Online marketers are constantly trying to game the system by leaving puffed up reviews for their own products on online shopping sites. But they often leave tracks behind. One of the biggest is “marketing speak,” turns of phrase and words that no human would ever use to describe an actual experience they had. Coupon Sherpa says to look for the following red flags: [More]
New Vulva Dye Doesn't Really Work, But Is Quite Tasty
By January 16, 2010
We mentioned the existence of My New Pink Button a few days ago. This new and exciting product promises to “restore the pink to a woman’s genitals,” since women don’t already have enough things to be insecure about. While Consumer Reports doesn’t have this on their testing schedule (yet), one enterprising blogger has tested the product so you don’t have to. And there are pictures. No, not that kind. [More]
Beware Buying Advice From Bloggers On The Take
By July 13, 2009
As review blogs have emerged, seizing marketshare and mindshare away from traditional publications, it’s become the Wild West out there as far as journalistic ethics are concerned.
Yet Another Company Learns The Difference Between Amazon Reviews And Ads
By July 10, 2009
Instead of paying outsiders to give their products fake positive reviews on Amazon product pages like Belkin and other companies, DeLonghi cut out the middleman. Their communications manager, Tara Carpenter, simply went on Amazon and gave a variety of DeLonghi products five-star rave reviews herself.
UPDATE: Amazon Contacts Reader About Pay-to-Play Reviews, Promises Changes
By April 24, 2009
A Fusion of Form and Dysfunction
By June 12, 2006
Jeff at LDOPA.net bought a new bagless Hoover Fusion vacuum and gave it a little test drive.
Why Is This Garnier Shampoo So Stinky?
By May 18, 2006
What is this fell odor wafting out our Garnier shampoo bottle? Garnier products are great, especially the gel (oh my gawd, yes!), so we were surprised to open it this morning, having previously used it with no smelly problem at all–and gag.
