POLL ADDED: AEG and NVIDIA's "Viral"'outreach programme' targets Forums

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I've given at least one good reason for the NDAs, but it is obvious that the ATI side of this debate isn't interested in reason. The primary object of a marketing firm is indeed to create positive buzz about a brand. That would include, I think, not creating negative buzz by relying on the ability of legions of thinly-loyal enthusiasts to avoid talking about a nefarious and ill-intentioned scheme to manipulate public opinion. Hell, the Pentagon can't even keep such a scheme secret in Iraq.

There are common characteristics of the kind of person who believes in just about any seemingly plausible conspiracy that is presented to them: a highly credulous nature and a tendency to confuse a lack of negative evidence for positive evidence. They never _know_ anything, but they are willing to _believe_ everything.

You're overlooking the obvious: this isn't a scheme of nefarious proportions here , and if the AEG exists, their tactics are quite subtle: they offer someone video hardware in exchange for comments and encourage them to talk about how good of a product it is.

When approached like this, I hardly thing people's first intentions would be to speak about how such an insidious marketing ploy exists, because it would be done on a casual level. They aren't outright telling people "talk smack about the competition," merely "go spread the word about how good our product is" (which they have graciously received for free).

Another new member with a high post count take notice: many seniors here are not 'thinly-loyal enthusiasts' and are die-hards for the company they support. Finding a zealous fan of a company (and thus a likely candidate for a marketing firm to approach) on large message boards like Anandtech is pretty easy if you read through some posts.

For example, quite a few people on Video just bleed green, while others bleed red.

 

[Greenman]

This is good stuff. When are we going to burn Rollo at the stake? I'll bring hot dogs and fruit salad, who's getting the beer?

 

[Greenman]

Double post, my bad.

Nothing to see here, move along.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024
He's got an uncanny way of manipulating posts about him; he's like message board judo- he finds any target and deflects the negative attention he's getting for his biased/flamebaiting posts onto anyone in sight.

http://flowgo.com/greetings/kungfu_bunny/kungfu_bunny.swf

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: morrisbj

Originally posted by: Fern
[

Originally posted by: morrisbj

So if you are going to bitch about this garbage, remember that if you ever recommend a product you are participating in exactly this type of program, only difference is that you may not have been smart enough to be the one getting paid.

Only difference is getting paid?

How about the deception in my not disclosing my motivation/lack of objectivity? I.e., pretending to be something I'm not.

If you wanna write a testimonal for a product and are compensated, you better not put it in the "Letters to the Editor" section. You are required to disclose it is a paid advertisement.

Fern

Yes, the only difference is the pay. If you make a suggestion of a product, there is a motivation behind it. Whether you are a fanboy of one side or the other suggesting their product, you want to see your preferred brand come out on top.

These people are coming on here and posting "XXX product is the best ever" threads. They are answering questions. And beyond that, if anyone here read the details of the OP, you might also notice that the participants are given soon to be released products and are expected to give nVidia feedback on the product, and welcome if they enjoy the product to spread the word.

In other words, the real program is:

1)Sign up
2)Get free product before release date
3)Test product
4)Give feedback
5)Keep free product
6)If you like it, tell someone about it


WOW, how completely f__king unethical. You know what, maybe you are right. The next time I have a good experience with a product, I just won't tell anyone about it. They can just figure it out on their own.

you don't read any of the arguments do you? And how do you know about what ARG's real program does?

What you are describing is beyond simplistic and unrealistic. AEG is in business to make make big bucks and they are successful by agressively promoting nVidia . . . clearly IF the moles here did as you suggest they they would be free to post that they are paid by AEG . . . however, there isn't a SINGLE person willing to come forward.
:thumbsdown:

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: apoppin
you don't read any of the arguments do you? And how do you know about what ARG does?

What you are describing is beyond simplistic and unrealistic. AEG is in business to make make big bucks and they are successful by agressively promoting nVidia . . . clearly IF the moles here did as you suggest they they would be free to post that they are paid by AEG . . . however, there isn't a SINGLE person willing to come forward.
:thumbsdown:

All FUD- you have no idea what you are talking about, you've simply chosen to make negative guesses about something which could as likely be positive.

Like I said: ATI fanboys will speculate this is negative. People who understand business are surprised this speculation warrants a thread. Most don't care.

All you, Elite Bastards, or anyone else has is a link to a marketing company's client list and speculation about what services are being provided for what clients.

In other words, you have nothing. Tough break, conspiracy theorists.

Why don't you go back to pimping XBoxes Apoppin'? Or are YOU under contract with ATIs marketing firm to try and spin this as negatively as possible? :thumbsdown:

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Greenman
This is good stuff. When are we going to burn Rollo at the stake? I'll bring hot dogs and fruit salad, who's getting the beer?

QFP

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: morrisbj

Originally posted by: Fern
[

Originally posted by: morrisbj

So if you are going to bitch about this garbage, remember that if you ever recommend a product you are participating in exactly this type of program, only difference is that you may not have been smart enough to be the one getting paid.

Only difference is getting paid?

How about the deception in my not disclosing my motivation/lack of objectivity? I.e., pretending to be something I'm not.

If you wanna write a testimonal for a product and are compensated, you better not put it in the "Letters to the Editor" section. You are required to disclose it is a paid advertisement.

Fern

Yes, the only difference is the pay. If you make a suggestion of a product, there is a motivation behind it. Whether you are a fanboy of one side or the other suggesting their product, you want to see your preferred brand come out on top.

These people are coming on here and posting "XXX product is the best ever" threads. They are answering questions. And beyond that, if anyone here read the details of the OP, you might also notice that the participants are given soon to be released products and are expected to give nVidia feedback on the product, and welcome if they enjoy the product to spread the word.

In other words, the real program is:

1)Sign up
2)Get free product before release date
3)Test product
4)Give feedback
5)Keep free product
6)If you like it, tell someone about it


WOW, how completely f__king unethical. You know what, maybe you are right. The next time I have a good experience with a product, I just won't tell anyone about it. They can just figure it out on their own.

you don't read any of the arguments do you? And how do you know about what ARG's real program does?

What you are describing is beyond simplistic and unrealistic. AEG is in business to make make big bucks and they are successful by agressively promoting nVidia . . . clearly IF the moles here did as you suggest they they would be free to post that they are paid by AEG . . . however, there isn't a SINGLE person willing to come forward.
:thumbsdown:

id say they are successful becuase they've been helping microsoft for 10years havent they? its not just nvidia remember.

and even if they are actually allowed to say what they like, and tell people about them and AEG, i doubt they would now, you've practically turned it into a witch hunt.

if some one came in and went....guys i wanna fess up, i am with AEG, that would be the end of them. every post you be shot down with "did AEG tell you to say that?" "bet you get a new gfx card for pimping that up!" "your views dont count coz your biased" blah blah blah......

and rollo's right.

people who dont like NV will spin this as seedy and underhanded and bad news for all signifying that the world will end in 7 days! and we'll all die from the attack of NV clones!

people who realise that this is infact how big bussiness' operate in the real world probably wont be suprised. i for one am not suprised this goes on, infact id be suprised if it wasnt happening at all.....forums are a good advertising oppertunity, i know id tap it. and then literally "rake" in the $$$ with my trusty garden rake.

id think most people here are a bit more down to earth, not taking graphics as seriously as some people do, yeah they might have a brand preference coz of a good experience, but its really not life or death about wether ATI are winning or NV are winning, long as theyre happy with their purchase and i think these people simply just arent bothered about this. i know im not particularly bothered, im not suprised its happening, and im just not bothered that it is. i know good advice when i read it, i read articles from AT and other places, written by respected journalists so i have the knowledge to determind was tosh and whats not, and i know better than to take forum chit chat as gospel.

keep moaning.....i think your wasting your time with this

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: morrisbj

Originally posted by: Fern
[

Originally posted by: morrisbj

So if you are going to bitch about this garbage, remember that if you ever recommend a product you are participating in exactly this type of program, only difference is that you may not have been smart enough to be the one getting paid.

Only difference is getting paid?

How about the deception in my not disclosing my motivation/lack of objectivity? I.e., pretending to be something I'm not.

If you wanna write a testimonal for a product and are compensated, you better not put it in the "Letters to the Editor" section. You are required to disclose it is a paid advertisement.

Fern

Yes, the only difference is the pay. If you make a suggestion of a product, there is a motivation behind it. Whether you are a fanboy of one side or the other suggesting their product, you want to see your preferred brand come out on top.

These people are coming on here and posting "XXX product is the best ever" threads. They are answering questions. And beyond that, if anyone here read the details of the OP, you might also notice that the participants are given soon to be released products and are expected to give nVidia feedback on the product, and welcome if they enjoy the product to spread the word.

In other words, the real program is:

1)Sign up
2)Get free product before release date
3)Test product
4)Give feedback
5)Keep free product
6)If you like it, tell someone about it


WOW, how completely f__king unethical. You know what, maybe you are right. The next time I have a good experience with a product, I just won't tell anyone about it. They can just figure it out on their own.

you don't read any of the arguments do you? And how do you know about what ARG's real program does?

What you are describing is beyond simplistic and unrealistic. AEG is in business to make make big bucks and they are successful by agressively promoting nVidia . . . clearly IF the moles here did as you suggest they they would be free to post that they are paid by AEG . . . however, there isn't a SINGLE person willing to come forward.
:thumbsdown:

id say they are successful becuase they've been helping microsoft for 10years havent they? its not just nvidia remember

M$ Games . . . now you know how they sell so many crappy games.

:thumbsdown:

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: apoppin
M$ Games . . . now you know how they sell so many crappy games.
:thumbsdown:

Says the voice of reason....
:roll:

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: morrisbj

Originally posted by: Fern
[

Originally posted by: morrisbj

So if you are going to bitch about this garbage, remember that if you ever recommend a product you are participating in exactly this type of program, only difference is that you may not have been smart enough to be the one getting paid.

Only difference is getting paid?

How about the deception in my not disclosing my motivation/lack of objectivity? I.e., pretending to be something I'm not.

If you wanna write a testimonal for a product and are compensated, you better not put it in the "Letters to the Editor" section. You are required to disclose it is a paid advertisement.

Fern

Yes, the only difference is the pay. If you make a suggestion of a product, there is a motivation behind it. Whether you are a fanboy of one side or the other suggesting their product, you want to see your preferred brand come out on top.

These people are coming on here and posting "XXX product is the best ever" threads. They are answering questions. And beyond that, if anyone here read the details of the OP, you might also notice that the participants are given soon to be released products and are expected to give nVidia feedback on the product, and welcome if they enjoy the product to spread the word.

In other words, the real program is:

1)Sign up
2)Get free product before release date
3)Test product
4)Give feedback
5)Keep free product
6)If you like it, tell someone about it


WOW, how completely f__king unethical. You know what, maybe you are right. The next time I have a good experience with a product, I just won't tell anyone about it. They can just figure it out on their own.

you don't read any of the arguments do you? And how do you know about what ARG's real program does?

What you are describing is beyond simplistic and unrealistic. AEG is in business to make make big bucks and they are successful by agressively promoting nVidia . . . clearly IF the moles here did as you suggest they they would be free to post that they are paid by AEG . . . however, there isn't a SINGLE person willing to come forward.
:thumbsdown:

id say they are successful becuase they've been helping microsoft for 10years havent they? its not just nvidia remember

M$ Games . . . now you know how they sell so many crappy games.

:thumbsdown:

halo crap? hmmm, AOE crap? its a matter of taste......ive enjoyed quite a few MS games. though i have to admit whoever EA are using to promote their games is doing a bloody good job....i just checked my game pile and saw "EA" on nearly all of them!

 

[John Reynolds]

Originally posted by: Rollo
All you, Elite Bastards, or anyone else has is a link to a marketing company's client list and speculation about what services are being provided for what clients.

In other words, you have nothing. Tough break, conspiracy theorists.

Actually, you're wrong. More information about the program is known than what you realize or perhaps you wouldn't be sitting back acting so cocky and arrogant right now. Ever hear of Deep Throat? This little story has one. (Edit: or so I've been told)

Oh my.

 

[Topweasel]

Originally posted by: rbV5

Originally posted by: Topweasel

Wow finger pointing goes on and on. The fact is from the beginning of this thread, Rollo has had people pointing the finger on him as being part of this. No amount of "I didn't say his name" excuses is going to remove this fact. Rollo mearly brought up that another user has admittenly gotten hardware from several vendors, yet its never affected his recommendations beyond telling the good or bad experiences he has had with said hardware. He didn't say that he was part of this viral (bad use of words for a bussiness practice) advertising, but merely was using him as an example of how it is intended to work.

Step 1. Find Smart poster, and Long time Poster.
Step 2. Give Poster hardware for review.
Step 3. If poster has good experience because the product is top notch (why shouldn't it be) hope because of his influence and continous posting that when asked he will give glowing recommendations for said product.
Step 4. Sales Increase from word of typing advertising.

He Like myself believes while not the most forward type of advertising, shouldn't change a posters ways (sell out) but give them more reason to like them when the topic comes up.

Its the same reason Companies do giveaways at Lans and stuff like that. Sometimes the Idea that a company is giving away a card where you were at whether or not you got one yourself will cause the person to see the company in a even better light.

What I said was I've been offered hardware/software for beta testing, I've never been offered hardware/software for review...ever, and never been asked to post my experiences about any of those tested products in an open forum...ever, quite the opposite, under NDA, I am prevented from doing just that. I also have turned most of those offers down, due to the lack of time I have.

Any posting I do in the open forums is as a user/enthusiast of my own opinions.

You and Jiffy seem to think either rollo or I to have said that that was the attention of the comapny when they gave you the part. No exact oppisite, You got free product inexchange for insite on drivers, but you still got free products and none of them affected you ability to be impartial. Why would it be hard to understand that, some other Wise and intelligent poster they pick would go about it the same way.

The Fingure pointing has gone on long enough. Lets just continue on from here like no-one is an AEG oppertive, like some CIA agent that needs to be uncovered.

As for you Jiffy, What Rollo said was the RBv5 had admitted on several occassions of getting ATI hardware, and doubted they told him it was "shills" or prepayment for talking them up. And further on said it has NOT affected his ability to post impartial posts. Besides trying to use this as proof that ATI has handed hardware to to posters awell he was not intending at all to discredit RBv5 as poster.

I feel horrible having to go to this extent to defend a poster, any poster, but you guys all need to stop this sickening smear campaign. I don't care how much you hate a company smear them, not some one who just has a little more faith in one company over another or even a fanboy. If a Forum is supposed to be a Cummunity, this forum is starting to make me feel like I am driving through dowtown detroit (which I have had to do a couple of times (all for nought, Damn Lions)).

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: morrisbj

Originally posted by: Fern
[

Originally posted by: morrisbj

So if you are going to bitch about this garbage, remember that if you ever recommend a product you are participating in exactly this type of program, only difference is that you may not have been smart enough to be the one getting paid.

Only difference is getting paid?

How about the deception in my not disclosing my motivation/lack of objectivity? I.e., pretending to be something I'm not.

If you wanna write a testimonal for a product and are compensated, you better not put it in the "Letters to the Editor" section. You are required to disclose it is a paid advertisement.

Fern

Yes, the only difference is the pay. If you make a suggestion of a product, there is a motivation behind it. Whether you are a fanboy of one side or the other suggesting their product, you want to see your preferred brand come out on top.

These people are coming on here and posting "XXX product is the best ever" threads. They are answering questions. And beyond that, if anyone here read the details of the OP, you might also notice that the participants are given soon to be released products and are expected to give nVidia feedback on the product, and welcome if they enjoy the product to spread the word.

In other words, the real program is:

1)Sign up
2)Get free product before release date
3)Test product
4)Give feedback
5)Keep free product
6)If you like it, tell someone about it


WOW, how completely f__king unethical. You know what, maybe you are right. The next time I have a good experience with a product, I just won't tell anyone about it. They can just figure it out on their own.

you don't read any of the arguments do you? And how do you know about what ARG's real program does?

What you are describing is beyond simplistic and unrealistic. AEG is in business to make make big bucks and they are successful by agressively promoting nVidia . . . clearly IF the moles here did as you suggest they they would be free to post that they are paid by AEG . . . however, there isn't a SINGLE person willing to come forward.
:thumbsdown:

id say they are successful becuase they've been helping microsoft for 10years havent they? its not just nvidia remember

M$ Games . . . now you know how they sell so many crappy games.

:thumbsdown:

Dungeon Siege rocked!

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: apoppin
M$ Games . . . now you know how they sell so many crappy games.

:thumbsdown:

halo crap? hmmm, AOE crap? its a matter of taste......ive enjoyed quite a few MS games. though i have to admit whoever EA are using to promote their games is doing a bloody good job....i just checked my game pile and saw "EA" on nearly all of them!

i am not talking about their great games . . . only the "crappy games" don't read into my post more that i said.

Want me to name some crappy M$'games?

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: otispunkmeyer

Originally posted by: apoppin
M$ Games . . . now you know how they sell so many crappy games.

:thumbsdown:

halo crap? hmmm, AOE crap? its a matter of taste......ive enjoyed quite a few MS games. though i have to admit whoever EA are using to promote their games is doing a bloody good job....i just checked my game pile and saw "EA" on nearly all of them!

i am not talking about their great games . . . only the "crappy games" don't read into my post more that i said.

Want me to name some crappy M$'games?

midtown madness ...........infact any of the ones ending in madness sucked

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: John Reynolds

Originally posted by: Rollo
All you, Elite Bastards, or anyone else has is a link to a marketing company's client list and speculation about what services are being provided for what clients.

In other words, you have nothing. Tough break, conspiracy theorists.

Actually, you're wrong. More information about the program is known than what you realize or perhaps you wouldn't be sitting back acting so cocky and arrogant right now. Ever hear of Deep Throat? This little story has one. (Edit: or so I've been told)

Oh my.

"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: John Reynolds

Originally posted by: Rollo
All you, Elite Bastards, or anyone else has is a link to a marketing company's client list and speculation about what services are being provided for what clients.

In other words, you have nothing. Tough break, conspiracy theorists.

Actually, you're wrong. More information about the program is known than what you realize or perhaps you wouldn't be sitting back acting so cocky and arrogant right now. Ever hear of Deep Throat? This little story has one. (Edit: or so I've been told)

Oh my.

"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

we just wanna expose the hidden MOLES posing as "fair and impartial" who are cheating the forum out of advertising revenue . . . not the people who have nothing to hide and are proud of their connections to the industry.

Anand also gets free product . . . he gives full disclosure . . . and he is well-respected for his ethics.
:thumbsup:

 

[John Reynolds]

Originally posted by: Rollo
"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

Was hardly a threat. Just a rebuttal to your burning desire to spin this entire situation as the work of conspiracy theorists with nothing to go on. Is everything that doesn't gel with your viewpoint automatically anti-NVIDIA? If ATI were caught doing something like this my reaction would be identical. . .it's too close to propaganda for my tastes because of its covert nature. Were the program and its members made freely public, that would be different.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

By that logic every hardware reviewer is now the equivalent of a member of this program, including Anand and his staff. There is a world of difference between a reviewer receiving review samples, testing them, and presenting the results of those tests in public articles and viral marketing that legally binds its members to deny its existence such as this program apparently does.

 

[Topweasel]

Originally posted by: John Reynolds

Originally posted by: Rollo
"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

Was hardly a threat. Just a rebuttal to your burning desire to spin this entire situation as the work of conspiracy theorists with nothing to go on. Is everything that doesn't gel with your viewpoint automatically anti-NVIDIA? If ATI were caught doing something like this my reaction would be identical. . .it's too close to propaganda for my tastes because of its covert nature. Were the program and its members made freely public, that would be different.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

By that logic every hardware reviewer is now the equivalent of a member of this program, including Anand and his staff. There is a world of difference between a reviewer receiving review samples, testing them, and presenting the results of those tests in public articles and viral marketing that legally binds its members to deny its existence such as this program apparently does.

Ding, Ding Ding, we have a winner. This is the point, how is the point of view of Anand any different then any AEG "oppertive". Or even better Kyle (of [ H ] ) has talked about changing their policy to only reviewing products they buy, does that instantly make his views better then Anand who may at that point still accept the products free of charge.

Secondly we assume that they are telling the people not say they are part of this program because they would want to avoid circumstances like this where a respected poster would then have his intentions always questioned. Phycologically some would say that this lashing out would be because people assume as a reflection of themselves that everyone is simple minded and easily swayed and tricked. Probably a little bit of jealosy (horrible spelling I know) as well.

So before people get carried away with a process used since Mr. Gore invented the Intarweb, give it a little more thought try to see all angles including the reason you think its wrong.

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: Topweasel

Originally posted by: John Reynolds

Originally posted by: Rollo
"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

Was hardly a threat. Just a rebuttal to your burning desire to spin this entire situation as the work of conspiracy theorists with nothing to go on. Is everything that doesn't gel with your viewpoint automatically anti-NVIDIA? If ATI were caught doing something like this my reaction would be identical. . .it's too close to propaganda for my tastes because of its covert nature. Were the program and its members made freely public, that would be different.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

By that logic every hardware reviewer is now the equivalent of a member of this program, including Anand and his staff. There is a world of difference between a reviewer receiving review samples, testing them, and presenting the results of those tests in public articles and viral marketing that legally binds its members to deny its existence such as this program apparently does.

Ding, Ding Ding, we have a winner. This is the point, how is the point of view of Anand any different then any AEG "oppertive". Or even better Kyle (of H) has talked about changing their policy to only reviewing products they buy, does that instantly make his views better then Anand who may at that point still accept the products free of charge.

Secondly we assume that they are telling the people not say they are part of this program because they would want to avoid circumstances like this where a respected poster would then have his intentions always questioned. Phycologically some would say that this lashing out would be because people assume as a reflection of themselves that everyone is simple minded and easily swayed and tricked. Probably a little bit of jealosy (horrible spelling I know) as well.

So before people get carried away with a process used since Mr. Gore invented the Intarweb, give it a little more thought try to see all angles including the reason you think its wrong.

The point is not the free videocards its the fact that a PR company has been employed to 'manage' forums unconnected with them.

 

[geo1]

Y'know, it's an interesting point. The big sites, where they can afford it, it would prolly be better if they did pay for stuff. Even beta stuff, at whatever the MSRP is going to be. Or give it back after the test.

I think Consumer Reports buys everything with their own cash.

Which is not a slam on the sites that don't, btw. Reality is reality, and there has been more tremendously good reporting done in the history of hardware sites using free kit than I can point at here. But if you have that luxury to be able to afford to do so, as the very biggest sites I suspect could, you really ought to seriously consider it.

 

[Topweasel]

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: Topweasel

Originally posted by: John Reynolds

Originally posted by: Rollo
"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

Was hardly a threat. Just a rebuttal to your burning desire to spin this entire situation as the work of conspiracy theorists with nothing to go on. Is everything that doesn't gel with your viewpoint automatically anti-NVIDIA? If ATI were caught doing something like this my reaction would be identical. . .it's too close to propaganda for my tastes because of its covert nature. Were the program and its members made freely public, that would be different.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

By that logic every hardware reviewer is now the equivalent of a member of this program, including Anand and his staff. There is a world of difference between a reviewer receiving review samples, testing them, and presenting the results of those tests in public articles and viral marketing that legally binds its members to deny its existence such as this program apparently does.

Ding, Ding Ding, we have a winner. This is the point, how is the point of view of Anand any different then any AEG "oppertive". Or even better Kyle (of H) has talked about changing their policy to only reviewing products they buy, does that instantly make his views better then Anand who may at that point still accept the products free of charge.

Secondly we assume that they are telling the people not say they are part of this program because they would want to avoid circumstances like this where a respected poster would then have his intentions always questioned. Phycologically some would say that this lashing out would be because people assume as a reflection of themselves that everyone is simple minded and easily swayed and tricked. Probably a little bit of jealosy (horrible spelling I know) as well.

So before people get carried away with a process used since Mr. Gore invented the Intarweb, give it a little more thought try to see all angles including the reason you think its wrong.

The point is not the free videocards its the fact that a PR company has been employed to 'manage' forums unconnected with them.

I see You figured out what was causing the highlighting before me.

 

[WelshBloke]

Originally posted by: Topweasel

Originally posted by: WelshBloke

Originally posted by: Topweasel

Originally posted by: John Reynolds

Originally posted by: Rollo
"Cocky and arrogant" - meh.
You hold nothing over me John. Save your threats for someone who cares.

Was hardly a threat. Just a rebuttal to your burning desire to spin this entire situation as the work of conspiracy theorists with nothing to go on. Is everything that doesn't gel with your viewpoint automatically anti-NVIDIA? If ATI were caught doing something like this my reaction would be identical. . .it's too close to propaganda for my tastes because of its covert nature. Were the program and its members made freely public, that would be different.

You should watch your step around some here though, as a guy who gets free AMD and Intel products, you are probably considered some sort of public enemy by some here.

By that logic every hardware reviewer is now the equivalent of a member of this program, including Anand and his staff. There is a world of difference between a reviewer receiving review samples, testing them, and presenting the results of those tests in public articles and viral marketing that legally binds its members to deny its existence such as this program apparently does.

Ding, Ding Ding, we have a winner. This is the point, how is the point of view of Anand any different then any AEG "oppertive". Or even better Kyle (of H) has talked about changing their policy to only reviewing products they buy, does that instantly make his views better then Anand who may at that point still accept the products free of charge.

Secondly we assume that they are telling the people not say they are part of this program because they would want to avoid circumstances like this where a respected poster would then have his intentions always questioned. Phycologically some would say that this lashing out would be because people assume as a reflection of themselves that everyone is simple minded and easily swayed and tricked. Probably a little bit of jealosy (horrible spelling I know) as well.

So before people get carried away with a process used since Mr. Gore invented the Intarweb, give it a little more thought try to see all angles including the reason you think its wrong.

The point is not the free videocards its the fact that a PR company has been employed to 'manage' forums unconnected with them.

I see You figured out what was causing the highlighting before me.

Yeah did wierd things to my reply. H posters always do that!

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Topweasel

Ding, Ding Ding, we have a winner. This is the point, how is the point of view of Anand any different then any AEG "oppertive". Or even better Kyle (of [ H ] ) has talked about changing their policy to only reviewing products they buy, does that instantly make his views better then Anand who may at that point still accept the products free of charge.

Secondly we assume that they are telling the people not say they are part of this program because they would want to avoid circumstances like this where a respected poster would then have his intentions always questioned. Phycologically some would say that this lashing out would be because people assume as a reflection of themselves that everyone is simple minded and easily swayed and tricked. Probably a little bit of jealosy (horrible spelling I know) as well.

So before people get carried away with a process used since Mr. Gore invented the Intarweb, give it a little more thought try to see all angles including the reason you think its wrong.

what a load of nonsense . . . and now you are trying to cast doubt on Anand's reviews:Q

The difference [and principle] is" Anand PAYS for addvertising . . . not STEALING it like AEG.

Let me try and logically lay it out for you: AEG specializes
in Viral Advertising:

- Message board monitoring and response
- Strategic seeding viral assets to ensure they are spread far and wide

are you with me . .. still?

AEG has developed a unique campaign of community outreach and involvement to build strong enthusiast support for NVIDIA products and software.

and nVidia says:

AEG serves a pivotal role in helping us to build and manage online buzz for NVIDIA products. AEG?s online community outreach programs have been extraordinarily successful in improving public perception of our company and its products. So much so that we've recently expanded AEG's role into some of our other product lines. AEG plays an essential role in our marketing and public relations programs. In our opinion, they?re the best-of-breed experts in the field of online PR and community management.

nVidia ADMITS they use AEG for what they do BEST - VIRAL Marketing . . . on OUR forums!
:thumbsdown:

i think nVidia's "improving public perception" has just been reversed due to their unethical choice

Anand has proven ethics . . . AEG has proven lack of them and nVidia chose to pollute our forums with their Virus.
:thumbsdown:

edited