To me, it was gross when I first learned about it, and it remains gross today. Just because approximately everyone[0] seems to be doing it, doesn't mean it's right.
Now, I would have less of a problem with this, if all the founders and CEOs would openly admit, "this is how business works", "we do what we must", or "we don't call someone a business shark for being nice and friendly to the fish". But they don't. Instead, they go on stage or order press releases and creation of blog posts and other content, talking about changing the world for the better, about excellence, moral virtues, diversity, inclusion, responsibility, sustainability.
It's all bullshit. Why should I believe they mean it, when they have a long history of lying to or bullshitting people, dating all the way to the first days of their companies, and they're 100% fine with it?
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[0] - At least in the group of companies that would be discussed on HN and similar places.
I don't expect CEO's mean anything they say. But I do think this infraction is minor compared to everything else that goes on. Overall, I agree with you.
Now, I would have less of a problem with this, if all the founders and CEOs would openly admit, "this is how business works", "we do what we must", or "we don't call someone a business shark for being nice and friendly to the fish". But they don't. Instead, they go on stage or order press releases and creation of blog posts and other content, talking about changing the world for the better, about excellence, moral virtues, diversity, inclusion, responsibility, sustainability.
It's all bullshit. Why should I believe they mean it, when they have a long history of lying to or bullshitting people, dating all the way to the first days of their companies, and they're 100% fine with it?
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[0] - At least in the group of companies that would be discussed on HN and similar places.