‘No excuse’ for marketing ploy

EDITOR,
I was shocked and appalled at the ad by dentist Max Ebrahimian in the June 19 Press-Banner using the tragic death of Tim Russert as a marketing ploy. It was made worse by printing a picture of Mr. Russert. Whether or not Mr. Russert had good dental care — and he probably did — using his death to gain more customers is disgusting.
From a business standpoint, what person would be so insensitive to look at this ad and think: This is a good reason to get my dental work done by this dentist.
I know that many medical professionals are “inspired” by marketing seminars to use this kind of tactic, but it just reeks in every way possible.
And, for the record, no matter how much the Press-Banner needed the ad revenue, there is no excuse for accepting this type of advertising.
Karen Diamond, Scotts Valley
Editor’s note: While we exercise judgment to determine what appears in our news columns, advertising is different. An advertiser who pays for space is free to publish any message short of libel or lawbreaking.