[karles]

It seems that your argument is, that some marketing is somewhat malicious - and I agree.

But to say that all marketing is ill-intended and manipulative seems way to extreme.

"Providing good documentation" could be considered a marketing move, if that was what would set a product apart, and make it interesting to buyers.

Making bad ad-copy and intrusive advertising in general is not something I find very interesting personally. That doesn't mean, that it doesn't work, or isn't morally wrong (you mention smoking).

Selling and promoting your product is necessary for most companies. And it can be done in a tasteful, informative and non-intrusive manner.

[auggierose]

I just responded to your

> Anyone who tries to manipulate anyone in any matter is a fool.

and provided a counter example. Of course, commercials don't have to be malicious, and can be informative and a net positive. But commercials rarely are honest sources of information.