APRNEWS - Whether as a means of exerting pressure for ideological, political, economic or social ends, boycotts are part and parcel of contemporary citizen and activist movements. A long-standing means of popular protest, it is now enjoying a remarkable revival, particularly in the consumer sphere. However, its vocation is often betrayed when it is used as a means of settling personal scores. That said, while boycotts may seem easy and inexpensive to implement, their success depends on many factors. This makes it a double-edged sword.