Comments on: Blogging, Reviews, and Transparency

By: Jessica - Jessica Knows

Jessica - Jessica Knows — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Great post. People are acting like blogging is so different from traditional media.
It is. And it isn’t.
Didn’t our moms always tell us not to believe everything we read in the paper or see on TV?
Everything is open to interpretation. Bloggers can’t go wrong if they let a strong sense of integrity and an authentic voice lead their actions.
Now, if only we could get the Wall Street Journal to disclose and be transparent about the articles they’re actually writing…because the article that came out is not what the reporter told me it was going to be.

You rock (and psssst…you are big time!)

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:32:00 +0000

I think I tend to get more value from blogs and personal review sites for information on products.

Like the post explains, there could be hidden motives and agendas.

By: Buck Rogers

Buck Rogers — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0000

I 100% agree with everything you said. I might not have ever heard of Boogie Wipes if not for a a blog or Pineapple Jerky! If I am not interested I move onto the next blog

By: Miranda

Miranda — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:57:00 +0000

I definitely don’t mind posting product reviews or reading them. Because of other bloggers I’ve learned about some really great products I might not have known about before. When it comes gift time for my kids I always have a go-to list thanks to that. I see absolutely nothing wrong with it.. it’s like any other blog post really- if they don’t want to read it go on to the next post.

By: Buck Rogers

Buck Rogers — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:30:00 +0000

I do blog my own thoughts. I have no problem doing a negative review and have no problem being truthful. If a company doesn’t want a negative review than I say make a product/service that is good.

I read Chris Brogran’s K-Mart post and really had no problem with it. I thought it was fair and balanced.

By: EcoMemphis

EcoMemphis — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:52:00 +0000

I think a single statement you made is indeed the point. Radio and print advertising are dying – because consumers can’t trust the ads. Journalism is changing since readers can’t trust the motivations of the editor (ie, who his golfing buddy is, or who is a large advertiser and how that changes editorial). According to Forrester research, readers don’t really trust corporate blogs.

Your readers need to be able to trust you. Not only which products are good, but also which products you would not recommend. Personally, I don’t care that you’re paid to review, but I think you ought to blog your own thoughts – not what your sponsor want you to say.

Not too long ago, Chris Brogan was publicly slammed because of his K-Mart post. I’m not sure why. He wasn’t totally positive of his review. Among other points, he mentioned the only thing he bought that HE would actually wear were Joe Boxer underwear.