As a Blogger, I see Microsoft’s gifting of their Acer Ferrari laptop complete with Windows Vista to select Bloggers just another day in the world of “Review me” and word of mouth advertising in the blogosphere. Many don’t feel the same way, stating that it is outright bribery. The laptops received came during the height of the Holiday season and many Bloggers feel that these “gifts” are unethical. As I’m sure you know from my previous posts on this topic, I completely disagree.
As, LongZheng, one of the Blogger’s on the receiving end noted, “Windows Vista is launching in 30 days.” My question is, why wouldn’t Microsoft want to create a buzz about a brand new product and operating system soon to launch among tech Bloggers? I understand why Microsoft did it, as I received Max Factor’s Volume Couture Mascara a few weeks ago. It is a product that is only available come January. My job was to test it out and write a review. Obviously the company that sent it was hoping for a good review and to help generate the buzz about it prior to launch. The difference in the price tag of a bottle of mascara and a laptop is quite large, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that companies want to find new ways of creating product buzz prior to and after a product is out on the market. By sending the laptop to only a select few Bloggers, generates even more buzz and you get the various views on how the system works from real people, not advertisers, using the product. Is it because this product to review had a high-end price tag? If Microsoft sent a $20 product, would those tech Bloggers still feel it was a case of bribery?
The Blogger’s were also told they could disclose that they were given the laptop, but they were not required to. They were told they didn’t have to blog about their experience using the laptop, but that the firm hoped they would. If I received the laptop, I would still feel the pressure to review it regardless if the firm sending it said it wasn’t necessary. Common sense says that they are sending it because they want it reviewed, not simply because they are being kind. However, it still wouldn’t impede on my honest review of the product.
What do you think? If you receive free products from a company, do you feel the pressure to write a good review? Does it matter the price tag associated with the free product? Lend your thoughts in the comments.
Posted by Shannon Nelson on January 1, 2006 9:47 PM
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