Also, some companies that developers work for use somewhat similar psychological tactics to pressure their employees into working 100-hour weeks (thus keeping them isolated from the outside world). While they probably don't go as far as beatings and imprisonment, managers have certainly been known to use intense psychological pressure and public humiliation to ensure that employees devote their lives to their jobs. I realize that this analogy between corporations and religious cults isn't precise, but it may still be worth exploring.

Ha. That's funny, but I do get the impression that you are trolling me. Either way, good one. Yes, let's take inspiration from these interrogation/torture cells and channel it into our new UI/UX. I call this new layout Stockholm.

Do you really see no correlation in the knowledge used to build a religion vs a brand? The outcome is certainly different but your leveraging very similar concepts in both activities.

I don't. If you get that correlation, and it is helping you with your branding, then I guess good for you. I just feel that this article is off topic for HN.