I agree @m-ssed-t.

We need to define advertising although we could take the approach it is all advertising. Arent many of us on here building a brand through out writings and interactions? Hence, when we go out "promoting" ourselves via networking, arent we doing the same thing? Sure it isnt a pop up ad, but we are still trying to attract people to our blog (which can have a monetary value).

As for the first part, certainly there is nothing wrong with that. I think smart companies/individuals do that...mix the promotion in with the story line.