X-Message-Number: 7458
Date: Wed, 8 Jan 1997 14:18:55 -0600
From:  (Steve Jackson)
Subject: Ads that look like scams

Paul Wakfer asks whether we must refrain from what he calls "honest,
vigorous, urging statements" just because scammers use them.

Well, Paul . . . yes.

If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks "Limited time! ACT
NOW!! Don't let someone else get your place!!" like a duck, many readers
will assume that it's a scam. I expect our leadership to recognize this
fact, rather than stubbornly asserting their right to look just like ripoff
artists because *they* know they're different.

Indeed, we must *work* to protect our credibility by distancing ourselves
as much as possible from such things.

Surely we are bright enough to be honest, vigorous and urging without
copying the characteristic song and dance of the make.money.fast
bottom-feeders.

 Steve Jackson - yes, of SJ Games - yes, we won the Secret Service case
Learn Web or die - http://www.io.com/sjgames/ - dinosaurs, Lego, Kahlua!
          The heck with PGP keys; finger for Geek Code. Fnord.


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