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The Shock Doctrine

Reviews of The Shock Doctrine | Naomi Klein: "Naomi Klein's new book, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, tells the history of how the American version of 'free market' capitalism has spread in moments of crisis and catastrophe, when societies are too traumatized and disoriented to challenge the introduction of radical economic policies that go against their own interests."



Formula for Deceiving Mothers Online

The Formula for Deceiving Mothers Online | Center for Media and Democracy: "Source: Mothering Magazine, September/October 2007

Peggy O'Mara, the editor of Mothering Magazine, reports that 'in addition to the inaccurate information on breastfeeding' by the media, the 'marketing practices of the formula companies continue to undermine breastfeeding.' She notes the existence of several 'stealth' websites 'that appear to be grassroots advocacy sites, but are actually mouthpieces for the formula industry.' One of the websites, MomsFeedingFreedom.com, is campaigning against proposed restrictions on the free bags of infant formula being given to new parents by hospitals. The website, which was registered by the web-based marketing company ENilsson LLC, is funded by the International Formula Council and run by Kate Kahn. 'A sister site, Babyfeedingchoice.org, is licensed to Kellen Communications, a public relations firm whose clients include the International Formula Council,' O'Mara writes. BantheBags, which supports a ban on free samples, argues that the 'sites use classic formula company strategies, paying lip service to benefits of breastfeeding even as they promote formula.'

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(Via PR WATCH.)

Tuesday

Upselling you - Cheat Sheet Leaked

LEAKS: Enterprise Store's Insurance Upsell Cheat Sheet - Consumerist: "At least one Enterprise rental place has a cheat sheet for manipulating buyers into buying what is sometimes unnecessary car insurance. Here's a transcript of the document one of our readers snagged from an Enterprise in Fort Lee, NJ .

I. Initial Sales Pitches
A. 'I assume you want us to protect you bumper to bumper on the car, right?' (assumption makes the customer feel like everyone takes it)
B. 'You've rented from us before?' (if yes) 'Then, I'm sure you took our coverage last time, right?' (customer will feel silly for having not taken it)
C. 'How long do you need the car?' -three days- 'Three days? That's only $60 and protects you the full value of the car!' '...it's only $19.99/day and protects you of the full value of the car!!!' (make sure the customer feels your excitement)"



(Via Consumerist.)

Recruiting smell for the hard sell

Recruiting smell for the hard sell - New Scientist: "THE AIR in Samsung's flagship electronics store on the upper west side of Manhattan smells like honeydew melon. It is barely perceptible but, together with the soft, constantly morphing light scheme, the scent gives the store a blissfully relaxed, tropical feel. The fragrance I'm sniffing is the company's signature scent and is being pumped out from hidden devices in the ceiling. Consumers roam the showroom unaware that they are being seduced not just via their eyes and ears but also by their noses.

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(Via Mind Hacks.)