[mnehring]

Tom, This is not just an internet problem. There are Viral Marketing firms that have been hired in large cities to have people go to book stores and coffee shops and just chat, slowly turning the conversation to some anti-Bush rhetoric.
While the concept is not new, what is new is that this has been taken to a professional level with marketing specialists hired to run these ‘marketing campaigns’.
Those who are as blatant as your PETA example are rank amateurs in this skill. If you know they are PETA, then they have failed. No one in their right mind would take PETA seriously. If, however, you neighbor, co-worker, or even family member makes a comment, some may be more likely to give it more of a thought.

[Steely Tom]

There are Viral Marketing firms that have been hired in large cities to have people go to book stores and coffee shops and just chat, slowly turning the conversation to some anti-Bush rhetoric.

Man, that is truly bizarre.

I don't know what to make of it. It sounds like an absolute desperation play, based on a misreading of human nature.

I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Why doesn't Proctor and Gamble market Crest toothpaste this way? Why doesn't Budweiser? I don't know... maybe they do!

(steely)

[been_lurking]

There are Viral Marketing firms that have been hired in large cities to have people go to book stores and coffee shops and just chat, slowly turning the conversation to some anti-Bush rhetoric.

If this is true, then the marketing firms are getting paid for nothing. Think about it, what kind of people hangout in coffee shops? Liberals do. Conservatives can usually be found at work, not killing time lounging around a coffee shop.

So in essence, the DNC is paying a marketing firm to "preach to the choir".

[JerseyHighlander]

Read up on the "B girls" alternately "Bee Girls" in history. Only today the cute T&A are getting paid to sell politics or video games or what have you, instead of some T&A and booze. What you see as new is only a new synthesis of organizational management and prostitution. Plus, it's not too hard to spot one of the B Girls you talk of. I mean, they're spending their short time on earth selling themselves as political whores, the "intellectual" stench fills the room quickly. Those weak enough to heed the siren's call aren't likely yet ready to take on Conservative or even Moderate political convictions. Or they're looking to score. It balances out in the end.

Some of the most famous Yippees only went towards that side because "the chicks were easy." Nothing new in the world.