Everywhere you look, whether it is on television, magazines, the internet or billboards, there are dozens of products or services that are pushed onto consumers. The firms that are responsible for creating these advertisements are paid to persuade the consumer that he or she needs the product being advertised. The techniques used in the advertising industry usually focus on the benefits that will be brought to the consumer than on the actual product itself, giving people false hope for a better life if they buy their products.
             Why are people so easily influenced by advertising? One only needs to turn on their television to see why people are tempted to buy the latest and greatest gadgets on the market. Some credit can be given to the king of infomercials – Ronco. Every day, a different product is being peddled which promises to lighten the load while working in the kitchen or cleaning the house. Sometimes, these products look miraculous and even too good to be true, but people buy them anyway. They are repeatedly promised and even guaranteed by actual user testimony that the product works. For example, Oxy-Clean guarantees to get all kinds of stains out of fabric and carpets. Then there is the mop that can get into the toughest spots with no problem. There is even a Rolly Kit that can organize any junk drawer. Let us not forget about the ShowTime Rotisserie Cooker, "just set it and forget it!" I can remember way back when I was a little girl, and the big item that was being advertised was the Buttoneer. This clever gadget quickly attached buttons to clothing without threading a needle. I am sure many homemakers received Buttoneers for Christmas that year. Speaking of Christmas, it is not surprising that many companies beef up their advertising campaigns starting right after Halloween. I am always amazed when I walk into stores and see that as soon as one holiday is over, they are already decorating for the next in anticipati...