That great lede is by Clark G. Vanderpool in a post headlined CAUTION — Self - Publishing Is Too Easy and referenced by Joel Friedlander in his weekly collection of strong stuff for you self - publishing enthusiasts.
As a writer, I think The Economist nails it with this example of the damage product placement has done and can do to great stories (you need a subscription to read the whole thing, but you'll be able to see the lede and get my point I think).