The most absurd was during the Me Media roundtable session where someone was talking about "content-producing consumers"... I had to walk out about then
Posted by Brian Dear at March 14, 2006 06:05 PM".. we just let them think they are creating...".
Ah, but that's the ugly truth. Beneath the pretty words, it's all about preying on people's desires to create, using flattery and sweet-talk. But the only real thing that is "created" is an enrichment of the marketer from a lighter wallet of the *consumer*.
Yes, consumer. What you are to consume, is their products and services, to help you "create" and "participate". It's the vanity press model.
I find it a cruel practice.
Or, maybe it's just a sign of the times that the heyday of PC Forum is long gone. I wonder how many of the Web 2.0 kids even would know who Esther Dyson is - no, she's not part of the vacuum company - or have heard of PC Forum.
And, aren't a lot of these conferences a way for PR to showcase clients, and look for new ones?
Posted by Jeremy Pepper at March 17, 2006 03:52 AM