Horror story printed on toilet paper

You think I’m joking? I’m not! In Japan, Hayashi Paper is printing a horror story on toilet paper, and selling it for about $2.10/roll. Each roll contains several copies of a new nine-chapter novella written by Koji Suzuki, the Japanese author of the horror story “Ring” (which was made into a movie). A chapter can be read in a few minutes.

This is (at least to me) an interesting and innovative way of promoting story. I can see it potentially reaching a greater mass of people, and having them be entertained–especially when they have some, well, constipation problems. But what about those who want to read the entire novella, or read it at another time? What about re-reading it? I hope the novella is available in book form as well, for those who enjoy the story.

Part of me wants to laugh, part of me is intrigued, and part of me thinks that any way we can reach others with story is a good thing.

What do you think?

Would you buy a novella by an author you really liked, in a genre you liked, if it was on toilet paper? I have to admit–I might–but for the curiosity factor, or possibly the collector mentality. I don’t think I’d be able to use it. I’d just want to read it! (grinning)

June 23rd, 2009