This reminds me of a "finder's fee", where you pay someone for recommending your product. It's similar, because the recommender has an incentive to promote your

This reminds me of a "finder's fee", where you pay someone for recommending your product. It's similar, because the recommender has an incentive to promote your product, regardless of whether it is appropriate for the buyer or not. I know these kinds of arrangements are common, and they form a nicely logical model - but I don't like the moral hazard. It also reminds me of advertising-supported media (free to air TV, newspapers, magazines, and of course... google's internet), in that there are two parties who may collude to the detriment of the consumer. So, you have "advertorial", that appears to be impartial, but isn't; and advertiser-friendly news stories and angles. Have you noticed how the Simpsons and Futurama depict drinking alcohol? Have you ever thought "I wouldn't mind a drink" while watching? Advertiser-friendly. Even Sponge-bob square-pants features burgers prominently. And that's just for cartoons! What to do about VISA... Protest? Buy stock? http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=V&t=2y http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=V&t=2y Or start-up a competing transaction provider? (e.g. Paypal).