Does mud stain?

You know,

 I was just reading a great blog that was comparing different paints, 

and it sparked my interest in learning more about another paint product. 

I visited a blog for someone having a giveaway for the product, 

thinking I should give it a fair shake. 

People often ask me about this other paint

and I have no response other than

"I don't know, I've never used it"

Maybe it's great, I thought to myself

It might have different properties

 that lends it to certain projects... 

No harm it at least trying...

Heck, I was not an Annie Sloan fan in the beginning!

I was deterred by the price

the drive to get it

and I hated the wax

Boy, things sure do change! 

They educated me.

They wooed me.

They sold me on it.

The proof was in the pudding...

or in the paint, as the case may be 

I started reading the blog...

And just that fast, I changed my mind. 

Not because I don't believe the product is  good quality, 

but because I can NOT stand they way it is being marketed!

 It reminds me so much of political "mud slinging" campaigns.

 It seems short sighted and so negative...

If you don't know, I have a "day job"

I'm the Marketing Director

for a seven doctor practice

I'm not claiming to be the 

Queen of Marketing...

 (I'm just establishing that I have some experience

in the area)

I've learned it's always the "also ran"

that has to talk so much smack...

Sometimes the "also ran's" 

are great candidates

but the negative campaigning always

 lingers in my mind

and sways my vote

Is the "other camp" mud slinging?
If so, shame on them, too...
but I've not seen it
and I don't expect I will

The company that is confident in it's abilities

and truly believes it's products/services are the best

is the company that relies on it's own merits

and feels no need to "sling mud"

I respect this

and it's how I choose to represent

 myself, my company, even my "day job"

I don't have to make you look bad

in an attempt to make myself look better

I invite my "competitors" to lunch...

take them for coffee...

we sometimes end up friends. 

Why? Because there is room for everyone...

enough business to go around

I enjoy seeing others succeed

Their success does not demean or discredit my own.  

Relying on smear tactics

only breeds a hostile environment

and polarizes people 

I want you to tell me why your product is great,

what special properties it has

why your company is special

Educate me. 

Woo me.

Sell me.

Just don't throw mud at me...

 it's dirty.