So I know there’s something of an undercurrent against the whole pay-per-post issue in the blogosphere and how it compromises journalistic integrity, honesty and truthfullness. Today I came across an example of how it can be done in a clever, funny and entertaining way, with full disclosure. OK technically they didn’t get paid in cash but they did get two $320 dinners for free, but let’s not quibble over the details. Did the restaurant owner get his $640 worth, you bet. Did the reviewer compromise his integrity, nope. Will you the reader be entertained, you bet … everybody wins.
The Amateur Gourmet: Chutzpah, Truffles & Alain Ducasse
hat tip to Guy Kawasaki
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{ 6 comments }
I think what was key in that pseudo-payperpost was the fact that Adam didn’t actually advocate or not advocate going to the restaurant. He merely documented his experiences (in a great cartoon format) and let the reader reach his or her own conclusion based on his anecdote – you can’t claim that someone’s opinion was biased by money (or gifts) when they really don’t overtly give an opinion.
He earned his “commission” measured in terms of the value of the time he spent crafting “the story”. Gauging the amount of work I’d say it would have been more profitable for him to have shoveled snow than to have accepted the gift. OTOH again, the buzz factor payoff must be considered . . . . plus he does offer images to validate the value of the $300+ experience. If I’m going to pay $300+ for pleasure then seeing images of that which is to pleasure me, in advance, may be an inducement to invest. (I am talking of resort vacations, and the like, here.)
Is it really such a big deal to promote something on your blog? We’re all adults here. We’re capable of making our own opinions even if someone claims that a product is good or bad.
I don’t think that paid promotion on a blog is bad at all. We’ve all got to make money somehow
G-Man
Wow… thats a nice story, I can see this only becoming a more popular trend in months to come. Blogging is finally becoming mainstream with the help of big corporate giants like Coke, Yalumba and not to mention the ‘oodles’ of marketing firms joining in.
I think Geoff and Jeff are both right – the benefits of promotional blogging can be quite mutually helpful for businesses, bloggers and readers alike. Afterall, many of the most valuable things are also quite expensive (contrary to popular sayings) and we need authorities and figureheads to show us where the goods are.
I also have to agree with your post title though. PPP blogs probably can’t be trusted. Depending on the intent of the blogger, if their sole aim is to earn a buck with every post, then they probably won’t be writing for the right purposes. If managed properly though, recruiting bloggers to write for you can be done in a much easier and beneficial way.
For instance, I write for Yaro Starak over at SmallBusinessBranding.com and we don’t get paid cash in hand, we just enjoy fringe benefits like the exposure, our blurbs, our sponsors and anyone who wishes to offer us an opportunity. IMO this is a much more refined way to encourage writers on a blog.
Robert.
The new payola?
I agree Geoff is correct.
I think that it is up to the individual.
Paid blogs is another good way of making a dollar in a very competitive marketplace.
Regards
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