Here's a little part two from yesterday's post because on first blush it might appear that this was simply a "beware of evil marketers" rant. If it were only that easy, but first things first.

Is marketing, in and of itself, evil?

While it is no secret that I think marketing is a very tricky business and fraught with ne'er-do-wells and evil masterminds, let me give you a larger perspective.

We all market. I went to a seminar once where the presenter said, "Marketing is simply the transfer of enthusiasm from one person to another." Excellently stated and I agree.

Some people share their enthusiasm because they are focused on service and the betterment of those around them and some share their enthusiasm because they are focused on their own needs and profit margin. Enthusiasm does not assume the enthusiasm is noble, just that it can be infectious.

And there are some things that it is simply not good to be infected by. Like ads for Triple Whoppers and shows that force you to witness multiple brutal images rapid fire for no good reason unless CSI is trying to make some philosophical statement about man's inhumanity to man, but I'm thinking they just know sex, gore, and voyeurism sell and they want to ride the wave.

I don't blame them. Money can be fun!

You mean we can't blame marketers for manipulating consumers into overspending or becoming hooked on things that ultimately leave them dissatisfied or, worse, with health problems, massive credit card debt, and the like?

No, my issue extends far beyond this. I'll admit, I'm a little disgusted right now with everyone in the chain right down to the concept people who proposed things like Triple Whoppers be created in the first place. It angers me to see the wave of stuff that is harmful to us as humans and that uses up resources for dead ends being rolled out in such an endless stream. There is a long line of people in the chain of production of useless crap and garbage that is just placed before you for someone else's gain with not a care given to you at all.

I saw someone selling ghosts recently, for Halloween. Don't open that paper bag because you may let it out! It's a cute idea, but then again, think about that. We'll buy anything even if that anything is literally nothing!

Ah! So I can blame the people who come up with the ideas! The marketers are only the message bearers, I get it!

Not so fast, Buckaroo. That long line of people includes you and me. In the end, the responsibility rests entirely on your shoulders as a consumer to decide what it is that you love, respect, and value and to bring your actions, including pulling out that piece of plastic which opens all these doors to fleeting happiness (and not so fleeting interest charges) into alignment with those values.