[BC] License / Format to Mint Money

[R J Carpenter]

This past Monday's Washington Post business section had a feature 
article about advertising by companies seeking major Federal 
contracts.  Most are military or HSA contracts.

I know the Post frequently carries one- or two-page ads of this type.

What caught my attention was that it was claimed that this type of ad 
has now replaced car dealer ads as the highest-billing category at 
all-news WTOP.  Similar ads are placed on sports stations, etc.

The point made was that preparation of bids for the contracts often 
costs a million dollars so that1% of that spent on ads to reach the 
"right" 50 people can be worth it.  Federal rules prevent wining and 
dining the contracting people and are generally observed.  A number of 
Congressmen play by different rules if we are to believe recent news 
stories, indictments and confessions.

So WTOP (especially) has created a product which sells to outfits 
trying to win contracts.

bob c.