Microsoft sending free computers to bloggers?
Scott Beale reports he just received a free computer with Windows Vista loaded on it. Now THAT is my idea of PayPerPost!
Advertisement:
-
Scobleizer Archives -
Google Reader Shared Items -
Twitter Feed -
Tech Events Calendar -
Travel Schedule -
Daily Calendar -
Photos on Flickr -
Join my group on FastCompany.com -
About Me -
RSS Feed
|
Robert Scoble works at Fast Company.TV (title: Managing Director). Everything here, though, is his personal opinion and is not read or approved before it is posted. No warranties or other guarantees will be offered as to the quality of the opinions or anything else offered here.
rscoble@fastcompany.com
+1-425-205-1921
Powered By 
December 26th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Vista - We can’t even sell this crap anymore!
December 26th, 2006 at 11:14 pm
[...] Update: Robert Scoble also picked up the story, comparing this to PayPerPost. Although I think PayPerPost is about profiting, whilst this is about rewarding. Even though the outcome might be the same. [...]
December 26th, 2006 at 11:24 pm
I’ll take one.
Is it OK if I reformat and install Linux?
December 26th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
Nothing new. For many months now, Sun has been giving free machines to people who want to review and blog about it.
December 27th, 2006 at 12:01 am
Macbeach: Virtual PC it baby! Hey, if I can run Vista on my Macintosh, I guess you can run Linux on your Ferrari.
December 27th, 2006 at 2:24 am
Then stop linking to Engadget, Robert!, because Ryan and Peter from Engadget were getting freebies = your idea of PayPerPost = from Microsoft and from others too. Shouldn’t you treat all equally?
December 27th, 2006 at 3:58 am
Comic: Ryan says that Engadget and its writers do not keep free gifts. I took a tour of Ryan’s house and he didn’t have many things lying around.
December 27th, 2006 at 3:59 am
Ok.
Where Have I to put my order?
I need a small 12″ notebook for toilet that’s a place I blog marvellously.
I need a Xeon 4 Gb RAM powered to blog deeply and strongly in my lounge room.
And a 17″ widescreen Pavilion Ultra Super XGA for bedroom use. My romantic blogs are the better there.
Ok Santa? ….ehm… Bill?
I wait at the window…. ehm…. windows
Stefania
December 27th, 2006 at 4:34 am
Google must match up with awarding PageRank 10 to top bloggers.
December 27th, 2006 at 7:13 am
Microsoft Sending Out Laptops with Vista Loaded to Some Bloggers
Here is one of them. I wonder why they didn’t just send out update disks to a larger audience? Anyone have insight on that?
…
December 27th, 2006 at 7:23 am
So where’s the signup list for this? ;-)
Then again, I’m still waiting ‘free usb drive’:
http://www.microsoft.com//windowsxp/mysterysolved/corp/default.mspx
Really cool though.
How will Google outdo? Laptop/Desktop Combo?
December 27th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Microsoft Handing Out Ferraris
December 27th, 2006 at 7:58 am
i think its pretty gutsy actually. i doubt any of these folks can be bribed with a laptop. you don’t think apple gave out ipods to celebs? come on.
December 27th, 2006 at 9:05 am
AFAIK, AMD is the one that provided the laptops to websites that are members of the Windows Featured Communities program, as well as several other Microsoft influentials. I think it was more of an AMD ploy to get dual core x64s into the hands of influentials then it was trying to get people to buy into Vista. Most of these people were relatively Microsoft-friendly to begin with.
BTW, AMD said that the computers could be kept or given away. Most were kept.
And to anyone that thinks it’s unfair, Microsoft gives away free crap to people who help them all the time. It’s called the MVP program.
December 27th, 2006 at 9:53 am
>i doubt any of these folks can be bribed with a laptop. you don’t think apple gave out ipods to celebs?
Celebs? Most of the people associated with this giveaway are pretty low-level bloggers (C list bloggers). I run a laughably unpopular blog, yet mine ranks higher than almost every name associated with this giveaway.
December 27th, 2006 at 10:58 am
[...] Robert Scoble is comparing this to PayPerPost, but i think it is Loyalty award and Cisco and Juniper please pick hints from microsoft . [...]
December 27th, 2006 at 12:29 pm
The Acer Ferrari discussion
Robert Scoble linked to Scott’s laughinsquid (one of the recipients), who in turn linked to Australian Long Zheng, who links to a lot of other bloggers (including me, thanks!) and got into digg and Slashdot as “Microsofot bribing bloggers with laptop…
December 27th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Robert, this “they do not keep gifts” is a lie because they give these free gifts away to readers what boosts their readership, so if these free gifts are not a personal bribe, they are a bribe to the website! Don’t you see it?
December 27th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Comic: I see that as OK. For one it didn’t benefit directly the folks working there and for two, they disclosed it. On my video no less.
December 27th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Mmmm. There is a major difference between giving away a product for review, giving (small) gifts as tokens of appreciation or means of promotion, and giving away an expensive product worth many times the price of the product you are promoting.
Depending on the relationship between the giver and the receiver, the latter is usually referred to as either payment or a bribe…
December 27th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
OMG: A frikkin’ Acer Ferrari notebook with Vista Ultimate?
Lucky bastard!!
December 27th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
What’s strange is that the Acer Ferrari 1000 that Edelman sent to Laughing Squid has a below-Windows Vista Premium Windows Experience Index: 2.8. Some folks are reported to have gotten Ferrari 5000s.
See http://oakleafblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/microsoft-gives-bloggers-sub-aero-28.html
–rj
December 27th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
[...] This story broke recently and it really blew up fast. It seems that Microsoft, through its marketing dept., has been giving free no-strings-attached notebooks to a few bloggers. The notebooks are Acer’s Ferrari top-of-the-line (a few different sizes were given) and are running Vista. Microsoft seems to be trying to get some blog buzz going, but at $2200 dollars a shot, it is an expensive marketing technique. [...]
December 27th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
If MS/Acer/whoever wants to send me one, I will gladly give it a fair, accurate, and unbiased review.
For real. Try me.
December 27th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
[...] BTW, AMD said that the computers could be kept or given away. Most were kept. Source: Robert Scoble [...]
December 27th, 2006 at 4:28 pm
Hope I get one!
December 27th, 2006 at 4:48 pm
well where do I sign up for one of these babies?
December 27th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Robert, and what about company giving free hotel and free travel and free invitation to event - isn’t it bribery too? BTW: your pal Edwards has ZERO CHANCES because Hilary Clinton will be next candidate of Democrats for president of USA. Your efforts to promote Edwards are therefore in vein.
December 27th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
Scoble, make your “V for Vendetta” and send me the laptop if you receive it.. i will install a Gentoo.. it’s a scout promise!
December 27th, 2006 at 5:46 pm
[...] Long Zheng reveals that a number of bloggers received Ferraris (of the laptop variety) from Microsoft this holiday season. Best (tongue-in-cheek) line: I don’t see the Free Software Foundation handing out any Ferrari’s. There’s already some predictable grumbling at this unprecedented largesse in the comments to the post and Robert Scoble observes amicably, “THAT is my idea of PayPerPost!” Filed under General Business, Public Relations, Microsoft [...]
December 27th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
The only thing I ever got from Microsoft was the crasking of my computer when they brought about winxp sp2.I had to reinstall and do everything over from scratch. Good thing I did weekly backups. I think I deserve a free microsoft vista computer for my troubles
December 27th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
Get the machine,format and install BSD. what say ?
December 28th, 2006 at 1:27 am
I haven’t got one, so obviously they’re not reaching their target audience: people interested in free computers. I totally own that thoughtspace!
December 28th, 2006 at 2:43 am
Hot damn, sign me up for my free comp!
December 28th, 2006 at 2:58 am
[...] The bloggers who received the gifts are being perceived to be taking bribes to post positive reviews - something ex-Microsoft employee Robert Scoble also made clear at first. [...]
December 28th, 2006 at 4:09 am
gimme one too!
December 28th, 2006 at 4:32 am
I want one.
Hey its free…
December 28th, 2006 at 6:34 am
great,
we need one computer. I’am sure that I can make good things.
December 28th, 2006 at 6:38 am
I won’t uninstall and promise to use Vista if they give me one… :D
December 28th, 2006 at 7:15 am
[...] [L I N K ] [...]
December 28th, 2006 at 7:45 am
I take one, please deliver on … Nice!
December 28th, 2006 at 7:59 am
Ho I can Get a Free Computer?
Is there any Link ??
LOL
December 28th, 2006 at 8:33 am
I don’t care what kind of computer it is. If it’s free I’ll take it.
December 28th, 2006 at 9:37 am
[...] Check out: Laughing Squid, Scobleizer [...]
December 28th, 2006 at 10:44 am
Once you accept a gift like this (and if you don’t have to return it then it is most certainly a gift) you have officially defined yourself as a whore. Just like the bloggers who took money from politicians, or the ones who accepted free trips to Amsterdam. You’ve hung out a sign that says, “I’m for sale.”
That’s your choice. But pretty soon nobody can be sure if you’re espousing a point of view because you truly believe it or because somebody paid you to believe it. And if you think you can accept payola without it affecting your independence, you’re extremely naive.
Oh, and you forfeit all rights to speak credibly about the biases of the mainstream media.
December 28th, 2006 at 10:55 am
BobH: I’m a whore. The only thing is when I sell myself, or my soul, you’ll know it cause I’ll disclose it.
December 28th, 2006 at 10:55 am
Wow thats a cool xmas gift. I have got softwares and games in the past from different vendors, no computers as yet.
Uncle bill do you need my p o box address :)
December 28th, 2006 at 10:58 am
[...] Scoble and Slashdot are talking about this issue too! [...]
December 28th, 2006 at 11:47 am
[...] Microsoft está enviando computadoras gratis con Windows Vista a bloguers para que testeen el sistema operativo - vía En: Publicidad, Asides — Diciembre 28, 2006 [...]
December 28th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
Well
I could use a new Laptop even under a try before you buy scheme.
As long as the source of the ‘gift’ is disclosed, I think it is fine.
And also as long as it does not turn the blog recipients into ‘infomercials’ makers.
Serge
Biz:
http://www.njconcierges.com
Blog:
http://www.sergetheconcierge.com
December 28th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
I would like one!! hahah
I don`t care if Windows Vista Sucks….it can be changed right??
^^
December 28th, 2006 at 9:50 pm
so where do i place the orders?
December 29th, 2006 at 1:49 am
Please ask them to send 4 pcs to us.
(Three kids and myself)
:-)
December 29th, 2006 at 2:02 am
The two immutable forces on earth eh?
Gravity & Greed. Look at all the gimmie gimmies clamouring for their free stuff even though they probably can’t review for nuts.
Disclosure is a fine thing, but even so each occurence chips away at the credibility of the reviewer.
Would you rely on Kevin trudeau’s medical advice?
Chuck Norris or Christie Brinkley’s fitness equipment choices, knowing that their opinions were offered without fear or favour?
If so then what would that say about your credibility?
December 29th, 2006 at 2:11 am
Its looking very good, but if its true and I think its not the truth…..
December 29th, 2006 at 3:03 am
hard to believe
December 29th, 2006 at 3:06 am
Gimme one please!
December 29th, 2006 at 5:12 am
How can I get one?
December 29th, 2006 at 7:38 am
Ohhh…I really, really want a “giftee” one too! I’d even promise to get my tubes tied (maybe) if they gave me one (maybe), although I have absolutely no idea at all why they would do such a foolish thing! Unless someone at Microsoft would really enjoy hearing about me getting tied and tangled into absolute knots learning how to use a PC, having been a MAC user for 21 years….
December 29th, 2006 at 8:54 am
What is the catch? And if none, how can I get one?
December 29th, 2006 at 11:52 am
Edelman Agency- At Least Monkey Phone Calls are Ethical
In the last entry I trounced on Edelman Agency, Loren F. a bit and of course Chris for hammering me AND working at Edelman (3 months) the agency that gave us WalMart flogs- Chris and I have caught up via mail and folks we may have an interesting podcas…
December 29th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Gates just called me and said the pc was for me. They are sorry about the problem, the mistake was in DHL’s IT department that was running Linux :)
December 29th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
[...] The morning of the 28th is when I started to read about people getting upset about Microsoft and AMD sending us this hardware. It started to blow up all over the place. Some flippant comments gave people the wrong idea (come on Robert, you should know better), some were constantly-evolving-multiple-edit stories (the graphic up top there didn’t always say “Free”), and some were just full of angry people calling it a bribe. Some of the bloggers that received the units are new at this and getting beat up unfairly over it because they didn’t do or say exactly what some people thought they should have, which is unfair. All of this happened over Christmas as well, so anyone that thinks we should have been rushing to update our blogs instead of spending time with friends and family needs to get a life and some friends and family of their own. [...]
December 29th, 2006 at 4:27 pm
[...] Scoble “Talk about Pay Per Post.” . OK I confess I sent Scoble a gift- a Monkey Phone Call. In short you pay a dude ten bucks, he calls someone up and screams like a monkey- really- I am not kidding- I mean screams, great service and highly in demand. I offered one to Steve Rubel, via Linked IN too (Robert said he wouldn’t appreciate it- so much for micropersuasion) to cheer him up over the Walmart thing. The guy seemed morose and I liked him. I offered him $10.00 to get himself one, or I would buy him one (I have his digits anyway.) Blank. Way to treat a client. Zero response. I failed in persuasing on a micro level. Then again maybe he had nothing to do with it…maybe it is the dark arts division or something… [...]
December 30th, 2006 at 5:12 am
[...] A lot of people are screaming bloody murder with that Acer Ferrari laptop loaded with Vista which Microsoft sent as gifts to top bloggers. What is so wrong about that? [...]
December 31st, 2006 at 9:20 am
[...] ¿Porqué hay gente que habla tan bien de Vista a pesar de los problemas de seguridad, los precios, etc.? Según eWeek porque Microsoft les está sobornando con un bonito portátil Acer Ferrari con el Windows Vista instalado. Más en http://www.istartedsomething.com.nyud.net:8080/20061227/microsoft-free-ferrari, scobleizer.com/2006/12/26/microsoft-sending-free-computers-to-bloggers/ [...]
December 31st, 2006 at 12:49 pm
Microsoft is kind and their Xbox PR Edelman gave me a copy of Roboblitz and John Porcaro gave me Viva Pinata, not much but it was nice. A computer would be to much, not that great of a blogger yet but wish I got one.
January 2nd, 2007 at 11:44 am
Robert,
I imagine it is as much to do with Intelligent Processor Architecture and Networking Mirroring Neural Nodes and Synapses of the Brain, AMD’s Forte, as with a SMART Operating System which builds ITs own UpGrades from Transparent Applications Run on Vista Machines.
Running in Parallel with Open Source would be a Boon and a worthy Facility which apparently is presently denied.
Then IT would be Fit for AI Purposes…… and NeXXXXt Generation Quantum Operating Systems Networking.
That is the Computer MetaMorphing into a Network. Heavy METAI.
January 15th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Hi! Very nice site! Thanks you very much! v8Euh1USVi
February 7th, 2007 at 8:20 am
I’m in a serious need of a computer. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 12th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Need free computer? Look at here–>http://getrichwithforex.blogspot.com
February 28th, 2007 at 2:08 am
Please i need to get a free..pc. bilive it or not i am still using a pentium1..which is rather slow..i have tryd upgrading it but its js a waste of time. i desperatly need your help. memesofmwami@yahoo.com. thank you!!
February 28th, 2007 at 11:13 am
please call me at 786-380-3214
March 30th, 2007 at 8:17 am
I’ll take one… but ditto to macbeach.
April 1st, 2007 at 6:16 am
[...] chrystie wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI’ll take one… but ditto to macbeach. [...]
April 8th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
If Microsoft is giving away free computers I will take 1. I need a new 1.
April 9th, 2007 at 6:36 am
memesofmwami, how about some free computer books:
http://www.freetechbooks.com
No, this is not a PR stuff.
August 19th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
hi i really need a comuter my family doesnt have money to get anything and we all have to sharefood just to get by from day to day so pleaseif u r giving away any thing it dont matter what it is can u please give it to me and my family thank
GOD BLESS U
August 31st, 2007 at 8:35 am
this is sbdul nasir belongs to oneof the poor family of pakistan but is so insspired by the help of “Microsoft”
as i am too poor to pay and buy a computer for my self
which i will use for to get information and education by using internet .so therefor i request to “microsoft”to please send me a computer for me. i shall be very thankfull to “microsoft” which is one he best poor helpers company to send a computer for nasir .if you would please consider me fit for the above statement so please e maial to me by the address given aobve.bye
September 17th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
You may receive a new notebook from Microsoft or sit waiting at your current computer until the ‘who knows when’. But, we are here to keep you on top of your game with FREE stretches and strategies that busy computer users can use to avoid neck pain and back pain from extended time spent at a desk/computer.
October 10th, 2007 at 10:28 am
I also take one, but I don’t like vista or something on it…. I prefer Linux!
joern
October 10th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI also take one, but I don’t like vista or something on it…. I prefer Linux! joern. [...]
October 10th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt[…] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’sa quick excerptI also take one, but I don’t like vista or something on it…. I prefer Linux! joern. […] [...]
October 12th, 2007 at 2:42 am
I also prefer Linux like Joern too!
vista isn’t a good system…
October 14th, 2007 at 2:53 am
I’am a poor student in SRI LANKA.now i’am following a computer GRAPHIC course.But i don’t have a computer can you give me a LAPTOP COMPUTER.PLEASE KIND ABOUT ME!!!!!
October 14th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
i think its pretty gutsy actually. i doubt any of these folks can be bribed with a laptop. you don’t think apple gave out ipods to celebs? come on.
November 7th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Nothing new. For many months now, Sun has been giving free machines to people who want to review and blog about it.
December 10th, 2007 at 3:45 am
I JUST GOT AN ADDMISSION IN THE UNIVERSITY ,BUT TO DO WELL IN MY COURSE I NEED A PERSONAL LAPTOP PLS I WOULD BE GRATEFULL IF U GET ME ONE I LIVE IN NIGERIA.THANKS
December 10th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
i’m a poor teen in need of a cool vio pc i would be cool if i get one microsoft is cool
February 7th, 2008 at 1:06 am
Sir,
My son is need of a laptop for his programing subject but I cannot buy him due to financial difficulty. I will be very gratefull if you can send me a laptop even second hand for my son not to fail his subject.
Please, please, please sir help my son.
Thamk you
February 7th, 2008 at 10:13 am
PLEASE,
I AM VERY POOR STUDENT. I DONT HAVE A COMPUTER BECAOUSE I WANT TO LEARN COMPUTER STUDIES BUT MY EDUCATIONAL EXPENSE IS TOO MUCH. I CANT THINK ABOUT PURCHASE A COMPUTER . SO PLEASE HELP ME FOR CONT…. MY COMPUTER STUDY SEND A LAPTOP MAY BE POSIBLE OTHERWISE THIS MY ONLY DREAMS.I CANT THINK ABOUT THAT .
MY ADDRESS :
Ward No. 05, Post Office Talhar, District Badin, Sindh, Pakistan. (Talhar)