Dr Mercola    (1st entry of Healthy Alternatives' new blog) POSTED 5:33pm Saturday 26th July 2008

Do any of you subscribe to Dr Mercola's newsletter?  Isn't he a genius?  He defines the health problem - one that could be related to by at least 40% of the population.  He convinces the reader of their unlucky situation of having said ailment and their urgent need of a product to fix it.  This goal easily achieved (with the suave ease of a successful, naturopathic used car salesman), he goes on to describe the  perfect product which would quickly remedy the situation in a far more satisfactory way  than  any other remotely  similar product on the market and then...   Voila!  Surprise!  He actually has such a product available.  Just "Click Here" and provide your credit card details.

Since business has been particularly quiet over the past couple of months, and thoughts of closing the store have clouded my horizon, I have decided to take a leaf out of Dr Mercola's marketing manual.   As  the whim moves me I shall whisk one of my favourite products off the shelf and explain why you shouldn't wait a single minute longer before obtaining it, and how surprised I am that you have survived thus far without it.

Joking aside, I don't disagree with Dr Mercola's health advice, and his products do seem to be quite good.   I am just a little amused by the obvious and shameless sales tactics he employs, and perhaps a little envious of his bank account.  (So, no offence intended Dr Mercola and Co. - I'm a fan, really.)

I shall also add articles and comments  written or uttered by customers, colleagues and friends, not  even necessarily  related to health  matters, so you may snatch a glimpse of why I love being  at the store and meeting the fascinating people who cross  its threshhold.