Q:

Identifying a short story about advertising

I remember reading a short story at least twenty years ago about a man who spends a lot of money to rent a hovel because there is no advertising in it.  During any normal day everything advertises to him, but in this room he can find some peace.  I think he risks a death sentence, though...

A:

It's Ray Russell. Published in Playboy (next to an ad, I imagine) in 1961 under the title "The Room". Just read it today. Short, sweet and freaky - subliminal sleep advertising, auto-on television, in-mirror ads, ads on towels and sheets, even money...
Don't wanna spoil it for you - so SPOILER!

 He doesn't risk a death sentence... BUT, he gets 1984ed, because the room without ads is just a front for "rehabilitation".

A:

I t was "The Room"  I could vaguely remember the story up to where he rented the room, but then I couldn't remember the rest.  Now I know that's because there was no rest.
Some time ago my wife complained about advertising and I told her we still had it pretty good, and mentioned the story I had once read.  I said I'd try to find it.  
Thanks Gabe Willard, and all the others who posted.

A:

Could it be 1984?  The main characters rent a flat without a screen (and hence no Big Brother watching).  Not advertising, but they do get up to stuff 'deserving' of the death sentence.

