McDonald's and Subliminal Advertising? Surely Not! You be the Judge

Last year McDonald's was accused of using subliminal advertising in one of the Food Network's most popular programs - Iron Chef.

The Food Network said it was a mistake and McDonald's, one of the sponsors of the program, said that it does not use subliminal advertising. You be the judge. Watch the YouTube video below.



McDonald's and Subliminal Advertising?

Click the link above if you cannot see YouTube video.

Now, just what are subliminal messages and why would an advertiser want to use them in the first place.

The word subliminal is derived from two Latin words - "sub" meaning under and "limen" meaning threshold. Hence subliminal literally means "below threshold" and subliminal messages are messages which are below the threshold of consciousness.

Subliminal messages are programmed or engineered in such a way as to by-pass your analytical, decision-making conscious mind. They directly target your more easily influenced and receptive sub-conscious mind.

Now, don't think for a minute that because the sub-conscious mind is easily influenced that it is weak - quite the opposite. It is all-powerful and it drives everything we do. Are you beginning to see the importance and potential impact of subliminal messages?

The use of subliminal messages was actually banned by the US Government in the 70s because of reports that they gave "individuals too much of an edge".

Subliminal messages can be in video or audio form. An image flashed on a screen for a fraction of a second will not be interpreted by the conscious mind but the sub-conscious mind processes millions of bits of data each second and the information contained within that quick flash is interpreted and recorded. This process repeated over time, even a short period of time can lead to behavioural changes as the following example illustrates.

Dr James Vicary conducted an experiment in a cinema. It involved flashing "I want popcorn" and "Drink more coke" on a movie screen for just 100-milliseconds.

No one in the movie audience consciously saw the messages but popcorn sales went up by 57.8% and coke sales increased by 18.1%. How do you like dem numbers?

We all use persuasion techniques. It's necessary for our personal and professional survival there is a difference between persuasion and manipulation as Persuasion Expert, Dave Lakhani, points out:

"There's only one true difference between true persuasion and manipulation…it's intent. If your intent is to harm someone, if your intent is inwardly focused and you only want to do something for your own personal gain regardless of the outcome for other people, regardless of what happens to other people then, you're being manipulative.

"If, on the other hand, you help lead people to their very own best conclusion using honour, integrity, ethically and appropriately leading them that way, then they persuade themselves. You don't have to use the puppy dog close, the sharp angled close or anything else. You help people through their experience with you to come to their very own best conclusion"

I use subliminal messages all the time to enhance my own personal development. I also create customised subliminal MP3s and CDs for my coaching clients.

I'm all for the use of subliminal messages when they are used for good and when they are used with an individual's consent. But I'm against the use of subliminal messages to manipulate another individual to do what you want.

Millions probably saw the Food Network show with this particular ad but very few were probably consciously aware that they saw the ad. And, of those that did literally see red, few were probably actually aware of its true significance.

Thanks to Dave Lakhani who drew my attention to this unethical use of subliminal programming. He has just published a new book called Subliminal Persuasion: Influence & Marketing Secrets They Don't Want You To Know.

I haven't read the book yet and so cannot review it but I can say this. I regularly listen to Dave's teleseminars and interviews because they have such great content. Dave is extremely articulate and knowledgeable. I therefore have no qualms about recommending his book because I am confident that it will be a great read.

He is offering some very targeted bonuses for purchasing this book including a private teleseminar where he will reveal the latest subliminal persuasion techniques. You can discover more by reading his Subliminal Persuasion Blog.

So once you get the book forward a copy of your receipt to persuasionbook@boldapproach.com and you'll receive instructions for the teleseminar. If you've ALREADY purchased the book, and don't have your receipt just send an email that includes the first word on page 114 of the book.

Skyline Coaching Blog Receives Kudos from Blog Search Engine.

Skyline Coaching Blog was recently reviewed by Blog Search Engine which indexes the blogosphere using Google as a partner. They focus on high quality blogs.

This is what they had to say about Skyline Coaching Blog:

"In the recent years, coaching - both for business and personal purposes - has achieved a great deal when it comes to popularity. I think that this is because the need for this kind of service has emerged over the years. People - both in groups and as individuals - have come to realize that sometimes, they need an outer factor to help them reach their potential. If you are interested in what coaching has to offer, a good blog to visit would be Skyline Coaching Blog. This blog actually gives practical information and does not merely advertise coaching services. Of course, if you are impressed with the content of the blog, you can always contact the coach for your own sessions."

You can check it out for yourself by clicking the link below:

Blog Search Engine Featured Blog - Skyline Coaching Blog

Thanks for the kudos. Please leave your comments and let me know what you think.

Identity Theft and Loss of Identity

I've just completed a short visit to Atlanta, GA where I attended a seminar. From the start, my trip was eventful. On my way to the airport I had to turn back and take a totally different route to get to Gatwick because the traffic jams were so bad. I've never had to do that before.

However, it was on arriving at Atlanta Airport that things took a turn for the worse.

Just after I collected my suitcase a fellow passenger fell and struck her head on the hard floor surrounding the baggage reclaim belt. She landed heavily and there was a loud thud as the back of her head hit the floor.

She was a middle-aged woman and pretty shaken up. Plus, because of the nature of her fall, we felt it was prudent for her to be seen to by the local medics. So, although the incident had nothing to do with me, I went off in search of ground staff who could provide further assistance.

I then decided to wait with her until the paramedics arrived. While there wasn't a lot I could do except reassure her, I didn't want to just leave her even though the passenger whose bag she had tripped over was there as well. The woman who had the accident was travelling with her elderly and wheelchair-bound parents.

The mother, in particular, was very anxious. Yet, at the same time, the daughter, while concerned about her own welfare, was naturally worried about her parents. My heart went out to them.

In some ways it was a loss of identity as the carer could no longer fulfil her role and the mother was equally powerless to fully express her maternal instincts.

I left once the paramedics arrived and then after going through a security checkpoint my travel wallet containing passport and other important documents was lost. What followed was a five hour ordeal trying, in vain, to find the lost wallet.

The circumstances under which it was lost are somewhat suspect - was I a victim of identity theft?

To my credit, throughout my extended stay at the airport, I remained remarkably calm though, of course, upset. I was also aware that while I was trying to sort out the immediate situation, at the back of my mind I was trying to work out solutions.

There was just one point, when it appeared as though my suitcase was missing too, that tears spilled from my eye and, although I had been told to report to the BA desk, there was no one there. I was really frustrated.

All I had was the clothes on my pack and my rucksack primarily containing my laptop. Fortunately, my suitcase was recovered and my next stop was the police station to report my missing passport.

It was while I was at the Police Station that I observed the second incident of loss of identity.

A woman waked in with her teenage daughter, two much younger girls and a man who was probably in his 20s. The woman told the police officer that the reason the family was there was because she had just discovered that her ex-husband had been sexually abusing her teenage daughter. To make matters worse, the abuse had been going on for years.

I listened in shock horror. I smiled at the young girl and then felt irrationally guilty. As I looked at the young girl she seemed unperturbed by and somewhat indifferent to the proceedings. For the second time since landing in Atlanta I felt tugs at my heart-strings.

I was able to see behind the young girl's mask. I recognised that for this young girl to handle what had happened to her she probably assumed an alternative identity - a safe world into which she could retreat. The innocence of childhood had been denied this young girl.

It all helped to put my loss into perspective. I had arrived safely in Atlanta, I was healthy and fortunately I had enough money in my purse to take care of the essentials such as travel. I was confident that, one way or another, I was going to be able to resolve my situation.

So please don't take my tale as one of gloom and doom although you can perhaps see that with trying to sort out this matter and attending my course, why I haven't been posting any articles. View this as a tale of caution and reflection.

I feel very philosophical about the whole experience. In my case, everything that was lost/taken can be replaced.

The rest of my experience in Atlanta was very pleasant. I found the people to be so warm and friendly. Also, at the hotel I was just about to go online so that I could file a report that my passport lost, etc. when there was a knock on the door. It was one of the receptionists:

"Ms Lovemore," she said. "Get your things we're giving you an upgrade."

So I was moved to an even larger and nicer room free of charge!

If you are concerned about Identity Theft then visit this site for details on how you can protect yourself online:

Stop Identity Theft

Identity Theft and Money Scams - Keep Your Identity Safe

Identify theft and money scams are on the increase.

This weekend I received a letter from the "International Lotto Commission" telling me that I had won 850,831 Euros.

The "Payment Release Form" asked for the following details:

~ Name
~ Sex
~ Date of Birth
~ Address
~ Nationality
~ Email address
~ Phone numbers
~ Bank details

Although, if I wanted a "certified bank cheque", then I didn't have to give my bank account details. How considerate. Even if I only provided the above information, in the wrong hands, my identity would be in serious jeopardy. They even asked for my next of kin.

I immediately knew it was a scam. The letter was covered with a mishmash of photocopied logos and other images that were supposed to add authenticity to the letter. There were typos and the very detailed letter just didn't make sense.

I was just about to put it throw the shredder when I thought to myself that I ought to write an article about it to help expose such fraudsters. If this article helps to prevent at least one person from being ripped-off then the effort would have been worth it.

Receiving such letters doesn't upset me. What does upset me though is that people fall for these scams and send fraudsters money or their credit card or bank details. Armed with this information fraudsters can have a field day.

They can either make a single hefty withdrawal or they can withdraw small amounts of money over a longer period of time which may go unnoticed by someone who does not regularly and rigorously check their statements. And small amounts of money from multiple sources can result in rich pickings indeed for these criminals.

The trouble is that those who do fall prey to these rip-offs are often those who can least afford it.

The other thing that upsets me is it must take a fair amount of effort to put these scams together and execute them. If only these individuals would direct their attention to legitimate direct response marketing activities instead. I'm sure they would do very well out of it.

I'm confident that if you are reading this that you are one of those individuals who are vigilant. Yet, you can't be too careful when it comes to these matters.

Research has shown that:

~ 20 million of UK householders are increasing their risk of being exposed to fraudsters by failing to take precautions against identity theft
~ 10 million Americans are victims of identity fraud each year
~ 18 million UK households regularly throw away (without shredding) sensitive financial documents
~ The average UK adult is exposed to online identity theft to the tune of £10,000
~ 90% of all users never check their credit card or bank account statements
~ Identity theft is costing the British economy in excess of £1.7 billion annually
~ In 2007 there were 77,500 recorded cases of identity theft

So if you are concerned about identity theft and want to take measures to protect yourself online and offline and prevent becoming yet another identity theft statistic then click the link below for a low-cost yet effective solution:

Stop Identity Theft

Alarming Facts

~ Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the US and the UK
~ Internet users are 50 times more likely to experience identity theft than non-Internet users.

Don't let them get away with it!

Take preventative action NOW.

Stop Identity Theft



identity theft money scams scams identity fraud

How You Can Get Paid to Blog About the Things You Love

If, like me, you love to write then you will be interested in PayPerPost's blog advertising opportunities.

PayPerPost is a website where you can you can hire out your services as a writer to various advertisers or where you can respond to advertisers requests for reviews.

The reviews need not be lengthy 50-200 words seems to be the average length.

I've only just discovered this site and so cannot report on any earning to date but you can easily check out what this site's top earners are making. While, it's not mega bucks it is a way to hone your review writing skills and this is a skill which will always be useful.

Companies are always seeking reviews to help promote their products and services. And giving reviews is something that we naturally do anyway. If we find a product and or service that we like or even don't like we share our experience with others.

What I like about the site is that it is very comprehensive. Other attributes of this site include:

~ Ease of use - it is very easy and quick to sign up,
~ Availability of great tutorials,
~ Distinct and clear user interface, and
~ A highly active and responsive customer service.

Once you sign up you can get started in four (4) easy steps:

1. Confirm your email
2. Update your profile
3. Register your blog
4. Take up opportunities

Some of the opportunities are only available to bloggers with blog with a Google Rank rank of 5 or more, however, PayPerPost does give tips on how you can improve your page ranking.

So if you like the idea of writing honest and balanced reviews on websites, products, services or services and being paid to do so then check out PayPerPost by clicking the link below or by clicking on one of the buttons:

blog advertising