Take the 2-minute tour ×  This is based on that question, but
from a tone point of view.  Let's say I have a story taking
place in a near-future version of Boston, characters are meeting
for coffee.  I have no issue saying the story is in Boston.
However, having the characters "meet in Starbucks" sounds...
wrong.  Similarly, using real locations and landmarks often
seems weird, especially if it is in a place I know well (I live
in Boston).  What are the advantages and disadvantages of using
real world brands and places? When should it or should it not be
used?  (Again, I am not asking for copyright advice, as it was
well covered by the above question.)  share|improve this
question  1 Answer 1  up vote 3 down vote accepted  Specificity
can be helpful. Just as you can characterize the protagonist by
telling us that he shuffled into the courtroom in his flame-
colored flip flops, you can show the characters' preferences and
habits (and maybe their economic situation) through their
choices of brands, locations, an