Adrian Cooper...

[AnonymousPerson69]

Ok - this might be unsuitable because some will not want it posted...

But, does anyone get the feeling that Astral Pulse isn't what it used to be? The days of when Robert Bruce had many FREE, I'll reiterate that word, FREE guides that he published on the website as well of course a book.  But Robert didn't and still doesn't as far as I can see from he's new website, overwhelm you with the vast proliferation of ADVERTISEMENTS, BARGAINS, DISCOUNTS, LAST CHANCES before deal ends etc rubbish... 

Personally, and I don't know how others feel about it, but I'd prefer, and would even think about buying Adrian's books IF the Advertisements wasn't plastered everywhere you look and in the very careful language he uses to intise people to buy he's books. It puts me off, one: buying anything from this website, and two: from coming here in the forums, which is a shame, because they're so good due to the vast diversity of topics covered FREELY by the public.   Why is money everything to some people?

A personal message to Adrian.  'Can you provide information, FREE information, with no strings attached?  NO ADVERTISEMENTS.  Help people to help people without thinking about the size of your wallet, give without expecting something in return?'

Personally - and I know it wont happen, because to you, it's your ultimate reality - I'd like to see all your advertising and subtle, even subliminal sales talk disappear. I'd like to see you provide more information to the public FREELY, no advertisements, no strings attached.
Perhaps - and with this positive, good natured Karma - you'll feel better in yourself and perhaps more people would be interested in buying your books and CDs...  No one likes being hassled by a salesmen.

If my interpretation is wrong, and only you will know the answer to this question. I apologise. However, my perception of you is that your methods of entising people to buy your products are very surreptitious, as explained above.

That's just my interpretation, I am open-minded and I do look forward to hearing your comments,

P.s. Sorry to hide my identity.

Love and peace

[Hannah b]

Hello just the other day I have realized that I have been receiving Adrian's FREE Ultimate Reality newsletter filled with loads of priceless information for over a year now. I thought...wow..what a great guy, sharing all this information simply out of good will. Today I read your post. Hmm.

In case you haven't realized this forum is loaded with FREE information (look at the FAQ) section please.
Personally I beleieve that since Robert is gone, the forum has become more open and less focussed of spirit possesion, neg fighting and the NEW sytem, which yes, is very helpful, but is certainly not the only one on the web.

Ps.Did I mention that Adrian is running this huge site for FREE? Do you know how much work it is to keep the whole buisness running smoothly?
    Robert Bruce may have his FREE stuff, but is also charging absurd fees for his seminars. Maybe he does    that to keep balence between all the giving and receiving 

All the best

[Doringo]

I do see your point, but subliminal messages have (apparently) been scientifically and statistically proven not to work. The advertisements don't bother me because they're not very in-your-face, or overwhelming as you say. All I see, personally, is a small, three-line advertisement at the top o the page, which I never actually notice unless I'm paying attention. It's not very intrusive at all.

[Stookie]

There is TONS of info here with no obligation to buy anything. I'm sure the site is maintained from Adrian's sales, so you can't argue that. Adrian gives us all kinds of options for learning and created this neat community for spiritual/astral minded people.

There are no banner ads, only sticky topics that you don't even have to click on.

I know you didn't have to pay to share your personal view, and no one here is censoring it. I'd say that's pretty darn free.

[Sunn]

What advertisments?

Personally I like this site and whats discussed here. Its interesting to hear peoples views on subjects

[Nay]

Not too long ago someone had to point out the advertisments at the top of the page for me... I swear I hadn't noticed them.    I have to agree that it's not in your face at all and can be ignored if one wanted to.

I hope you come back to discuss with us, even if Adrian chooses not to participate.

[AnonymousPerson69]

Did I detect a hint of sarcasm in your tone Hannah    I'm sorry if I've upset your feelings but these are my opinions and I do have the right to express them.  Yes, I agree and understand also that a site as big as this has overheads (time and money) and thus requires a steady income to maintain.  I would also say that in some parts, especially moving away from neg possesions, it's been a step forward in the right direction as this can really mess with peoples minds and Adrian does promote a very positive environment -in most respects. However, over advertising can have really negative effects too, it has done with me and speaking generally, the world today IS overwhelmed with a huge proliferation of advertisements, and unfortunately I've associated some of Adrian's selling techniques to be very similar.  In the emails he sends, it always contains links to special offers, last minute deals, buy now before it's to late. I hear this every day in the real world.  I can't go into a store without being hassled by a salesmen trying to sell me something.  Or I receive a phone call from a salesmen telling me I've won a holiday to the Caribbean...  Deals, deals, deals... It's all I hear.  I come to these forums, this community, to get away from the daily hustle and bustle only to find consumerism is happening here - I can't get away from it.  Society has socially constructed this paradox in which the public have in-grown into their DNA, SPEND, SPEND, SPEND, thus demand is so easily fulfilled by societies adiction to spending.
We live in the era of consumerism by the sheer magnitude of proliferating information, advertisments etc... being publicly displayed in every possible way.   

Adrian uses Emails and the main website in advertising he's products, and these are the points I'm trying to raise.  This website is here to promote spiritual growth and to make people think in ways perhaps people in society today, couldn't possibly conceive.  Is it therefore right to use the same socially constructed tactics world is using today, that quite clearly isn't right and that in balance, is making consumers immensely indebt.  Is that good Karma and does it strike a long term negative imbalance?

As to my point.  Money isn't everything, but unfortunately sometimes, people can get carried away with the overwhelming feeling of making money, that they'll use any legal but very sneaky/clever technique that grows and gets worse until it gets out of control.  I see this happening here.  the main website started of with very little advertisements - look at it now.  'I better hurry up, I might miss out on a live changing deal, but ermm... I can't quite afford it, oh well, It's an amazing deal and I only have 2 more days to go, I'll just stick it on my credit card'.  Next month guess what?  Another amazing deal!

[MisterJingo]

Not wanting to get embroiled in web arguments, but when Robert Bruce was resident here, he actually had very little to do with the site and Adrian himself still ran it - just like he is doing now. If you don't believe this, please do a search on all Roberts's posts. He was rarely here, being busy with other projects. This is in no way a slight at Robert, as I respect the work he does do; I'm just stating the only thing which changed with Roberts moving away from here was the creation of a new forum. The engine which ran the site, the person who built and maintained the site is still here.
There might be more advertisements now, but Adrian dedicates a lot of his time to the forum and funds it himself. In today's world nothing is free, and if the advertisements bother you, simply ignore them.

Out of curiosity, I'd be interested to read the scientific evidence regarding subliminal messages which you have read, as it contradicts a lot of research into this area. Could you please link to any papers and journals I could read this at please?

[Doringo]

There are no genes for 'SPEND SPEND SPEND' as you put it, and I don't think you offended anyone so you might as well stop jumping to conclusions 

Plus, these advertisements are nothing like the ones you see on radio and television. They don't try to mess with your head in any way; they're just suggesting that if you WANT to read the information and buy the products advertised, then you should click on the link in the advertisement; not a scheme to annoy you on a commercial break so much that you remember the product name when you next go shopping, or anything like that.

I still fail to see these obtrusive and huge advertisments. Care to screenshot any of them?

[Grigori]

If there are advertisements on this forum they are really well hidden because I can't find them 

As for Adrian selling his products well Good for him! He's worked hard to make good products at a good value and has kept this place running for years! He deserves to earn a good living.

[AnonymousPerson69]

Doringo... The genes part was just a metaphor, don't take it literally 

Once again, I think Adrian is doing a good job in respects to keeping the website going and putting alot of time into it, but then, hasn't this engine been designed by someone else? doesn't users help to mod the forum?  Of course he puts a lot of effort into the information and advertisements that go into selling he's products, that's what makes him money...  And yes, I have nothing against someone wanting to make something of themself.  It's just a shame that he has to include the advertisements the way he does.

See below...

...
As a very special seasonal thank you to valued newsletter subscribers, I am delighted to offer you the opportunity of purchasing two of my most popular book collections for the price of one. This opportunity will only be available until midnight, 1 January, 2007.  'This makes people feel they should order because they could be missing out on a once in a life time deal. This technique is used all over the world and is the reason why so many people are in debt.
The Outstanding Public Debt as of 04 Jan 2007 is 8,681,090,779,524.64.
The estimated population of the United States is 300,630,231 so each citizen's share of this debt is $28,876.31. The National Debt has continued to increase an average of
$1.80 billion per day since September 29, 2006! 
The techniques Adrian uses SPECIAL OFFERS, LAST MINUTE DEALS (BOLD and in RED WRITING) to me, are very negative.  Call it, clever psychology...'.

For $67 you will receive both the Mind Power Book and Developing Psychic Powers libraries normally $67 each thereby effectively receiving one library for free.  'One again, people feel they're saving money. Perhaps they are, but then, do they really need this extra stuff and can they really afford it.  Some people can of course, but some people don't know when to stop spending. They're consumed by the power of advertising.

The total individual product value for both libraries combined, together with all of the gifts and discounts would be $252; all yours for just $67 until 1 January 2007.....  'Here's the summarization, YOU GET $252 POUNDS WORTH OF PRODUCTS ALL FOR THE PRICE OF $67.  Wow, I must order this before 1st January.

'It's interesting that he uses repetitive words that people may digest subconsciously, but that which has a profound influence on the outcome of peoples buying decisions. Like; 'many people', 'great demand', 'Opportunity', available until, 'Should be $$$, instead you're getting it for $$' etc...  As Adrian knows quite well - Small words can have a SIGNIFICANT affect'.

If you already own either Developing Psychic Powers or Mind Power Books of course I still wish you to benefit from this opportunity as well. Therefore if you send me an message to: adrian@ourultimatereality.com letting me know which package you previously purchased, on what date and with what email address; you may obtain the other package for only $37. 
'Sometimes people don't think or see things until it's mentioned.  Have a look at how Adrian words his emails, look at the words used to advertise his products, and how every enticing paragraph links to buying his books.

'His book covers - so I believe - how one can become more prosperous.  Well, quite clearly he knows and uses certain secrets not mentioned in his books'.

I'm a vegetarian and I drive a Hybrid car.  I take great comfort in knowing, ONE; I don't eat poor defenceless animals. Two; I'm doing my part to save mother earth.  However, what if I started driving petrol cars without the green hybrid system, or I was tempted to start eating meat? What happens to those morals and values I so proudly once displayed. Am I weak, enticed by the temptation. What's the consequence of subjectively, how I perceive my morals and values and how the world now perceives me, or how I perceive the world to perceive me?  This is just an Analogy...

'An AMAZING DEAL.............................'

Newsletter Subscriber Seasonal Thank You

Mind Power Books: Normal Special Offer Value $67

Full details: http://www.mindpowerbooks.com

Mind Power Books: 28 most powerful success books ever, normally $67

Mind Power Classics book collection, normally $37

All future additions to the Mind Power Books library, normally $30

Developing Psychic Powers: Normal Special Offer Value $67

Full details: http://www.developingpsychicpowers.com

Psychic Power Secrets, normally $37

Clairvoyance Power Secrets, normally $37

Telekinesis Power Secrets, normally $37

Psychomancy Power Secrets, normally $37

Mental Power Secrets, normally $37

Total Package Value $252, For Only $67, Saving $185

Please note: This special opportunity must end at midnight 1 January 2007
...

Perhaps I'm to cynical and look into things much to deeply.  Or perhaps, I'm not naive.

Please don't take what I say above the wrong way... Try and understand what I'm saying without becoming annoyed by it.  There was a reason I had to post this (personal reason), and it wasn't to give Adrian bad press or to rise conflict.  It's something I feel and that I needed to express, nothing more, nothing less.  I hope Adrian does make lots of money from his books. I also hope people don't get into financial trouble by the techniques used. 

Love and peace

[Novice]

I agree with your thoughts on advertising -- I personally do not buy anything on advertising. I watch one hour of tv a week and then I always mute the commercials. Can't stand them! 

The method of advertising Adrian has chosen to use to sell his books also does not work for me. But that is a personal choice. Just as it was Adrian's choice to use them. Everyone is different and Adrian is doing what he feels works best for him, none of us can do anything except that.

This website is here to promote spiritual growth and to make people think in ways perhaps people in society today, couldn't possibly conceive.  Is it therefore right to use the same socially constructed tactics world is using today, that quite clearly isn't right and that in balance, is making consumers immensely indebt.  Is that good Karma and does it strike a long term negative imbalance?

Hmm...not that I'm playing devi's advocate here (although I do enjoy doing that), but perhaps you already answered your own question? Human consumption is rampant in all areas of our lives, and our financial debt has increased accordingly. However, no one is forcing you to act on the marketing. No one holds a gun to your head and forces you to buy the object that is only available for two more days or else you die.

We feel pressure everywhere in life, in all things and in many different ways. Part of living is learning to deal with pressure the best way we can. It all boils down to self-control and will-power. Every failure is a weakness in ourselves that needs to be addressed. Removing the advertising does not improve our self-control or empower us with stronger wills. All it does is remove a catalyst, not solve the problem.

So, to use your quote, perhaps by helping people to think in new ways, Adrian is helping them to establish more self-control and more will-power? This, in turn, would allow them to think 'outside of society's norm' by giving them the ability to "just say 'no'." This is purely my opinion and I'm pretty sure that Adrian was not thinking in those terms, but this is my point of view on the matter.

I personally get really tired of people pointing fingers everywhere but never at themselves. I think there is such a huge lack of personal responsibility, at least in the US, that it is alarming. My kids know better than to come to me with "John made me ...." No one makes you do anything; ever. ALWAYS it is the individual that CHOOSES the action. There is always at least two choices in every situation. It is impossible not to have at least two choices. And you can choose to succomb to the seductive promises of marketing and advertising or you can choose to turn away and not spend your money. But regardless of the decision you make, do not pass responsibility for it on anyone else.

As for the advverisements here, as mentioned earlier there are no pop-ups, permanent ads along the borders, logos for products, sponsorships that flash and glow or are animated and try to catch your attention. There are several stickies at the tops of the forums. If you aren't interested do not click on the topic. If you never click on those topics, you will never see adverising on this forum.

to reiterate, I do agree with you that adverising and consumer debt is seriously out of control. But as with all things in life, it boils down to a person's ability to exercise control over themselves and their actions. I look at it as one of those temptations in life. Each time you pass it by, it makes you stronger and more able to pass by the next one. The problem is most people never think of it that way.

[Hannah b]

Hello AnonymousPerson69,

I see your point, it's the way the products are being advertised that bothers you, yes? I somehow agree, but still, I can't really say that the advertisements are "in my face"..nor that I find it wrong for Adrian to be advertising hi products on his own website. You haven't offended my feelings in any way, don't worry  .

[AnonymousPerson69]

Hello NodesOfYesod,

I don't quite understand your post...  My thoughts were to do with the method of advertising in the emails and main astral pulse homepage and not so-much the forums...  I feel personally that his methods of advertising are to excessive and trick people into buying his products by using clever psychology which is being used throughout the world (Tele Adverts, Posters, news paper, magazines etc).   I know I don't have to put up with it, that's why I decided to post this topic in the forums.

Regarding your suggestion, 'why don't you spend a few weeks coming up with a NEW way to advertise his products that are more exciting and less MC Donnalds and send him the ideas'.  If I had 2 weeks spare, I probably would... But then I've already given my suggestions in my previous posts.  Just have less advertisements that are intentionally there to entice.  Yes, people have FREE WILL and can make choices. But, people's free will is far to often clouded nowadays by the advertisements.  So do people really have free will/choice? Most of us, not all - that has to be made clear - are very weak and can't make our own decisions, we instead let the advertisements make them for us.  If the adverts wasn't their in the first place, people wouldn't feel the temptation and free choice wouldn't be clouded.

[Stookie]

If the adverts wasn't their in the first place, people wouldn't feel the temptation and free choice wouldn't be clouded.

Without advertisements, no one would be able to sell their products. I agree about there being a rediculous amount of commercialism/marketing/brainwashing in society today, but you can't just say "don't advertise". It's the small, independent people (such as Adrian) who rely on it to compete with the large corporations who force small independents out of business. If anything, it's important to let people know that there are options, that you don't have to buy everything at Wal-Mart, and that owning an internet forum is a great, cheap way to advertise something unique that can't be found in your corporate-owned department store.

Shop small business! Boycott Wal-Mart! Listen to & buy independent music! Let the small-guy have a chance.

[Nay]

*sniff, sniff*  I like Walmart, I have no problem with their prices at all, infact being the mother of three and having to price comparison shop, I'd say that have the cheapest prices.  Kinda hard to shop online and then wait for something to come in the mail when you need it right then.

Apples and oranges I suppose.

[Stookie]

Walmart has cheap prices at the expense of the little guy, on a world-wide scale. Their products are cheaply made in 3rd world countries by underpaid, overworked people, and sometimes even children. The pants you can buy at Walmart for $12 dollars is equal to a one month salary for some of these people.

Plus, Walmart runs small mom & pop stores out of business. They move into a small town, open up a super-center, and the privately owned businesses can't keep up and are forced to close. Walmart says they provide new jobs in those areas, but those jobs are low-paying with little or no benefits. With more stores like Walmart opening all the time, there is little room for small business, hence little to choose from. Without small business, we start to lose the freedom as to where and who we purchase from, making the poor poorer and the rich richer. Take a look at Walmart CEO bonuses.

And for me, it's become personal. My aunt's father-in-law was in a Walmart shopping and fell and broke his hip. The manager refused to call an ambulance, had employees put him in wheelchair, wheel him to his car and told him to leave with no intention of further help. He did not want to deal with it. They are now in a lawsuit which they probably won't win because those rich losers at Walmart have hefty lawyers.

But it is convenient.

(No offense to Walmart shoppers, my mom and I are the only people I know who refuse to shop there. My dad goes behind her back )

[Nay]

LOL.. I didn't expect such a long response.  No offense taken, everyone has their likes and dislikes.  Just because I like it doesn't mean I'm any less of a caring person and I'm out to get the little guys.

Sorry about your relative, I'd like to think that not all Walmarts are run by the same kind of people, but who knows.  I will say that I would have layed down in the middle of the floor and refused to budge until someone helped by calling the ambulance and the cops took a report, but I'm pushy like that.

[Stookie]

LOL!  sorry, I get little chance to rant about something, I had to run with it.

[Nay]

LOL.. run Stookie run!  Believe me, I know the urge of having to rant. 

[AnonymousPerson69]

Since when did walmart become the topic of debate?  hmmmmmmm.... 

Anyway, back to advertisements.......... They are bad and that's the end of it 
Ohh, and you're right - subliminal messages don't work, therefore...

EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC, EAT ORGANIC,

After I count to 3, you will forget about what you've just read ABOVE, but it will always be at the back of your mind, also, you will agree with everything I've said.  1..........2................3. 

[Nay]

Since when did walmart become the topic of debate?  hmmmmmmm....

Hmmmm.. I suppose when it changed to that.  I don't want to make you feel unwelcomed but there is really only so much you can say to address your thoughts on the topic without it seeming like you are attacking, ya know what I mean?

You've expressed your views, people have commented, let's talk about something fun.

Organic...bah humbug.

[Doringo]

That's not a subliminal message.

Simple repetition of something has never been disproving but the whole "HUNGRY-EAT POPCORN!" thing that got flashed past a test subject's eyes too fast for them to notice, or whispering "buy coca-cola" backwards is a subliminal message.

And it doesn't work.

[AnonymousPerson69]

Nay, I was only joking.......... If someone wants to write something further regarding the subject, I'll reply with my opinions, otherwise, I will not.   

Doringo, I know writing something like, 'EAT ORGANIC' isn't subliminal, so thanks for the info.  What I was getting at - which you didn't quite understand - was that after I count to 3 you'll forget the above, so in essence, it's one form of subliminal message. 

And if you don't think Subliminal messages work, perhaps you should speak to Adrian and let him down gently, because he advertises them in his Mind Power books. 

You guys are to quick to reply without first considering the changes in my tone construction and metaphorical symbolic annotations.

[Nay]

Nay, I was only joking.......... If someone wants to write something further regarding the subject, I'll reply with my opinions, otherwise, I will not.

Do I know you?  Not many ppl call me Nay these days.  I'm sorry I failed to see your humor and no need to get rude with the rolling of the eyes.  Maybe we can talk about people with control issues or have problems with authority figures.  I enjoy that topic.

You guys are to quick to reply without first considering the changes in my tone construction and metaphorical symbolic annotations.

Metaphorical symbolic annotations?  LOL.. someone swallowed a dictionary this morning.  About those control issues........