess on April 5, 2009 at 1:23 am
I usually go with Breyers, mainly because it’s cheaper than Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s. I tried Publix Premium once, and it wasn’t too bad.
I can’t find Schwartz pickles anywhere but Blimpie. It ain’t right.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I will have to add Good Omens to the list. John loaned me many Terry Pratchett books over the years, so I’m likely to trust. And of course your book word is always good to me.
Posted by elemess on March 30, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I just finished American Gods and enjoyed it, but if you want comedy, you can’t go wrong with Good Omens, which he wrote with Terry Pratchett. One of the funniest books I’ve read.
There are some things you just can’t go with the cheap stuff. TP, Pop Tarts, pickles (also Claussen or Schwartz, which is what Blimpie uses), ice cream. I do like the Publix brand instant oatmeal, it’s way better than Kroger’s.
Posted by satogaeru on March 30, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Neverwhere is good Gaiman, as is Stardust. I loved Sandman best when I was an angsty twenty-something. Still like it lots, but would probably recommend one of his novels first to a grown-up. I had trouble getting into American Gods personally. Good Omens is a fantastic joint effort by Gaiman and Douglas Adams. Wouldn’t exactly call it canon, but who cares as long as it’s good?
I am loyal to Honda, which always makes the car I fit best in. I am loyal to Publix for my groceries and Tillamook for my cheese when available. I am loyal to Yahoo! for my news and Google for my search, but I don’t really know why. Maybe that’s more just habit. I am loyal to LJ for my … erm… social networking. Facebook doesn’t even come close. I never understood MySpace.
Loyalties that have died sad deaths: Apple (can’t afford), American Express (not what they used to be), Motorola (ahhhh the StarTac!).
Posted by satogaeru on March 30, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Neverwhere is good Gaiman, as is Stardust. I loved Sandman best when I was an angsty twenty-something. Still like it lots, but would probably recommend one of his novels first to a grown-up. I had trouble getting into American Gods personally. Good Omens is a fantastic joint effort by Gaiman and Douglas Adams. Wouldn’t exactly call it canon, but who cares as long as it’s good?
I am loyal to Honda, which always makes the car I fit best in. I am loyal to Publix for my groceries and Tillamook for my cheese when available. I am loyal to Yahoo! for my news and Google for my search, but I don’t really know why. Maybe that’s more just habit. I am loyal to LJ for my … erm… social networking. Facebook doesn’t even come close. I never understood MySpace.
Loyalties that have died sad deaths: Apple (can’t afford), American Express (not what they used to be), Motorola (ahhhh the StarTac!).
Posted by satogaeru on March 30, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Oh! And WaMu (sniff). RIP WaMu, you were the best.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Oh, first person to mention digital brand loyalty! Very interesting. The only blog reader I like is Bloglines, and I think LJ is a bajillion times better than Blogger.
I love love love Tillamook cheese.
Posted by satogaeru on March 30, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Oh! And WaMu (sniff). RIP WaMu, you were the best.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Interesting that you vary in your tomato product preferences.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Thanks for the advice! I am a believer in going right for the cream.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I never have done graphic novels, but am open to them.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Great advice. I’m really interested in Coraline, and was sorry to miss the movie in theaters.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Thank you! Right now I’m leaning toward a two-fer of Coraline and American Gods, and then I will decide about the graphic novels.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:22 pm
The LJ account is actually what raised my interest. I stumbled across it and have been following for a few months. It’s odd to read is personal stuff without having read any of the books he talks about.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I don’t think I’ve ever tried generic Cheerios (or Oatie-os or whatever they call them.) I’m still mourning the loss of the Cheerios with the dried strawberries in them. I would eat cereal every day of my life if I could still find that in the stores.
I agree about the Pop Tarts.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I will have to add Good Omens to the list. John loaned me many Terry Pratchett books over the years, so I’m likely to trust. And of course your book word is always good to me.
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I’ve never had a Schwartz pickle, but would be willing to try. What brand of ice cream do you buy? Or is it just any “good” brand?
Posted by jaysaint on April 4, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Oh, first person to mention digital brand loyalty! Very interesting. The only blog reader I like is Bloglines, and I think LJ is a bajillion times better than Blogger.
I love love love Tillamook cheese.
Posted by elemess on April 5, 2009 at 1:23 am
I usually go with Breyers, mainly because it’s cheaper than Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s. I tried Publix Premium once, and it wasn’t too bad.
I can’t find Schwartz pickles anywhere but Blimpie. It ain’t right.
Posted by travellight on April 5, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Pop Tarts do have to be the real ones. And for chocolate milk, you have to have Quik, because the store brand won’t dissolve right in the milk.
Posted by travellight on April 5, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Hunt’s ketchup is too sweet and runny. Heinz doesn’t make, as far as I know, canned tomatoes. I don’t mind Cento, but I can seldom find them.
I would rather not have ketchup than have to eat Del Monte, but I will eat Hunt’s, if I’m at somebody’s house and that’s what they have.
As for salad dressings, I generally make my own because I’ve finally just become too picky. And I make really good vinaigrette.
Posted by travellight on April 5, 2009 at 2:00 pm
You are a woman after me own dear heart.
Posted by liddle_oldman on April 6, 2009 at 1:06 am
You’re welcome!
And, of course, although I forgot to mention it, Good Omens is a must-read.
With Terry Pratchett, you have to start at the beginning, even though those books aren’t as good, and work your way forward. Gaiman’s books are independent, and can be read in any order. Frankly, now that I think of it, pick up any of them and start there. 😉
(ed) Last thought — I would advise against reading his short-story collection first. I’m not as fond of that as the novels.
Posted by heathrow on April 6, 2009 at 3:14 am
They’re lovely and literary. Give them a try. 🙂