This is probably a hint I should take that I watch too much TV, but the commercials that come on the tube that don't sell anything are starting to really get on my nerves. There's the BP ads that tell me how many millions or billions they're investing in such and such new fuel sources and interview adverage Joes and Janes about what they think should be done (yes, I'm sure they're educated on the subject...).

Then there's the BMW etc. commercials that are advertising that they're working on fuel cell powered cars and are asking little kids questions about them. Um, ok. Once you're selling them, get back to me.

What they're selling is a corporate image of being concerned about the environment. Image and public perceptions are important. They're also selling the idea that they'd be a good investment because they're looking "beyond petroleum" (to use BP's tagline). They no doubt also hope that those people who're very concerned about the environment will buy their products instead of their competitors. It's an indirect form of sales message but it happens all the time. "Buy my stuff because I care!"