Some say they do not want to finance the police who pester them.

ECONOMIST: A ticket to prosperity

But successive studies have shown that the commercialisation of childhood - not to mention the ever-present fear of pester power - are serious concerns for parents.

BBC: Is Mr Potato Head to blame for 'pester power' ads?

Those who believe that doctors do not keep up with medical developments are also using the web to pester scientists directly.

ECONOMIST: Go on, it��s good for you