>Betty’s people paid critics for good reviews, leaked his letters to the press, and authorized production of medallions, snuff boxes, coffee cups, and other merchandise. Theaters probably also used tricks to inflate the reception Betty received, like strategically placing ringers in the audience to cheer for him.<p>It's always good to realise we aren't so much different from our previous generation. If anything, we just do what they did faster and with a greater impact on the world, for better or worse.