They wanted me to discuss my SAMe experience with their research staff and other physicians, and were even more interested in obtaining contact information for my doctors so they could interview them. I felt a quite violated. Their pitch was that I could help so many other people and perhaps re-direct the study, or be the impetus for new warning labels. For weeks I felt guilty because I turned them down. Anyway, Dr. Bob, I just thought you should know that at least one person here has actually been contacted by a major corporation for business purposes based upon a post to a newsgroup dedicated to mental health.
Companies invest millions in public relations and market research.
The vitamin company obviously thought so. I don't view this as a real problem, I guess. And even if it is, I don't think there's anything you personally can do to identify them. I do however think we should acknowledge that various business entities are probably here, at least reading. I'm not sure the answer to that question is a definite no.