CATEGORIES

January 20, 2005

Give Folks Some Credit, Will Ya?

I feel compelled to address the latest shots fired at Marqui courtesy of Jason Calacanis. Now, I could talk at length about how I don't think the blog-pay program is radically different (from an ethical perspective) than advertising (particularly given the current trend toward advertorials) or what often transpires with industry analyst groupsâ€¦but I think these points have been pretty well covered.

Instead, I'd like to ask those critical of the program to start giving the public at least a little credit. Do these critics honestly think that folks are so completely lacking in intelligence that they wouldn't draw a connection between a Marqui logo that clearly states in big bold letters â€œI get paid to talk about Marquiâ€? and an overly favorable write up?

That's the whole reason why the program is structured the way it is. We want bloggers to give their honest assessment of Marqui, and they do -- as clearly evidenced by Molly's latest post which states,

â€œMarqui cannot influence us as writers, and I've actually been one of the least enthusiastic bloggers on the team -- mostly because I'm just not that wow'd by the product. And I'm still getting my check.â€?

Not only do we use this type of feedback to refine our product (for example, we are actively working to address items identified in Robin Good's review), but we also trust that readers or potential customers are smart enough to make the decision that's right for them, based on all of the information available -- good or bad.

Instead of blasting Marqui for its honesty, perhaps Calacanis should be calling for all other companiesâ€¦or political candidatesâ€¦to be as up front in their practices.

Posted by at January 20, 2005