Officials in charge of alternative development stress that they do not promise the farmer the same kind of income as coca offers.

ECONOMIST: A crop that refuses to die

Good publishers find and cultivate writers, some of whom do not initially have much commercial promise.

NEWYORKER: Publish or Perish

Spas and resorts do better when they promise not only relaxation but also recharged batteries.

WSJ: What Chinese Consumers Want

All had to promise not to do drugs, smoke or consume alcohol for at least two months.

FORBES: Somebody cares

His most memorable campaign declaration--his acceptance-speech pledge of "no new taxes"--was a promise not to do something.

CNN: latimes.com: Bush the son uses policy campaign to distance himself from the father

Promise not to do it again and go about your business and do it as soon as possible.

FORBES: When Sovereign Default Is The Most Attractive Option

They get what is essentially a vaguely worded promise to not do that again, or at least, not that same thing, for at least two years.

FORBES: What's Not to "Like"? Plaintiffs' Lawyers Cash in on Facebook Lawsuit

Although brochure headlines might seem to promise big returns, companies do not give guarantees in writing that their sites will ever be developed.

BBC: Have land investors lost the plot?

As a Jesuit priest who has embraced the vow of poverty (not simply a promise as diocesan priests do) he will find ways to restore integrity to Vatican finances.

FORBES: Pope Francis: What Can He Change?

If not, you should reconsider your promise to do it all over again in a year!

FORBES: Living On Bitcoin For A Week: The Expense Report

So I would just suggest to this caucus, if anybody is searching for a lesson from Massachusetts, I promise you the answer is not to do nothing.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Takes Questions from Senate Democrats