What is Deceptive?

By: Mr. Wilson on August 22, 2007
When it comes to advertising practices, what is deceptive? Is it deceptive to advertise that a certain price comes with limitations? How clear must the limitations be? How much responsibility falls upon the customer? I really want to know your thoughts. Attorney General Jon Bruning thinks the bozo gas station owners along I-80 in central and western Nebraska may be committing a crime. But I don't take his opinion on this very seriously; he is running for public office, after all. (Not that I would accuse Mr. Bruning of allowing his future job aspirations to control his decisions at his current job. No, politicians never do things like that.) These are our laws we're talking about here. Where do we want to draw the line between deceptive advertising and caveat emptor?

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

Mr. T
August 22, 2007 at 1:58PM

Bruning is in a damned if you do damned if you don’t position here. My understanding of the situation is that - yes - this has been happening for some time, but its only been recently that a critical mass of people have been writing letters to him and others. I believe this email that has been referenced in the two stories was only sent out a month or so ago (I know someone who knows the woman that sent it out). So it could very well be that his office is only now getting wind of this. Correct me if I’m wrong if anyone knows. So he will have his detractors that will say he is doing this too late, or only for political gain.

Getting to your question, I think the practice is deceptive. It creates a reasonable perception that the price for gas is what the (big) sign says. As much as it pains me, I agree with Bruning on this one.

Dave K
August 22, 2007 at 3:13PM

Politicians actually do things to help them get elected?  You’re kidding!  Every time a Republican does something that appeals to voters, he or she is “just doing whatever it takes to get votes”.  However, when a Democrat does things to get votes, he’s “reaching out” and “representing Nebraska well”.  Ben Nelson is the epitome of doing whatever it takes to get elected, yet he never gets questioned about his motives like Bruning or other Republicans.  What gives? (Rhetorical question).

Mr. Wilson
August 22, 2007 at 3:24PM

Sheesh, Dave K, your orthopedist must love you. As quickly as you jerk that knee, I would think you’d have all kinds of joint issues by now.

But what the heck, I’ll humor you: Yes, Democrats do it, too. I don’t believe I have ever—as in, in my entire life—said otherwise. If somebody else has claimed that, he is a fool. But you’ll have to go take that up with him.

Now, can we get back to the questions at hand? (Not one of which has anything to do with anybody’s party affiliation, I should note.)

Dave K
August 22, 2007 at 3:55PM

Pot, meet kettle when it comes to knee-jerking in this thread.  A knee-jerk response prompted my response so I guess that makes us even.

I’m not saying you’ve ever said Democrats aren’t politically motivated.  But if you can refer me to posts you’ve made about Ben Nelson and in the same text box mentioned that his main motivation is getting elected, I’d be interested in reading them.

 

(And I haven’t seen the orthopaedist in months—the knee is doing just fine.  No, that doesn’t mean I will be officiating soccer any time soon. 😉)

foxspit
August 22, 2007 at 6:12PM

I’m with Mr. T. It pains me to agree with Bruning on this one but it is deceptive. The degree to which deceptive advertising is legal or illegal is probably up to debate though.

I was unaware that gas stations were advertising one price then only putting that price on one or two pumps. To me that is deceptive.

Just like stores that offer a loss leader to get people in the store but then only have a few of the sale items in stock.

I’m glad that Bruning is investigating this practice.

Bruning4Senate
August 23, 2007 at 6:42PM

I too am glad that Bruning is investigating this gas price practice and he has put an end to it!

He listened and responded to many complaints to his office and HE DID HIS JOB!

Dave K
August 23, 2007 at 7:02PM

Finally, an unbiased opinion!

Fletch
August 24, 2007 at 4:06PM

It’s a completely deceptive practice and will hurt business in the North Platte area as many have already stated they will no longer stop there for gas - which means no sodas, snacks, and other junk, either. North Platte thrives on tourism dollars. To those out of state guests, it gives all of us dear Nebraskans a bad name. I think it’s right on the money, and the politics behind it never occured to me.

Share your thoughts with the community.

Commenting is no longer permitted on this post.