Nvidia viral marketing with AEG exposed !!! *UPDATED* *Poll Added*

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Munky

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Feb 5, 2005
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I see plenty of rabid Nv fanboys around here. But most if not all of them lack the technical knowledge to make a convincing argument or a discussion, and so can be easily dismissed.
 

RussianSensation

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Sep 5, 2003
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Originally posted by: Matt2
I dont have a problem with it.

Like many have said before, people will make their own decisions according to their own research and needs.

I agree. What's the difference between a person promoting a brand for free, or while getting paid for doing so? If they are getting paid $$$ for it, that's business. But it is up to the consumer to decide what the better product is. A wise consumer does not put all his eggs in 1 basket (ie. source). In other words, any other person who is a non-paid employee can spread unsound advice and be biased. An opinion about hardware is still a 'preference' if lacking facts; paid or not.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
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Originally posted by: Killrose
Not sure what you ment by the term tenous or its meaning, you say no offence, so i'll take it that way :)

Maybe we will have little affect on this whole matter, true, but we could very well have an affect the next time nVidia decides to resign the contract with AEG.
It should have been spelled tenuous, and I still meant no offense. I like your attitude about it, very positive, I'm just feeling disenchanted me thinks.



 

Matthias99

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Oct 7, 2003
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Originally posted by: RussianSensation
Originally posted by: Matt2
I dont have a problem with it.

Like many have said before, people will make their own decisions according to their own research and needs.

I agree. What's the difference between a person promoting a brand for free, or while getting paid for doing so? If they are getting paid $$$ for it, that's business. But it is up to the consumer to decide what the better product is. A wise consumer does not put all his eggs in 1 basket (ie. source).

From an objective perspective, there's no real difference. However, a wholesale effort to recruit people to covertly 'sell' a product could skew the overall number of positive and negative opinions that would otherwise be seen about a particular product. Someone who didn't realize such an effort was ongoing might simply think the product was very popular.

From an influence perspective -- the reason viral marketing is used is that people have generally learned not to trust information about a product coming directly from its maker. Obviously, they have an incentive to paint their product in the best light possible.

So-called 'viral' marketing tries to get around this effect by generating word-of-mouth publicity about a product rather than using traditional marketing channels. Think about it: you'd probably be more likely to believe someone you know that recommended a product to you than an ad or a paid salesperson hawking the same thing. The actual techniques used to dissemate such publicity can vary greatly. Some are more ethically questionable than others.

Personally, my problem with the whole NVIDIA/AEG thing is putting the people involved under NDA and preventing them from not only talking about the program, but disclosing their involvement in it. Even if it doesn't really affect their judgement or actions, you're forcing the participants to lie by omission.

They want to give out free hardware? That's great. They want to give people free hardware and ask them to tell their friends about it? No problem. They want to give people hardware, ask them to tell their friends about it, but make them sign a contract that says they won't tell anyone that they got free hardware or that they asked them to tell people about it? I have problems with that.
 

Janooo

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Aug 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: Matthias99
...
They want to give out free hardware? That's great. They want to give people free hardware and ask them to tell their friends about it? No problem. They want to give people hardware, ask them to tell their friends about it, but make them sign a contract that says they won't tell anyone that they got free hardware or that they asked them to tell people about it? I have problems with that.

Not only you but IRS can have a problem as well. This could be considered as barter trading. Taxes are aplicable to any barter trade. :)

 

nRollo

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Jan 11, 2002
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Enough is enough.

We are not under NDA for anything other than disclosing nVidia trade materials.

If someone you knew said their firm is putting together a group of hobbyists that he can get you in, and that you'll have access to pre-NDA material software and information and free or discounted parts, some of you would probably be interested as well.

I know people at nVidia, and AEG, and neither has asked me to post anything other than what I really think about materials both have supplied me.

This idiotic "witch hunt" has gone on long enough.

If I didn't know people at each of these firms, some of the info I've provided you would be meaningless.
 

5150Joker

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Originally posted by: geo1

ChrisRay, who is a familiar name to most graphics community geeks, discusses his involvement in the AEG group: http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=691810&postcount=575


I've known Chris for awhile, he's a decent guy but the fact that he's in AEG makes his opinion much less valid when it comes to discussing ATi vs. nVidia because he has an interest in nVidia. The fact that he admitted he's already an nVidia fan that is in an nVidia focus group (AEG) serves to discredit his opinion more than anything else because he can never be trusted to be neutral or objective. I'm not singling Chris out either, this goes for anyone that is involved with AEG/nVidia. At least Chris was honest enough to come out and disclose he's in AEG, bravo for that.
 

5150Joker

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Originally posted by: Rollo
Enough is enough.

We are not under NDA for anything other than disclosing nVidia trade materials.

If someone you knew said their firm is putting together a group of hobbyists that he can get you in, and that you'll have access to pre-NDA material software and information and free or discounted parts, some of you would probably be interested as well.

I know people at nVidia, and AEG, and neither has asked me to post anything other than what I really think about materials both have supplied me.

This idiotic "witch hunt" has gone on long enough.

If I didn't know people at each of these firms, some of the info I've provided you would be meaningless.


By "we" I take it you mean you are in AEG as well? :Q Well since this is a "coming" out party, who's up next? Wreckage? Cmmmmoooon out...rofl.
 

schtuga

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Dec 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Originally posted by: geo1

ChrisRay, who is a familiar name to most graphics community geeks, discusses his involvement in the AEG group: http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=691810&postcount=575


I've known Chris for awhile, he's a decent guy but the fact that he's in AEG makes his opinion much less valid when it comes to discussing ATi vs. nVidia because he has an interest in nVidia. The fact that he admitted he's already an nVidia fan that is in AEG serves to discredit his opinion more than anything else. At least he was honest enough to come out and disclose he's in AEG, bravo for that.


I agree with you here.

but Chris is a bad example.I mean ,did you ever have doubts he preferred Nvidia before this?

Unless this has been going on for longer than we know about.


Still ,I don't see this as being much different than the elites,macci ,sampsa,kingpin etc.

Aside from how they covertly sneek them in and pass them off as everyday joe guys/basically our peers,so that when they describe the various setups they have,you assume they are familiar with the phrases, what flavor chineese noodle soup tonight,and
I don't know why they call it hamburger helper,it's great just the way it is,and as stated,you know their opinion will be biased,but how could it not be? how could you blame them?


I still have mixed feelings,it's shady,sneeky and underhanded,it's also brilliant marketing.

But could anyone honestly say ,you would turn down the offer as how chris described it?
I can be honest,I wouldn't have turned it down.

for either company,not even hesitate.Instant yes,I'll pimp your stuff.

It's certainly not illegal,it's good business


 

RobertR1

Golden Member
Oct 22, 2004
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Originally posted by: Rollo
Enough is enough.

We are not under NDA for anything other than disclosing nVidia trade materials.

If someone you knew said their firm is putting together a group of hobbyists that he can get you in, and that you'll have access to pre-NDA material software and information and free or discounted parts, some of you would probably be interested as well.

I know people at nVidia, and AEG, and neither has asked me to post anything other than what I really think about materials both have supplied me.

This idiotic "witch hunt" has gone on long enough.

If I didn't know people at each of these firms, some of the info I've provided you would be meaningless.

"Rollo for Video Forum Mod
Fair and Balanced "

F*ck, I can't stop laughing :(
 

linkgoron

Platinum Member
Mar 9, 2005
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Originally posted by: RobertR1
Originally posted by: Rollo
Enough is enough.

We are not under NDA for anything other than disclosing nVidia trade materials.

If someone you knew said their firm is putting together a group of hobbyists that he can get you in, and that you'll have access to pre-NDA material software and information and free or discounted parts, some of you would probably be interested as well.

I know people at nVidia, and AEG, and neither has asked me to post anything other than what I really think about materials both have supplied me.

This idiotic "witch hunt" has gone on long enough.

If I didn't know people at each of these firms, some of the info I've provided you would be meaningless.

"Rollo for Video Forum Mod
Fair and Balanced "

F*ck, I can't stop laughing :(

QFT.
Well, when he'll start getting free stuff from ATi too, he'll become fair and balanced:D
 

5150Joker

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Feb 6, 2002
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Originally posted by: crazydingo
Originally posted by: geo1

ChrisRay, who is a familiar name to most graphics community geeks, discusses his involvement in the AEG group: http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=691810&postcount=575
Damage control.

Match that with the statement from AEG on Shacknews. Nicely co-ordinated.


Yeah nVidia must be in major damage control right now over AEG. Good stuff, hopefully these websites keep the pressure on high. Imagine if this was ATi, I can just see all the AEG lackeys crucifying them. I'd say the media and ATi fans have gone easy on nVIdia and their forum troll specialists.
 

John Reynolds

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Dec 6, 2005
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So after repeated denials, in public and private, Rollo now comes out of the closet and confirms what I'd stated here in this forum several weeks ago.

For those of you who questioned me weeks ago, feel free to line up and apologize. :D
 

schtuga

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Dec 22, 2005
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Do you think this was called from Nvidia?
I don't think Chris was. Bad business move,I would've handled it much differently.
I think Chris just couldn't take it.And felt he had to say something
 

nRollo

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Jan 11, 2002
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Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Originally posted by: crazydingo
Originally posted by: geo1

ChrisRay, who is a familiar name to most graphics community geeks, discusses his involvement in the AEG group: http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=691810&postcount=575
Damage control.

Match that with the statement from AEG on Shacknews. Nicely co-ordinated.


Yeah nVidia must be in major damage control right now over AEG. Good stuff, hopefully these websites keep the pressure on high. Imagine if this was ATi, I can just see all the AEG lackeys crucifying them. I'd say the media and ATi fans have gone easy on nVIdia and their forum troll specialists.

LOL

"Oh noes! Now beta testers will be flamed on sight?!"

:roll:

Like I said, no one from AEG or nVidia has ever asked me to post anything other than what I think. They've always pointed out that they want to know good, bad, otherwise.



 

5150Joker

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Originally posted by: schtuga
Do you think this was called from Nvidia?
I don't think Chris was. Bad business move,I would've handled it much differently.
I think Chris just couldn't take it.And felt he had to say something


Well if Chris did it on his own accord, I applaud him for it though he still did the best he could to defend nVidia/AEG - its in his interest to. I wouldn't bad mouth the company I worked for so why would he or any other AEG member highlight the viral tactics of AEG/nVidia, right?
 

5150Joker

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Feb 6, 2002
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Originally posted by: Rollo
Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Originally posted by: crazydingo
Originally posted by: geo1

ChrisRay, who is a familiar name to most graphics community geeks, discusses his involvement in the AEG group: http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=691810&postcount=575
Damage control.

Match that with the statement from AEG on Shacknews. Nicely co-ordinated.


Yeah nVidia must be in major damage control right now over AEG. Good stuff, hopefully these websites keep the pressure on high. Imagine if this was ATi, I can just see all the AEG lackeys crucifying them. I'd say the media and ATi fans have gone easy on nVIdia and their forum troll specialists.

LOL

"Oh noes! Now beta testers will be flamed on sight?!"

:roll:

Like I said, no one from AEG or nVidia has ever asked me to post anything other than what I think. They've always pointed out that they want to know good, bad, otherwise.


Well I'm surprised you finally admitted it, especially even after denying it in PM to me. I'm a sucker for believing ya though... :| BTW they have no reason to pressure you Rollo, your viewpoints are almost always pro-nVidia.
 

Janooo

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Aug 22, 2005
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Originally posted by: Rollo
Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Originally posted by: crazydingo
Originally posted by: geo1

ChrisRay, who is a familiar name to most graphics community geeks, discusses his involvement in the AEG group: http://www.beyond3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=691810&postcount=575
Damage control.

Match that with the statement from AEG on Shacknews. Nicely co-ordinated.


Yeah nVidia must be in major damage control right now over AEG. Good stuff, hopefully these websites keep the pressure on high. Imagine if this was ATi, I can just see all the AEG lackeys crucifying them. I'd say the media and ATi fans have gone easy on nVIdia and their forum troll specialists.

LOL

"Oh noes! Now beta testers will be flamed on sight?!"

:roll:

Like I said, no one from AEG or nVidia has ever asked me to post anything other than what I think. They've always pointed out that they want to know good, bad, otherwise.


Like justifying to buy GTX 512 only a few days ago? :disgust: I couldn't believe what you were saying. Now it makes sence. :disgust:
 

RobertR1

Golden Member
Oct 22, 2004
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Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Originally posted by: schtuga
Do you think this was called from Nvidia?
I don't think Chris was. Bad business move,I would've handled it much differently.
I think Chris just couldn't take it.And felt he had to say something


Well if Chris did it on his own accord, I applaud him for it though he still did the best he could to defend nVidia/AEG - its in his interest to. I wouldn't bad mouth the company I worked for so why would he or any other AEG member highlight the viral tactics of AEG/nVidia, right?


Likely an email went out from AEG to it's "focus group members" (some or all) asking to the disclose their membership to do some damage control along with the statement on shack news. The message in all 3 is the same:

"We're only there to give back feedback.' "We don't sway opinions."

 

geo1

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Apr 28, 2005
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Originally posted by: John Reynolds
So after repeated denials, in public and private, Rollo now comes out of the closet and confirms what I'd stated here in this forum several weeks ago.

For those of you who questioned me weeks ago, feel free to line up and apologize. :D

I'm sorry I called you a big poopy-head, John.

Oh, wait, over the Rollo/AEG thing, you mean? Nevermind.
 

5150Joker

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Feb 6, 2002
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Originally posted by: RobertR1
Originally posted by: 5150Joker
Originally posted by: schtuga
Do you think this was called from Nvidia?
I don't think Chris was. Bad business move,I would've handled it much differently.
I think Chris just couldn't take it.And felt he had to say something


Well if Chris did it on his own accord, I applaud him for it though he still did the best he could to defend nVidia/AEG - its in his interest to. I wouldn't bad mouth the company I worked for so why would he or any other AEG member highlight the viral tactics of AEG/nVidia, right?


Likely an email went out from AEG to it's "focus group members" (some or all) asking to the disclose their membership to do some damage control along with the statement on shack news. The message in all 3 is the same:

"We're only there to give back feedback.' "We don't sway opinions."



Yeah and we'll be sure to trust them when they reassure us they are not instructed to troll/plant viral information on forums. Just imagine how much nicer these forums would be if AT cleaned house and got rid of the AEG troll specialists.
 

linkgoron

Platinum Member
Mar 9, 2005
2,599
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Seems as if AEG told some guys to do some DC, and post some "they didn't tell me what to post", "we were onlt beta-testers" posts...
 
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