Playing the Internet Marketing Game

In yesterday’s post by Brandi, Tips and Trends in Viral Video Marketing, she mentioned a post by Dan Ackerman Greenberg titled The Secret Strategies Behind Many “Viral” Videos on TechCrunch.com. In reading the comments, I was surprised by how some people justify black hat marketing tactics by how many other people are doing it. For example, someone commented “I’m shocked at how many people are upset about this post. This type of thing goes on everywhere.”.

Isn’t this a riot mentality? If you see others looting, does that justify the action to make it okay? Many athletes take performance enhancing drugs in order to stand out and be among the most popular athletes in their sport, but would you encourage your own son or daughter to do it? I know many say “If nobody’s getting hurt, what’s the harm?”. Obviously spamming and creating false conversations aren’t the same as taking steroids or stealing, but it does share a common thread in one’s character.

I’d assume most would agree that in golf, kicking your ball from behind a tree to better your next shot is cheating. But does it really hurt anyone? Many business-minded people like to conduct business at the golf course because golf brings out one’s character. These people understand the value of relationships in business and why character is so important. Maybe we should consider Internet marketing our golf course. How will you decide to play?

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