That's a strawman. (And wow, am I surprised to be able to say that to anyone on HN). What's actually argued is advertisements aren't 100% effective, in that th

That's a strawman. (And wow, am I surprised to be able to say that to anyone on HN). What's actually argued is advertisements aren't 100% effective, in that they can't force you to purchase a product as a mind-controller. Ads let you know a product exists, may convince you that it's worthwhile or better than competitors, and offer reminders to keep the idea of the product on your mind. However, that's all the same things a carefully crafted in person sales-pitch could do, and sales pitches aren't mind-control even though they are far far more effective than any number of internet banner ads can be.