"whispering campaign" goes positive

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Jonathan Lighter wrote:
>
> A couple of nights ago _All Things Considered_ mentioned
> some company or band, etc., that's forgoing paid advertisements
> for a "whispering campaign": i.e., word-of-mouth recommendations,
> not untraceable, scandalous allegations.

Here is another instance of whispering campaign that fits Jon's
example. It is even referred to as an "old-fashioned whispering
campaign".

Title: Music: The Business: The Essential Guide to the Law and the Deals
Author: Ann Harrison
Publisher: Random House
Year: 2011
Page: 175
(Unverified Google Books match; Data may be inaccurate)

[Begin extracted text]
There are now specialist marketing people who employ what are called
viral marketing techniques — a bit like an old-fashioned whispering
campaign where individuals are employed to 'hit' certain websites. to
tell their mates about tracks they've heard or videos they've watched
on YouTube, to spread the word about 'secret' gigs through SMS text
messages. These people can be employed under a contract just like any
other marketing person either on a flat fee (with or without a
retainer) or by results.
[End extracted text]

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