What's to stop some marketing person coming on here, posting a few times and getting their name known, then starting a thread advertising their product?

[Pruni]

Message withdrawn

it does happen esp on antenatal type threads such as on birthing pools for some reason. They don't seem to getpulled up on it mainlybeucase people are asking for recommendations anyway. Gets a bit OTT though and rather about how sitting ducks we all can be, esp when pregnant!

Sorry Justine, I'm so much more sceptical. I'm not saying that companies frequently post on MN but just that it's not unfeasible.... If they're canny about it, how would you trace it?

viral marketing
and word of mouth marketing

ARe you suggesting F&Z works for the makers of Mooncups????

LOL, no, but perhaps she could argue for a profit share?

Justine is right, in that some big PR companies have been named and shamed for faking blogs etc. Basically it's deceit. (Hell, there has to be some pretence of honesty in the wonderful world of commerce.)