the unstitution

The huge buzz around the film “The Secret” really bugged me. Had the world gone crazy? Wasn’t this like believing in Magic?

And so I did what I usually do when bugged. I did a whole whack of research. Here’s what I found out about why “The Secret” is so succesful.

The most interesting and telling fact behind the popularity of The Secret is that everyone who is an advocate of the “law of attraction” is selling “The Secret” DVD or book or some other “miracle personal development” program like it.

Most of the so-called experts who appear in the film, like Joe Vitale and James Ray, and James Gray, are also into affiliates sales and/or MLM and network marketing big time. That means they are selling their own or other people’s products through their web sites and other online or offline endeavors. They also sign up their friends to sell for them, who sign up their friends, and so on, offering additional sales commissions based on the sales of people in their networks.

Which means The Secret’s experts are first and foremost sales experts.

Now lucky for them, one thing that seems to be in constant demand is “How To Get Rich” courses, books and products. So here comes big Secret Number 1.

1. Sell a “How To Get Rich” product.

In our conspicuously consumptive society, we are all convinced that it is “things” that will make us happier. So, what we’d like is more money to be able to buy these things.

“The Secret” is popular because it says we can get anything we want. Anything. The universe offers itself up to us like a catalogue – all we have to do is pick. How awesome is that?

What if the movie’s message was “sorry, you can’t always get what you want. In fact, all that wanting is what’s making you unhappy.” Who wants to hear that?

Get the message?

Now the second secret.

2. Tell people it’s easy.

Our aforementioned sales experts know that everyone wants the easy way out. It’s scary to go out on a limb to try new things – going back to school, and paying tuition is expensive, giving up weekends to study or practice is just not fun. Hard work is a hard sell.

That’s why you say something is easy. It’s easy as 1, 2, 3, or it’s easy peasy. In this case, easy as just thinking about it. Wow!

So, when marketing your get rich product, make sure to say it’s easy, even when it’s not. You don’t have to tell the truth about it at all. The book “The One Minute Millionaire” sold millions even though when you read it you’ll soon see that it’s actually quite complicated and takes commitment, energy and time to be a millionaire. Doesn’t matter. One Minute to be a millionaire sounds easier.

Likewise, it takes more than just thinking about what you want in order to recieve it. Sure, the film “The Secret” said that all it takes is thinking, but we know that’s not true. In fact shamefully unapologetic retractions or explanations by our aforementioned “experts” are all over the place. Better yet, why not turn the retractions into products, like The Missing Secret, or a sequel to The Secret - which will – get this – focus on an action plan.

So, since lying about how easy it all is is fine, don’t stop there….

3. Make all the ridiculous claims you want.

That’s right, nobody is checking! So, just like every corner diner claims that it serves the best coffee in the world, you can claim that all it takes to make millions is to listen to a simple CD. Or, watch a series of 8 DVDs that have been especially created by teams of scientific experts, that are worth $3,600.00 but if you buy now you can get them for only $689.00, PLUS you will recieve $1,840.00 worth of free goods. But you better buy now or this offer will never, ever, ever be repeated again. Ever.

See how easy it is? Why it’s addictive – and fun. Here are more things to try:

Try saying things like Newton, Da Vinci, Roosevelt and Einstein all believed in the secret. Don’t offer proof. It’s not necessary!

Call it a “marketing masterpiece.” Say “this is the most advanced and easy to apply success-achieving program in the world today,” then guarantee it. 100%!

Call yourself a metaphysicist, a philosopher, or a doctor. Not grand enough? How about a genius or a visionary? Who’s gonna say no?

Use these three secrets, and you too might find yourself on the path to tremendous wealth and affluence, because the universe wants to bestow you with every wish that you want. But, only if you sell the opportunity of infinite wealth to others. The universe doesn’t like it if you say it is limited. That must hurt its ego.

It also doesn’t matter that “The Secret”s message is all about “Me Me Me” and what “I want I want I want.” You don’t have to think about anyone else – just like a kindergarten-er. Nope, if you want a bicycle, or a necklace, or a monstrous house like the one Jack Canfield boasts about, go for it. Don’t worry about carbon footprinting. Your neighbours or community. Or third world sweat shops. Those people are bringing it on themselves.

All that matters is you “buy it.” And looking at the numbers the book has sold, a lot of people did.

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, here is the unabashedly superficial trailer to “The Secret”. There is no need to watch the movie, as there is no extra information in it.

If you need a primer on why desires create suffering, check out Puppetji vs The Secret.

N.B I said you don’t have to watch the movie…but if you want to make an informed decision, I believe you should always be thorough and check the sources yourself. What I meant by that line is you won’t get that much more info by watching the movie. It’s simplistic and repetitive, and doesn’t go very deep.

Tags: the secret, marketing

 

I read about this in the news, but watching it is something else.

Mika Brzezinski of MNSBC rips up the leading news story – a story about Paris Hilton getting out of jail with a matching video of Paris looking all pretend-coy-like (yes, that’s an adjective) – in lieu of a real news item.

But what’s best is she doesn’t give up even when against the derisive onslaught by her male colleagues, who don’t even make sense. “Take control of your own life” is the accusation hurled at her by her co-anchor. Ummm…that’s what she is doing. “Why are you being such a journalist?” Are you kidding me? When did you stop?

Then the colleagues who put on their best “why are you worrying your pretty head” style harassing voices and techniques. Yes – I would call it sexual harassment – smelling the paper, tucking it in their pockets. They wouldn’t do this way if it was a guy they they were disagreeing with.

But the proof is in the pudding. Mika shows a style of integrity and courage that has surely been lacking – for – umm – a long time in media and TV land. And the guys look like they are trying to win “Yes Men of the Year” awards. To match the wimp and Super Asshole trophies they must have accumulated along their career climb.

Now, I hate to be mean and normally I try to keep from being vulgar, but these guys are bullying. Anyone see a game of monkey in the middle here? Grade 4 all the way.

And that’s why the International Female Value Index goes up 200 points – because this woman dared to speak up even amidst the pressure of her “teammates.” Plus – when she does, she proves herself sooo much smarter than them.

She has helped pave the way for more smart women talking. Aloud. In front of cameras. And because of that, there is hope for the world.

As for the Yes Men, will someone tell them to please check out the Power of Conformity video? Geez. Get a backbone.