US corporate pushers

[Cunt]

Advertising does not exist for the benefit of consumers. It is not a dispassionate statement saying "this product has these features, as shown by independent testing; perhaps it might suit your needs"

Advertising is an emotional con game, deliberately designed to manipulate people. As offensive as I regard it for "ordinary" consumer products, it's use for dangerous medications represents the evils of capitalism in the most stark form possible.

It's a great example of disgusting sales techniques, being as sharp as it is.

I like to consider investments with a similarly 'sharp' example. When considering a business investment opportunity, I think about whether I would invest if it were a whorehouse.

So far, the answer has been no, by the way.

Selling drugs has to happen, in a capitalist world. I'm disgusted, but recognizing the necessity, and also recognizing that I can't think of a 'good way' to do it, I try to keep a step or two back.

Lying IS a game piece they use though, so if caught, the game should be played out. Now, how can we jail or execute a corporate 'person'?

[Sean Hayden]

I called At&t support and was blown away by how fast I was helped. The information turned out to be worthless, and a complete waste of time. But something about getting answers fast felt good. Or maybe it's just the oxycontin finally kicking in. Whatever, in a world where useful answers are rare, and solutions even rarer, feeling good is paramount.

Oxycontin, feeling good through it all.

[Rum]

I think everybody here is on one drug or another.

[Svartalf]

I'm on like 6 of them, 5 on a quasi permanent basis

[JimC]

I suppose gin counts as one...

[JimC]

I disagree. You're not taking into account the difference between ordinary products, vanity products, and medications. I think the difference, namely that one serves a useful and sometimes essential purpose, ought to alter your perception of what advertising of such a product means versus advertising say cigarettes to use your example.

I've given at least two possible benefits for advertising one that don't apply to the other.

I agree that intentionally misleading consumers about the dangers of any medication needs to be addressed.

Being given useful, objective knowledge about a new product is what the advertising industry's spin would have you believe.

The reality is a clever and well-researched attempt at emotional manipulation, with zero regard for either truth or harmful consequences.

After all, all the shareholders of both the advertisers and the product company care about is their bottom line...

[Woodbutcher]

I think everybody here is on one drug or another.

Coffee, baby aspirin, and auro-rosuvastatin.

[Scot Dutchy]

Drug advertisements? Never see them. What are they like?

[Sean Hayden]

They're amazing.

[Scot Dutchy]

Really. I dont miss them. I just cant imagine them.

[Sean Hayden]

I disagree. You're not taking into account the difference between ordinary products, vanity products, and medications. I think the difference, namely that one serves a useful and sometimes essential purpose, ought to alter your perception of what advertising of such a product means versus advertising say cigarettes to use your example.

I've given at least two possible benefits for advertising one that don't apply to the other.

I agree that intentionally misleading consumers about the dangers of any medication needs to be addressed.

Being given useful, objective knowledge about a new product is what the advertising industry's spin would have you believe.

The reality is a clever and well-researched attempt at emotional manipulation, with zero regard for either truth or harmful consequences.

After all, all the shareholders of both the advertisers and the product company care about is their bottom line...

That's just cynicism.

[Scot Dutchy]

But probably damn well near the truth though.

[Sean Hayden]

Really. I dont miss them. I just cant imagine them.

Google them, but be careful, you may end up handing over cash for the latest bp pills in an effort to look cool, just like the people in the ad who also happen to be alive thanks to theirs.

[Scot Dutchy]

I never buy pills full stop. After my stroke I take my daily pill for my blood platelets but I would never pay for them. It is generic anyway.

[pErvinalia]

Uniquely American thing, by the looks of it. You guys have grown up with these ads, so I suppose it seems a normal thing for you. The rest of us just scratch our heads like we do with so many Merkin things.