New Book Exposes Secret Advertising

(New York: April 29) Hidden marketing methods are a threat to consumer rights and personal freedom according to a new book which exposes the full range of techniques currently in use. Fake news, mind control scripts, propaganda and voicemail spam top the list of tricks used by corporations, government bodies, and industry groups.

Maverick marketers are inventing desperate new ways to deliver their sales pitch without being detected. Unlike traditional TV, Radio and Press advertising, the new methods are hard to notice but still have a powerful effect.

"For the right price, companies can buy national news coverage, hire thousands of children to start a craze, or force their beer brand on a stadium full of drinkers." says author, Martin Howard, who gives an insider's perspective on the advertising industry. "I think marketers are exploiting the fact that consumers don't know how they are being targeted, and this is against the ethics of advertising".

Subliminal advertising is illegal in the electronic media but a wide range of undetectable techniques are still in widespread use. These include undercover sales agents, instant front groups, crowd manipulation, computer spyware, product placement and data mining.

Last month it was revealed the White House had paid a journalist to give sympathetic coverage, and there was a separate investigation into Video News Releases. Howard points out that deceptive PR has been standard practice for years, but the public is only just finding out. "When people realize how many of their daily decisions are influenced by hidden means they are shocked. I compiled this consumer guide because I think they need to be aware."

The guide entitled "We know what you want: How they change your mind" uses colourful diagrams, cartoons and quizzes to engage younger readers and average consumers. It outlines hundreds of examples and offers pointers to books and websites for further research.

A close-up on the retail industry describes supermarkets and boutiques where scientific sensory manipulation increase the amount that shoppers will spend. Muzak, computer tested shelf layouts and hypnotic aromas manipulate the subconscious of the unknowing customer. Some corporations buy the influence of prominent community leaders - and even doctors - to secretly promote their products.
Readers may be surprised at the way technology is being used to monitor their habits and behaviour. Embedded microchips, all-knowing databases and military surveillance projects now threaten the privacy and freedom of ordinary citizens.

The book has been published by the Disinformation Company in New York and is available at major bookstores across North America including Barnes & Noble as well as worldwide through Amazon.com

Find out more: http://www.howtheychangeyourmind.com/

"... filled with engaging graphics and provocative but easy-to-follow guidelines for maintaining autonomy in a world made of marketing. This is a far more accessible and applicable treatment of my material for a wider audience looking to understand what is happening in our commercialized culture, and how to lead a life guided by meaning in spite of it all." Douglas Rushkoff

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