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The Ethics Of Persuasive Writing - Part 2
Ok. If you didn’t first read yesterday’s post, please do so or this won’t make sense at all. Click here to read it.
So “Bob” had called me out to debate the “ethics” of persuasion and manipulation. And now it was time to teach him a lesson — old school style.
First, I demonstrated the illogical way he attached a negative connotation to the word “manipulation.” And then how he, consciously or unconsciously, linked “persuasion” to the same group of words he had slapped with a negative label.
“So,” I carefully lay the snare. “Before even attempting to discuss this, I first need to know the context for how you mean “manipulation.” It’s an emotionally-laden word, you must admit and almost always used negatively.”
His eyes darted about. He knew it was a trap but couldn’t see it clearly.
Sensing the endgame, the others leaned closer.
“Where are the ethical lines drawn in using techniques to get people to do things?” he said, referencing the first chapter of The Cluetrain Manifesto. “Where does persuasion cross the line into manipulation?”
Time for Logic 101, I thought.
“Okay. Let’s clarify the question logically. does persuasion ever cross the line into manipulation? And if so, when and under what circumstances does it do so?”
His eyes darted to the others. Toes hanging over the edge, he could at last see the hole he dug.
I swirled the glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. “I think that’s a more fair, more unbiased question to ask. Don’t you?”
“Because if I, or anyone else were to answer your question as asked, we would first have to agree to believe that you can ‘use techniques to get people to do things.’ I don’t.”
Now why did I say that? Because you can’t make people act against their will. Now, there are techniques that steer and lead, but none (that I know of) that can “make” a person do something they were not already moving toward.
“So, given all that,” I asked. “Are you having “ethical” considerations about what you are learning here?”
He suddenly saw someone he needed to talk to and scampered away. And we all had a good laugh.
And regarding the “The Cluetrain Manifesto” issue, look folks — it’s one author’s opinion and however well-formed or notorious it is – it’s still just an opinion. An opinion replete with the typical presuppositions (yes, there they are again) about what’s true, what’s ethical and what’s real.
I would add this cautionary note: Before forming an opinion, educate yourself about the matter (i.e., read more than one person’s opinion) and make up your own mind about it!
Don’t take anyone else’s word for it until you’ve researched the answer yourself. “Truth” is a tricky concept and in the words of a popular television character, “Understanding is a three-edged sword. There’s your side . . . their side . . . and the truth in-between.”
By Walter |
Topics: Client Top Secret, Lessons Learned, Pet Peeves |