The Usage Of Brands in Narrations
Stephen King once told me (well, not me personally:)) that using brands or companies like Coca-Cola or IBM or Lufthansa in narrations creates a -let's say- familiar atmosphere for the reader. She or He is more eager to accept the story as "real" if things of their daily lifes appear.
I think he is right, but what are your opinions? (we are not talking abiout surreptitious advertising!)
Nothing wrong with local or dated if that's what you want
I think Euryleia and I agree, except that I think there's a time and a place for everything.
Douglas Adams happily included digital watches and Sony Walkmen in his books, which he well knew would date them. Didn't matter because it got a laugh, and he wasn't writing for the ages.
He also included conkers, which nobody outside the British Isles will understand. I forgave him anyway.