microsoft’s plan to kill the blogosphere
With 30.000$ and a little PR, you can do a lot of things.
Microsoft choose the blogger’s path. Sent some letters, sent some 3.000$ laptops packed with Windows Vista and then gave the letters to one that didn’t get one. All hell broke loose, people pointing fingers at Microsoft and at the bloggers, claiming bribery and unethical behavior.
I didn’t get a laptop. If i was considered for one, i would ask some questions. Like “what are the terms”, “why”, “do i have to give it back”, “do i have to disclose”, do i have to write a review”, you know, that sort of things.
But the greedy bloggers grab them and roll with it. Now that is out, they try to weasel out of it.
Marshall K says it almost broke his, cause it didn’t wok. Now it doesn’t work, rite, Apple fanboy? Before people finding out you didn’t consider it…You took it and loved it…
Others gave reviews, most of them good (the laptops are a fine machinery), altought MS did ask them to write, if they will, honestly. Because a honest opinion is worth more then a paid one.
There are many things to consider here.
Companies will always want to send gifts. To keep you informed. It’s their job. And they rely on people’s greed for free stuff. They are not to blame here. The greedy and sneaky bloggers are, ’cause they accept to be the companies little whores.
Eduard, where is my laptop?
Where is your laptop? Ummm… Let me think:
a)did you search for it on your desk? Under your desk? In your kitcken?
b)are you sure you do have a laptop?
c)what makes you think other people would know where you misplace your belongings?
Ok, ok, now seriously: Obviously one can argue on the legitimacy of the PR action pursued by Edelman PR on behalf of Microsoft. I personally consider this action is a very legit PR action.
However, I would consider unethical from a blogger to accept a product in order to blog about it (be that product a laptop, camera, Ferrari - ok, maybe I would change my mind about that Ferrari
I consider a blogger looses credibility in the moment they accept such a gift. Even if they fully disclose what product they accepted, then try to write an objective review, they are making the company a huge PR service: their audience learns about that product (about which they probably wouldn’t have known, wouldn’t be for the laptop the blogger accepted)