Is it ethical to manufacture comments to one's blog?

My guess is that the answer depends on the form and degree of manufacture that occurs.

On the "innocent" end of the spectrum, asking people to read and contribute to your blog discussion seems acceptable (though mildly desperate). A blogger becomes more culpable when s/he solicits comments from strangers -- this is akin to "cold calling" or bulk emailing your resume. Then again, some may see this strategy as valid self-promotion.

When a blogger routinely post comments to his/her own blog using a pseudonym, I think the practice has reached unethical deception. This issue brings up a recent case in California, Rezec v. Sony Pictures, where Sony manufactured movie quotes from a film critic who doesn't exist. The fictitious reporter, Dave "Everyman" Manning, would say stuff like, "One hell of a techo-effects thrill ride!" in promotional materials for Sony films. But I digress...

Most bloggers thrive on attention, and it's no fun talking to the wind. In a way, comments validate the posts.

So, who knows the secret to getting real blog posts? (ah, the old end-the-post-with-a-question technique)