or 
These two are actually more alike than Artist knows.
In other news, I have set up subscriptions! If you’d like to feed the jaguars weekly or monthly without having to remember to do so, now you can sign up to do it automagically. Check out the options, I think you’ll appreciate the silly in the drop-down boxes even if you don’t use them!
I sorta see it as a story is something that people know to be false, but try to find the meaning in it. On the contrary, a lie is something false that people do not know is so, and thus cannot find the proper meaning in it. Just my two cents.
I’ve had Artist’s facial expression on occasion.
Artist in Panel #2, expressive ears! ^^
For the record though, the difference between a story and a lie can seem murky but it’s really all a matter of perspective. Consider the old terminology for calling someone a liar. “You telling stories again?” (1950s “Leave it to Beaver” time frame) but that’s usually applied to a child sharing a tale tall enough to be ousted as a lie immediately.
So there’s obviously a connection. However the admission of the fib is in the type of story, the difference between fiction and non-fiction, what we create compared to what is. A story still wants to lead you to a certain thought or pattern of thought, in Hard Sci-Fi this is the entire point, using the realm of the fantastic to examine current or near future problems with a critical eye, and be able to discuss them more easily then one might in the modern day. For a classic and simple example, Bradybury’s Fahrenheit 451 and it’s discussion of censorship. For a more recent example, District 9′s discussion about race, humanity and the nebulous concept of the “other”. (and it even used the lens of post-apartheid South Africa to have that conversation, that’s just ballsy)
Compare this to lying, it is created but it’s purpose from the start is to deceive others for the liar’s purpose, whether it’s to cover up an indiscretion or sell a product.
So the aforementioned Nike ad can be just as much of a lie as Bignamecraftstore’s coupon, it’s just as targeted as the coupon, and just as well designed to work your emotional state over. The desire for self improvement, to live healthier, etc. See the… was it Nike or Reebok… Shape Ups ads from awhile back.
So it all comes down to intent, are you trying to sell a product? Or are you trying to push people towards thoughts and ideas?
Hmm.
I prefer a coupon’s upfront commercialism (including the fact that they markup their regular prices) to an ad for a physical product that’s trying to play on my ideals or emotions. I don’t mind if a book or movie or article tries to appeal to my emotions or my intellect–that’s what those things are for. I do mind if an ad for shoes or shampoo attempts the same thing. My cynical side is always peering over my shoulder, muttering, “They’re just using this to part you with your hard-won cash.”
Simple enough. A story is presented as a story. A lie is presented as a fact, and a popular, sympathy-stirring, or pleasing lie is still a lie.
In the end, the potential buyers have to choose whether the product has more value to them than the money.
For example: I buy somewhat overpriced New Balance shoes because they are made in America, and I like to think I’m helping a fellow American keep his or her job despite being unemployed myself. This is a form of marketing I freely and willingly accepted. Others may not.