When I wrote In Defense of Edelman over Bribery Charges I was pretty sure that BL Ochman and I diverged with regards our analysis. When I read Edelman: New Ethics Scandal Brewing with Microsoft’s Blogger Bribe Campaign I realized we didn’t, we just interpreted it differently.
We agree on this, “Microsoft wouldn’t chance having dozens of bloggers writing about how VIista screwed up their computers, so they installed the system on brand new computers. They gave the computers as gifts instead of lending them to the bloggers for review, which is the norm when dealing with traditional journalists.”
Bloggers are private citizens, not journalists.
We don’t agree on this, “Sure bloggers are free to dis Vista if they don’t like it, and maybe some will. But the playing field would be more level if Microsoft just sent out free software instead of fancy free computers to sweeten the pot.”
Microsoft and Edelman have the resources — and the incentive — to make the playing field as favorable as possible. Why does it have to be fair?
Three grand is nothing to Microsoft but is tons of money to many bloggers. Microsoft was smart in leveraging in innovative approach to blogger engagement and Edelman was probably very transparent and authentic in its BR. What responsibility does Edelman have? The bloggers? In my opinion, Microsoft and Edelman leveled the playing field by making available the sort of resources, hardware, and software common over at the WSJ, the FT, and the NTYs. Finally! Egad, I can’t believe that this is even a witch hunt; although I think it is an awesome dialog and I would like to personally thank BL for leading the conversation!
Excerpts from Edelman: New Ethics Scandal Brewing with Microsoft’s Blogger Bribe Campaign:
“The reason is simple. If you’ve ever tried to add a new Microsoft OS to an existing computer, you know you can’t do that without totally fucking up your computer. The only way to switch to a new Microsoft OS is to start with a new computer. And, of course, to wait a year or two while they get the kinks out.
Microsoft wouldn’t chance having dozens of bloggers writing about how VIista screwed up their computers, so they installed the system on brand new computers. They gave the computers as gifts instead of lending them to the bloggers for review, which is the norm when dealing with traditional journalists.
Sure bloggers are free to dis Vista if they don’t like it, and maybe some will. But the playing field would be more level if Microsoft just sent out free software instead of fancy free computers to sweeten the pot.”
