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[Joanne Ott Contribution Level: 2]

Great article by Mike today.

I never liked company bashing either. It seems very unprofessional and uneccessary. I would rather discuss the merits of my particular product and company on its own and not compare it to any other.

Mike also mentioned advertising that puts other companies down shows a lack mentality. I had not considered this angle before but it does make sense. We should be promoting our own companies and products on their own merits and not compare them to others. We aren't going to run out of people to market to!

Hopefully this advertising trend will not continue for too long, although we are seeing it a lot which tells me it probably is working to a certain extent right now. I don't like negative advertising but some people apparently do.

Joanne

[Eric Wade Contribution Level: 2]

You know, it is facinating that just 20 years ago the thought of openly bashing another company to try to make their own appear better was a complete taboo in marketing. In politics, it is appropriately known as "mud-slinging" and still frowned upon. Whatever happened to the good ole days of comparing our product to "Company B" as opposed to coming out and naming them?

Here's my philosophy: As a practicing Christian, I read in my Bible that the Lord said for us "to be in the world, but not of it." This clearly means to me in this case that just because someone else is doing it... does NOT make it right or acceptable.

My policy, if I have a choice is simple: Any company that I see "slinging mud" at a competitor will NOT get my business because of it. I have standards. I have ethics. And I definitely have morals.

I believe the "advertising trend" will continue unless the MAJORITY of consumers take on my policy!
The way to motivate a company without ethics is to hit them in the pocketbook. When their "bottom line" drops out, they change their tactics or go bankrupt.

Another trend that annoys the paint off of me that goes along with mud-slinging is instead of trying to out-perform the competition in quality... they take a "Microsoft" approach and leverage them out in court.

[David W Johnson Contribution Level: 1]

Bashing is a useful tactic because it bears out the negative qualities of someone else while at the same time deflecting any retrospective on yourself. A perfect example is the presidential debates.

Probably the most difficult, is extolling the benefits of your opportunity and you without appearing self-serving. It's much easier in today's society to bash someone instead of taking the high road.

[Eric Wade Contribution Level: 2]

I'm gonna make a bumper-snicker... err .. sticker:


10,000 Lemmings can't be wrong!

I have standards, ethics, and morals. I cannot control what others do, but I sure can determine what I am going to do that allows me to have a clear conscience.

[Carla McClish Contribution Level: 1]

If people have to bash others (other businesses) to make themselves (their businesses)
look better it doesn't say much for them OR their business. No one should have to lower themselves to bashing if they are with a reputable business/company.

Do Unto Others... - The Golden Rule - If everyone lived by it there would be peace.

Just had to get my .02 in.


Here's to Positive Advertising!

Carla McClish

[Eric Wade Contribution Level: 2]

Amen, Carla.

[John Murphy Contribution Level: 4]

I am not much for throwing mud. But I will admit I LOVE to read and watch other do it.

:P