The concept is quite an interesting topic in some circles in these competitive times. Is it right or is it wrong. Is this becoming an ethical issue in this day and time that might need to eventually mandated by law?
             I have just finished the article by Brian Steinberg on this issue. He states some interesting points of view from both sides of the spectrum. The basic underlying issue of this article is to discuss whether or not marketing by the technique of deception is ethical or not. Is planting anonymous marketers in everyday situations to promote products without revealing the fact that they are being paid to promote the product ethical or not. Mr. Steinberg presents an unbiased view from both sides spectrum on how certain marketing companies view this tactic. He gave excerpts from interviews of firms who had different stances on the issue. One firm from the article says that they use undercover marketing almost all the time. Another said that they were quite interested in the technique but did not feel too comfortable using that tactic.
             Mr. Steinberg did an excellent job as not to influence the reader at all. He clearly stated the facts of the issue and gave no opinion. To me this issue is not much of an issue at all. I understand that everybody has to make a buck. To me, these marketing firms are showing a little ingenuity. Times are not what they used to be like. The whole world is a different place. What worked in the past does not mean that it will work in the present or in the future. As quoted in the article," 30 or 60 second spots on TV have become ineffective". To me the most important thing in selling a product is if you can see it, smell it, touch it. Having the consumer interact with the product is genius. In some instances undercover marketing might actually make people feel better about themselves. But there is also the fine line as to where compani
             ...