I would not say that we have an objection to embedded commands, as such.
There are two aspects of embedded commands that we feel merit further conversation, rather than out-right objection or promotion. The first is the version of analogue marking where individual words are highlighted in a sentence to encourage someone to, for example, scratch…their…nose. I feel that this is the least useful application of embedded commands, though it is sometimes taught as a ninja-level covert technique that only the very best will master. When I come across such teaching, I almost always feel compelled to raise my hand, not to scratch my nose, but to suggest that the Emperor has no clothes on.
Secondly, the general power of embedded commands can be exaggerated. Just because your hide a sentence within a paragraph does not guarantee that it will be acted on any more than any other sentence in the paragraph. People will vary on this, depending on their understanding of the subconscious mind, but if suggestions/commands to the subconscious were as automatic as some people believe then subliminal advertising would be more successful.
Actually, advertising provides us with a useful example of the difference between an embedded idea and an embedded command. Think of an advert for a soda drink. It might show a hot sweltering day, with sweat running down people’s necks. Linked perfectly to that will be the image of cool water dripping down the side of a cold can. We will then undoubtedly be treated to the sound of the can being opened – tisssssk – and see the relief on someone’s face as they drink it, perhaps along with the sound of them swallowing.
They can be effective adverts and even the sound of the drink being opened can be enough to make us think, “Ooh, I could really do with a drink.” Add in all of the other elements, and you have the rather unsubtle embedded ideas that you are thirsty and buy this drink now! However, some variations of embedded commands are presented as if your subconscious mind hears the tisssssk and responds like an automaton – “I MUST BUY THIS DRINK!” I would suggest that at the subconscious level, there may be thoughts like, “I’m thirsty,” or “A drink would be really refreshing right now,” but there is still no automatic guarantee of any command or suggestion being acted upon.
If this rather long-winded explanation has not defended our preference for embedded ideas, it is worth bearing in mind that this is mostly just a matter of preference and style, along with some questions about the more outlandish claims sometimes made.
