February 12, 2008
Propaganda - February 12, 2008
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Propaganda
A word that we hear thrown around a lot, especially during this time of political elections here in the states, is propaganda. The word itself originated back in the 1600’s. It was first used in a religious connotation when the Pope set forth his plans to ‘propagate’ the catholic religion in protestant countries. At that time it did not carry with it a negative overtone.
Over the years, however, it has become defined in a more negative way. A means to influence people emotionally with the delivering of ’select’ facts. It can be well defined as…
“..the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.”
– Garth S. Jowett and Victoria O’Donnell
No, I have no desire to become a political analyst nor will I be discussing religion today. I do, however, have a reason for the background info given.
You see, propaganda has also become a buzz word in advertising, not surprisingly. In fact it can be quite blatant in much of the advertising we see on television. It’s almost expected as we become more sophisticated viewers.
We need to bring that same level of customer sophistication with us to the Internet marketing world as well as the Traffic Exchanges that we belong to. Many of us too easily, and I include myself here, believe much of what we read, especially when written by a recognized ‘expert’.
I’m not necessarily talking about sales letters.. I think we all, except for maybe those brand new to Internet marketing, recognize the hype for what it is. I’m talking about newsletters from trusted ‘experts’ and owners. You know those people that always have our best interest at heart.
Everything we read, unfortunately, should be read with skepticism.. yes even my newsletters. We need to think about what we are reading in order to make quality decisions. Yet many of us allow ourselves to become lemmings and can’t stop ourselves from following our ‘experts with all the answers’. Just because someone says that something is the ‘first of it’s kind’ or being done for the ‘first time in history’ does not make it so. Just because you’re being told that you’re getting the best deal, doesn’t mean that you are. Just because there seems to be only one way to do something, doesn’t mean that’s all there is.
If something doesn’t sound quite right or is just not connecting, ask some questions, do some investigating on your own, challenge your ‘expert’ and see what happens. Know what you’re getting yourself into before spending any money or promoting any program. Be smart, sophisticated, educated members and in doing so you’ll be contributing to making Traffic Exchanges a truly member-run and member-oriented industry.
Let me leave you with one last definition of propaganda…
“Official government communications to the public that are designed to influence opinion. The information may be true or false, but it is always carefully selected for its political effect.”
How easily could that be related to Traffic Exchanges..?
Official Traffic Exchange communications to it’s members that is designed to influence opinion. The information may be true or false, but it is always carefully selected so as to be in the best interest of the Traffic Exchange owner.
Feb 12, 2008
Hoopla rank 4
% of unique hits being delivered 39.2%
Alexa 16,732
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