A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post about a peculiar piece of mail I received: a handwritten note from a supposed acquaintance known only as “J” attached to an article apparently torn from a newspaper. The article described the life changing business advice of a particular business coach, the implication of J’s message seemingly how successful I could be if I visited the website of this business coach. I was dubious at the time but quickly forgot about it, however today a Facebook side ad brought this to mind again as it featured the particular businessman.
Why am I being so coy about naming this person? Well firstly I find the entire prospect of “naming and shaming” in any context to be a fairly petty one, though at times it is justified. The main reason however is that upon seeing this ad I carried out some research in to the individual in question and found a series of blog posts[1][2][3][4], heavily edited or with statements that the businessman in question had filed cease and desist letters against the individuals. Obviously I have no desire to be at the receiving end of any such heavy handed legal matters but what I apparently can post is the findings by the Advertising Standards Agency in to the very ad I received back in 2010. Click here to see the full article, it makes for interesting reading
