I am very cynical of the whole corporate world. But usually alternate to corporate world is government. And government is even worse. Corporate structure is at least organized, effecient and somewhat honest in their greed. But governments are chaotic, ineffecient and masters of double speak. So for common citizens it is between devil and deep sea.
Among corporates I have never really seen value in most of the high end financial sector - all the derivatives, structuring, quant desk whatever. Apparently they are supposed to manage the flow of wealth in the complex world and ensure money is spent in areas of maximum benefit to mankind. Theoretically it makes sense. But in practice the underlying assumptions on which the financial structure is build are pereverse and makes them do the opposite - the America real estate burst being prominent example.
At an individual level, yes - the exact workings of these instruments are beyond the comprehension of common man. So common man investing in them is just like blind gambling. Many part time agents of these companies are ill qualified people who promise heaven and earth to just get business. In my opinion, best to avoid and go for bank deposits and if more risk apetite shares of sound companies that have delivered good results over the years.
As far as advertising, yes. I stopped all contests for this reason. I have decided I will not allow any kind of advertising on my blog, except maybe really genuine social causes.
