[WalterSear]

Don't do any of this. It's terrible, myopic, short-sighted and disingenuous. It's part of the problem.

[cheese1756]

What is your reasoning? Getting press isn't easy, and it can greatly help a startup in terms of sales and contacts. Self promotion directly helps with that, and also opens up connections that would have been missed otherwise.

[akhatri_aus]

There's a hint of desperation in it that signals the product/service may not be as good as it sounds.

Usually, good products are promoted by people who don't stand to gain anything out of their promotion.

[WalterSear]

Lying burns bridges.

[angersock]

Well, yes, of course...

...but does it work?

[siddg]

That's harsh and generalized