Here's the reply I recieved:
Dear Joey,
thank you very much for your email.
you are of course right - the article was entirely meant to plug the book -
as it stimulated you enough to write i hope it's worked and you've ordered a
copy!!
As you probably expect, we are at odds. I am in favour of the stimulating
effect of competition and the capitalist model. But I am not blind to their
defects, and your case is a powerful one. Your case and mine, of course, are
not mutually exclusive. Both routes of middle class abdication - the overly
enthusiastic embrace of brand and commercialised lifestyle and the decline
of moral strictures can coexist - indeed, can feed one another. as you say,
counter-cultural logos are still logos - and logos of resentment of
'establishment' and order are powerful brands, and rebellion is an
attractive model.
thanks again - it was very interesting to read your thoughts and very
flattering that you took the time to write. if you do get a copy of the
book, I'd be very interested to hear your opinions on it - and the
criticisms are always more stimulating than the praise!
With best wishes,
Alex