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Originally Posted by LizAEBN
I...
Maybe I'm missing something, but when I see an ad on telly that features a testimonial, there's a notation somewhere that it's a paid testimonial, or an actor reading a customer letter or similar. This is merely an extension of that - I don't trust a restaurant review if I know s/he got comped for the meal, and I don't trust someone telling me this vaccuum is better than that one if they got one for free from the company.
Sure you could say caveat emptor, but then the impetus to use testimonials and the power behind them is lost.
I kinda feel like saying "Hey, so I am reviewing this nail polish, and it's only fair you should know that I bought these handy ones out of pocket, but these ones were given to me to review by the company" is acceptable. My investment analyst is compelled to disclose that s/he was compensated for pimping a product, and so is Brooke Shields, when she tells me I can have longer, stronger lashes if I ask my doctor.
So the mom down the street doesn't get a pass just 'cos the medium is different. Sorry. This is just getting caught up to the tech.
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What a load of nonsense.
OF COURSE it's someone's opinion. Of COURSE they are trying to sell you something. That's the point. And the entire definition and power of a "testimonial" is whether or not you believe the person's reputation sellign it to you. If you're stupid enough to believe the late night girl's suggestion that her pill will make you "larger," (insinuating your penis, but never saying that,) then damn right; buyer beware. Because you're stupid, and should be parted from your money. And if you are basing your "opinion" on whether the reviewer got comped for the meal, then you don't trust them anyhow. A "legit" reviewer would give you their honest opinion either way. You want the "truth police" watching the restaurant reviewers now? Tell me, how do you plan on enforcing that? "Your honor, that there reviewer told me it was a good meal, and I lost my $20.00, 'cause he lied. Now reward me my $20.00, and my lawyer his $20,000.00 in fees and legal expenses. We gotta show these reviewers they have to disclose their sources of food! Send a message your honor!
Geeez. Take some responsibility for your own decisions.
Again, I don't need the nanny state protecting me.
Making a blogger disclose she was given the nail polish......by law?
Are you kidding me? Shouldn't that same "disclosure" law require the politicians disclose they are all full of shit, and have no intention of doing any of the things they say they will? Of course not. There is a mechanism to control it, just like the free market. Politician lies...he doesn't get re-elected. Nail polish doesn't work, you don't buy anymore. the free market DOES work. Food no good? Reviewer "lie?" (according to you, 'cause maybe THEY really did like it) Well then, that reviewer will get fired by the paper, 'cause no one will read their reviews anymore.
ALL speech is someone's "opinion."