Getting Off The "Karmic Weenie"

OK. That's enough.

It's time to declare what's real, and what's not.

Marqui. Real.

Why? Says what it is.

Bzz Agent. Fake.

Why? Tries to be something it's not.

How hard is this?

Here's a simple rule of thumb:

If you fudge or lie on a blog, you are biting the karmic weenie.

OK. Any questions?

When does "viral marketing" become unacceptable.

Now!!

Enough of artificial authenticity, of staged social events, of phony influencing conversations.

We need to declare the end of "genetically engineered" viral marketing today.

Goddam it, if you like something, tell other people. If you're incented in any way to tell them about that thing, let them know that. Simple.

TrueTalk is the new rule set for "recommendation conversations."

Look. If we screw this up, if we make these conversations as full of shit as every other conversation intended to get people to buy things has ever been, then we deserve serious Old Testament wrath to befall us. We have a chance to tell people the truth here, and if we don't we're doing something much worse than missing a revenue opportunity. We're teaching our fellow inhabitants that nothing can possibly be trusted. Shame on all of you who encourage this.

Here's my wish: if you knowingly simulate interest in something for the sole purpose of gaining personal benefit (financial, social, sexual, whatever) may all of your children and children's children be destined to follow in your footsteps, and be nothing more than the cheap flacks that you yourself have become.

Add On: Found this post from Slacker Manager that really puts it well:

I understand Seth's post, but I'm a little bummed by the need for it.  I wish for more transparency and trust.  I wish we didn't have to tell people we're not being externally influenced by cash or swag.

Me, too.

Comments

[Bren]

Amen, brother!

[Tom Guarriello]

Yeah, this whole area really does have that "evangelical" feel to it, doesn't it?

Thanks for stopping by, Bren