Hmmm... this article seems like a real world demonstration of the principles outlined in "Influence:The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini [0]

1. Reciprocity - check 2. Social Proof - check 3. Authority induced bias - check 4. Scarcity - check 5. Commitment and consistency - check

Damn scary how even highly qualified professionals fall prey to the same old tactics.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influence:_Science_and_Practic...