Reciprocity fueled by guilt. Nonprofit fundraisers seem to be employing this tactic more and more—a large percentage of direct mail fundraising appeals contain “gifts”—stickers, address labels. I always feel guilty using the gift, and feel obliged to reciprocate, i.e., send money
This book proves that there’s nothing new under the sun, except of course the packaging of the idea that “pre-suasion… Puts the other person in a cooperative state of mind, which makes them more favorable.” I’ve read the book, and the only thing it’s missing is an appreciation of “why” the techniques it proposes are successful. So in the spirit of the work I offer the following brief list of “environmental factors” that condition the reception of ideas whatever the setting — private company, public organization, nonprofit.
1. We’re all heroes of our own stories.
2. People are more subtle and less sincere than they seem.
3. The will to believe is exceeded only by the power to deny.
4. When people ask for advice, they’re actually seeking approval.
5. Misery loves company.
6. Pity is fear and arrogance posing as generosity.
7. To portray is to betray.
The last item is the most important. See http://www.ghostwrit.net, an online “experiement” with surprising results. Oh, it’s also free.
I read this article as a marketing professional but was quickly offended as a Hindu. Why the example of a Hindu sect, the Hare Krishnas, was used to paint the organization in a negative light is an important question. This is an organization that has provided countless donations across the world for causes affecting the most needy during the times of COVID and Hurricane Katrina, for example. I can think of members of many religions using creative and often deceptive ways to secure donations employing guilt and fear tactics but none were mentioned I noticed the example of mormons was a positive one. For professional articles, it’s best to avoid trying to cast specific cultures and religions in a negative light.
COMMENTS
BY anon
ON October 20, 2006 12:25 PM
Reciprocity fueled by guilt. Nonprofit fundraisers seem to be employing this tactic more and more—a large percentage of direct mail fundraising appeals contain “gifts”—stickers, address labels. I always feel guilty using the gift, and feel obliged to reciprocate, i.e., send money
BY Mark Backman
ON September 7, 2016 10:40 AM
This book proves that there’s nothing new under the sun, except of course the packaging of the idea that “pre-suasion… Puts the other person in a cooperative state of mind, which makes them more favorable.” I’ve read the book, and the only thing it’s missing is an appreciation of “why” the techniques it proposes are successful. So in the spirit of the work I offer the following brief list of “environmental factors” that condition the reception of ideas whatever the setting — private company, public organization, nonprofit.
1. We’re all heroes of our own stories.
2. People are more subtle and less sincere than they seem.
3. The will to believe is exceeded only by the power to deny.
4. When people ask for advice, they’re actually seeking approval.
5. Misery loves company.
6. Pity is fear and arrogance posing as generosity.
7. To portray is to betray.
The last item is the most important. See http://www.ghostwrit.net, an online “experiement” with surprising results. Oh, it’s also free.
BY radiantholisitcs
ON November 14, 2018 01:50 AM
Very good information shared. Really helpful and reliable. Thanks for sharing this and keep up the good work, very much appreciated.
BY Anon
ON June 5, 2021 10:06 AM
I read this article as a marketing professional but was quickly offended as a Hindu. Why the example of a Hindu sect, the Hare Krishnas, was used to paint the organization in a negative light is an important question. This is an organization that has provided countless donations across the world for causes affecting the most needy during the times of COVID and Hurricane Katrina, for example. I can think of members of many religions using creative and often deceptive ways to secure donations employing guilt and fear tactics but none were mentioned I noticed the example of mormons was a positive one. For professional articles, it’s best to avoid trying to cast specific cultures and religions in a negative light.