Microsoft's Laptop Giveaway Is About Influence, Not Bribery
|
Microsoft's blogger laptop giveaway isn't bribery, it's risky business. |
Yesterday, colleague Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols wrote, "Want to know why Microsoft has so many people saying good things about it, despite endless security problems, high prices, product lock-in and a Big Brother attitude toward using [its] products? Microsoft bribes people."
Steven's opinion piece followed posts elsewhere that Microsoft had sent some bloggers Acer Ferrari 1000 and 5000 notebooks preloaded with Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit Edition, unsolicited and with no strings attached.
Steven opined: "So, that's why people are saying nice things about Vista."
Really, who is saying nice things about Windows Vista?
Risky Business
The laptop giveaway is risky business. Microsoft's first risk is shown by exactly what happened yesterday: controversy over whether the company is using the notebooks as means of influencing high-profile bloggers. Surely the Microsoft PR folks considered such an outcome when debating whether or not to send out the computers. If Bill Gates sneezes, someone accuses Microsoft of spreading viruses. It's commonplace for blogs and news organizations to question Microsoft's motivations. Negative reaction must have been anticipated and dismissed because of some greater, perceived benefit (I'll get to that in a few paragraphs).
The second risk comes from the bloggers themselves. Microsoft has little or really no say in what the bloggers write about the company or Windows Vista. In the case of, say, eWEEK Labs, there are editorial processes that give high-tech companies a sense of what's coming and even an opportunity to protest a review's outcome. Microsoft assumes greater risk with bloggers that aren't constrained by set-in-stone, refined editorial policies and procedures.
Why does Microsoft assume the risk, then? For the same reason high-tech news media reviewers get products to test: influence. Microsoft knows that these bloggers have influence. Blogging is too often punditry--opinion. Contrary to Steven's contention, I see way more anti- than pro-Vista sentiments out in the blogsphere.
It's not like these bloggers could buy Windows Vista computers. New Vista PCs aren't supposed to go on sale for more than a month. But Microsoft needs the influence now, as it prepares to launch a massive consumer Windows Vista marketing campaign. I presume the Consumer Electronics Show will kick off Windows Vista marketing. From a PR perspective, the laptop seeding is quite sensible.
I do have to say, it's funny that Microsoft can distribute Windows Vista laptops, while its PC partners are prohibited from shipping products.
Blogging from First-Hand Experience
Microsoft benefits if these bloggers opine about Windows Vista after using the software. The best experience would come on a new PC, the way the bloggers might buy it in the store or directly from the manufacturer. None are available for sale, so Microsoft has provided computers. But the laptops are configured by Microsoft, if I rightly understand things (that's an admission that Microsoft didn't send me one of the Ferrari laptops). That the laptops come configured by Microsoft creates another area of risk. The defaults, like the browser or links from Windows Vista's Welcome Center, are more likely to be to Microsoft stuff. Microsoft could take flak for that. PC manufacturers will choose their own default software and links to e-mail and other services.
It's not like these bloggers are top of Microsoft's A List of influencers. Major technology news organizations, including Ziff Davis Media, had access to Windows Vista long before these bloggers. The eWEEK.com Windows Vista review was published a few days before Microsoft's launch of the software for businesses. Microsoft had to provide the software for review. It's not like eWEEK Labs is going to use warez or torrents to get Windows Vista.
The software isn't a gift, though, but for testing. Journalists aren't supposed to accept gifts, as Steven so rightly points out: "In my business, if you accept 'gifts' like this, you'd shortly be looking for another job, far, far away from journalism." So there is a prohibition attached to eWEEK that doesn't necessarily apply to bloggers.
The laptop seeding also signifies that Microsoft believes in its product--that Vista is a better Windows. That confidence is so big that the company wants to get Vista into the hands of as many influencers as possible. The real story would be if Microsoft withheld Vista, the way some movie studios refuse to screen some new releases for reviewers. Holding no screening is sign of no confidence, that the movie is a rotten tomato. Microsoft's laptop seeding demonstrates that the company has great confidence in Vista.
Beware the Vendor Bearing Gifts
The issue here isn't bribery or gifts, but influence and disclosure. PR people try to influence journalists every day. PR's job is to garner good press for clients. That Microsoft sees these bloggers as influencers is an indication of their sway, of their success as writers and as pontificaters.
I have no problem with bloggers receiving the laptops as long as there is disclosure, which acts as a buffer against influenced posts. Good bloggers, like news outlets, need to maintain credibility. Even the perception of bias could be damaging. Disclosure can be a good check where no editorial policy about "gifts" exists.
Disclosure is huge, particularly when there is potential financial gain. I'm much more concerned about bloggers' (or journalists') investments in companies they write about than the toys they might receive. Steven disclosed that he owns no technology stock. I can make the same disclosure. For conflict of interest reasons, I have never owned any technology stock--actually no stock whatsoever. The risk of conflict of interest is just too great.
Back in the late 1990s, I wrote a story about Dell adding Wi-Fi to its notebooks. The story was an exclusive and to me it was no big deal other than Dell's tit-for-tat with Apple. What I didn't know then, but later found out, was that the company providing the Wi-Fi cards to Dell went public about three weeks before my story published (Disclosure: the Wi-Fi company wasn't the story's source). Subsequent to my report, the other company's stock soared 40 percent over a couple of days. The point: I don't invest because it's uncertain who might do business with whom and what kind of biased perceptions might result. For bloggers or journalists that do invest, there is potential perceived or even real influence.
A Question of Influence
It's easy for long-practicing journalists to wag their fingers in accusation at bloggers. But I see some journalistic practices as fostering some important non-disclosure. Journalists are charged to protect their sources at all costs. I believe the practice is a good one. But plenty of people leak stuff to garner influence with the news media, because the journalists and their news outlets are seen as important influencers.
So, if the White House or high-tech vendor leaks information to an influential journalist, who then writes a story because it's a scoop or perceived to be relevant news, is that leak no less a gift than Microsoft's Ferrari notebook? Scoops garner the journalist notoriety, prestige and even professional advancement. News organizations benefit financially from readership.
I don't mean to disparage my profession or peers. Journalism is a dignified profession. My point is about influence. As long as there are influencers, someone will try to influence them. News organizations have standards and practices designed to mitigate influence and propagate impartiality. Bloggers may not. But both groups are influencers important to outsiders, like Microsoft PR.
For journalists, gray areas persist, even when policies are in place. During Microsoft's Office 2007 and Windows Vista business launch last month, attending journalists received free copies of the software. Were those gifts? They certainly had potential value. I gave away my copies to someone else to test. He's a big Mac user, and I wanted his opinion of both products. But, if I hadn't already obtained software elsewhere, I would have kept what Microsoft gave out. My job is to cover Microsoft, which demands that I use the products. Using Microsoft products helps me keep better watch over the company and to write more factual stories. However, if I were editor of a home and garden magazine, I probably wouldn't have kept the software.
Microsoft Watch readers, what do you think? Is Microsoft trying to bribe bloggers or give them first-hand experience with Windows Vista?
Comments (60)
I don't think there is a problem with MS giving away laptops to top bloggers. Yes it could be seen as a way to bribe people and influence them. However if the bloggers do not like the Vista they will indeed say so. Once they get their hands on the machines they can say what they like. No strings gift could also turn out to be a downer for MS if the bloggers write badly about Vista.
It is a risk, but I think it is a commendable risk as they have no idea on the outcome. I do not see how it is any different to the gaming blogs like Kotaki who received a Nintendo Wii gift prior to US launch.
Posted by Becky | December 28, 2006 2:25 PM
Steve got something 100% right for a change. While he usually keeps his shots aimed at the target its not often that he hits near the center ring. This one though looks like a complete bullseye.
Posted by James Cook | December 28, 2006 2:29 PM
Even Microsoft knows it has sinned.
Now Microsoft Wants Its Laptop Back
,----[ Quote ]
| Microsoft and AMD sent out a pile of very expensive (yet trashy
| looking) laptops to a number of bloggers over the past week. We
| were told we could keep them - now after a day of minor outrage
| by some people they are emailing us back with the following
| request that we not keep them after all!
`----
http://marshallk.com/microsoft-wants-its-laptops-back
Posted by Roy Schestowitz | December 28, 2006 4:50 PM
It's about finding new ways of getting attention for Microsoft, but personally I try not to get sucked into their hidden marketing agenda.
If they want promotion why doesn't MS consider building cars which are totally automatic (they drive themselves). Then agree with local governments to have the vehicles licensed and road worthy.
Now that would make interesting reading from Bloggers who got free cars.
Posted by Action Man JR | December 28, 2006 4:57 PM
Disagree Microsoft is confident in Vista. In fact, that's why the Acer laptops.
Microsoft is confident that Vista works. They have zero confidence in its business proposition. Why would they bribe bloggers if they did?
All you can say about Vista is..."it's nice." Sorta like a Chevy Aveo is "nice." Gets you from A to B; that's all. It's not a Mercedes Benz S550. It's nice.
Trouble is, XP's nice and...it works. For those saying we've got to change to Vista soon, even within 5 years, I say, "poppycock." I'll take the "nice" I know over the "nice" I don't...any time!
Send me a Ferrari, MSFT. Maybe I'll change my tune. Doubt it. Bribe me with features that excite!
Posted by Ray | December 28, 2006 5:01 PM
I've been anticipating the release of Microsoft Vista, and I'm glad there are PCs out there to Demo Vista with. My personal feelings on the matter of the lap tops, seem to be with Microsoft. I know that a bad review of a PC loaded with a more finalized Vista, has a lot more influence then one of people who have only had the beta version. Microsoft is taking a big risk, that they are not likely to take unless they are very confident in their product. I've learned to ignore most of the negative blogging, as I feel that bloggers, have noticed they get a lot more readers to their negative blogs. Facts are worth reading, but feelings, and emotions are all relative.
Posted by C.J. | December 28, 2006 5:18 PM
Re:Action Man JR.
[ Quote ]
If they want promotion why doesn't MS consider building cars which are totally automatic (they drive themselves). Then agree with local governments to have the vehicles licensed and road worthy.
Hmm, where do I start with this.
Firstly, Microsoft makes software, not cars.
Secondly, to succeed have a product that sells.
I understand your just talking about a publicity stunt here, but this usually only works for Reality TV.
Posted by C.J. | December 28, 2006 5:23 PM
Microsoft's Laptop Giveaway Is About Influence, Not Bribery?
It seems you don't know the difference between bribery and influence. Or maybe you just don't have any morals. It is bribery plain and simple.
Posted by stan | December 28, 2006 5:48 PM
It's bribery. What did you do with the laptop you received?
Posted by tim | December 28, 2006 6:12 PM
It is bribery.
To quote "Becky": "Once they get their hands on the machines they can say what they like"
If the bloggers (who got the laptops) don't write nice stuff about Vista; it would just demonstrate that them would be so corrupt that even receiving a bribery, they do not consider themselves to be bribed- in other words they are more corrupted than anybody, they would show a lack of the basic ethic of the bribed- namely: "do what you were bribed to do."
Posted by marco | December 28, 2006 6:42 PM
I think it's ok to give "free" laptops, Linux guys are just pissed for not getting one from Red Hat,
and Mr.Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, you need to see someone to help you forget the Microsoft disease you have in your heart, can't you be honest regarding Microsoft Products for a change.
may be some people might think this post is somehow silly, but actually that's the same feeling I have when read the articles written by Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols.
Finally, Mr. Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols , you can help linux by talking about linux not Microsoft !!!
Posted by Nasser | December 28, 2006 7:20 PM
re: CJ
Sure, Microsoft could implement the software but get a car company like Honda to build the hardware.
MS are interested in research projects like this, robotics being a new field for them whereby they are just beginning.
I can see the headlines now, "Move over Roomba and make way for Microsoft Car", complete with an SDK to allow programmers to build enterprise solutions within the Car.
An example could be to customize the profile of the driver (person who sits in the driving seat) settings, to facilitate driver preferences ie. route maps, in-car entertainment, synchronisation of services with remote desktop.
It will happen it's just a question of when.
Posted by Action Man JR | December 28, 2006 10:51 PM
The keyword in all this is disclosure. If I write about an Adobe product without disclosing that to my readers, they cannot fully judge my reporting. The same for Microsoft. If the company is touting it Vista OS, yet giving it away in hopes of influencing the influencers, it doesn't give consumers a true picture of MSFT's faith in its new software.
The other wrinkle in this laptop imbroglio is the computers were first given out no questions asked, but now that the heat is coming down on MSFT and its PR firm, bloggers are being told "remember, when I said this was a review system..."
It shouldn't come as a surprise to see this attempt to gain some good words from bloggers on Vista, given the fact the PR firm mentioned was also involved in the fake Walmart blog.
Posted by Digital Inkster | December 28, 2006 11:47 PM
Microsoft may only make mediocre products, but they have a killer marketing department. And that's why they stay on top.
Posted by Jazz | December 29, 2006 2:02 AM
As Joel Spolsky nicely summarizes:
The theory here is that if a blogger admits to receiving a gift, the reader can make up their mind as to whether that blogger has any credibility on this topic. Imagine this innocuous series of events:
1. Blogger gets free Vista PC
2. Tries it out
3. Feels obliged to blog about it
4. Writes "I got a free Vista PC. It has a really sharp-looking on-screen clock!"
5. Reader thinks, "hmmm, no credibility, but that's a nice-looking clock there. Maybe I'll get Vista."
Effectively Microsoft has bought publicity and goodwill. And even though the blogger has fully disclosed what happened, their message is corrupting the medium.
I've been thinking long and hard about this, and the only conclusion I can come to is that this is ethically indistinguishable from bribery. Even if no quid-pro-quo is formally required, the gift creates a social obligation of reciprocity. This is best explained in Cialdini's book Influence. The blogger will feel some obligation to return the favor to Microsoft.
Posted by Richard Eng | December 29, 2006 10:40 AM
Microsoft is showing confidence in their product? Poppycock! It's a given that Vista works--otherwise, they wouldn't have released the product. But giving Vista machines away is simply a marketing ploy, part of a PR campaign. They need to push their product, and push it hard, because XP is more than good enough for most people. My friends and I see no reason to upgrade to Vista...ever (unless or until our PCs break down).
Posted by Richard Eng | December 29, 2006 10:51 AM
"...Microsoft's laptop seeding demonstrates that the company has great confidence in Vista."
I'm pretty sure the Hindenburg design/production teams thought they had a killer app, too.
Posted by KC | December 29, 2006 12:28 PM
Bribe. 'Nuf said... Ben
Posted by Ben Myers | December 29, 2006 1:45 PM
Re: Marco,
If the bloggers (who got the laptops) don't write nice stuff about Vista; it would just demonstrate that them would be so corrupt that even receiving a bribery, they do not consider themselves to be bribed- in other words they are more corrupted than anybody, they would show a lack of the basic ethic of the bribed- namely: "do what you were bribed to do."
That's rich. That's right up there with "We'll only fail in Iraq if we don't succeed."
Give me a break.
Posted by Jeff | December 29, 2006 1:55 PM
Given that the 'gift' wasn't, well, given conditionally, there is no necessary error on anyone's part--other than Microsoft's continuing inability to foresee essentially sociological consequences to their actions. I now occasionally work for a company which has the same problems, internally and with customers. This seems more basic than a lack of empathy, and more like an inability to perceive reality from more than one perspective. ...Perhaps we should be grateful Bill hasn't (at least to my knowledge) written a Mein Kampf.
8]
Posted by Glenn Charles | December 29, 2006 2:00 PM
Bribe: "2. Something that serves to influence or persuade." - Webster's II New Riverside University Dictionary If M$'s intent wasn't to influence or persuade, why didn't they give me one?
Posted by kdhock | December 29, 2006 2:15 PM
Well, of course, it's a bribe. It's a gift to get influence...that's the very definition of a bribe. But are all "bribes" bad? They seek influence. Isn't that what marketing is all about? Don't you get "free" stuff at trade fairs or how about stuff in the mail? It's all marketing that is intended to get you to change your behavior. Coupons must then be bribes too. If you argue magnitude then you've missed the point.
Microsoft wants someone who is actually using the product to write about it. They HOPE that this will influence the recipient in a positive way but they can't control that behavior. And if someone says they REALLY LIKE VISTA how does that harm the world? Can't we all make our own decisions based on a number of sources and our own assessment of credibility or are we all sheep?
I look at blogs and a variety of publications and journalistic opinion and I do read the markeing stuff too. There is "truth" to be had everywhere. Just don't expect it to be handed to you on a platter.
Posted by Pete | December 29, 2006 2:17 PM
There's no question that Microsoft is attempting to positively influence bloggers by giving them free demonstration machines.
The fact that the machines are top of the line means they should have optimum performance; unlike the machines currently in use by the majority of users.
Which means VISTA reviews of performance will have the best possible chance to be favorable.
The Gateway E-series system I'm currently using certainly won't be optimum; and I'm stuck with it for at least 3 more years. VISTA has NO place in my life for at least that much time. I strongly suspect that the same situation exists in 90% of the household market, and well over 50% of the commercial market. The timing for VISTA is B A D.
Posted by Michael Houst | December 29, 2006 3:16 PM
Why is it people complain about the High cost of Microsoft Software and MS giving away Vista Laptops, when no one complains about the over priced Apple products? Just because MS is the big boy on the block? It's all an Apple conspiracy. Apple starts the complaints about MS so that no one will complain about their IPODs, and Macs.
I say go for it MS! All's fair in Love, war and business and this isn't love, it might be War but most likely is only business.
Rodger
Posted by Rodger | December 29, 2006 3:27 PM
re: Richard Eng's comments
I really don't think you "thought long and hard about this". Reasonably, it could be easily asserted that Microsoft has "great confidence in Windows Vista" as their product: Microsoft just doesn't have the confidence that the most important & influential end users in the blogosphere will have the hardware to experience every featured aspect of the new OS.
Let's face it: We'd ALL like to have high-powered laptops capable of leveraging every feature of Windows Vista. Assuming that we all don't get Ferrari's for Christmas, the only way we're going to learn about said features is if other people out there whom we believe have unbiased journalistic integrity report on it.
If you seriously believe that the receipt of a laptop, instead of simply empowering these individuals to form an educated opinion, will stain the journalistic credibility of the bloggers that you read, may I suggest that you change your OPML list? Because you certainly don't hold your authors in very high regard.
Posted by la_bruin | December 29, 2006 3:41 PM
re: Pete's comments
I agree with most of Pete's thinking (above) - I think it's well thoughtout. The analogy of this to "coupons" is a very good one: The laptop simply lowers the barrier to entry for certain select, well-respected bloggers. Now that they have machines capable of really testing the OS, the bloggers simply have to do what they do best: Form an opinion on their own time in their own way.
I however disagree with the term "bribe", and while this may be a petty point of disagreement, this whole topic is petty and based on people's emotional responses and not reason. The term bribe can imply the "corruption" of a person's opinion, according to http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bribe.
Seriously: Who the heck do the haters think they're kidding? Anyone that was a Microsoft-fanboi was going to be pretty positive about Windows Vista in the first place. Anyone that was a Microsoft hater was going to thrash Windows Vista come hell or highwater, "Ferrari or not". People that were neither inherently "pro" nor "anti" Microsoft, now have a quick & easy means to formulate a rational opinion about Windows Vista.
Does anyone really want to be characterized as a "shill" for Microsoft? OH HELL NO. That might even lean people away from writing a positive review of the OS. But at the same time, if the product's as good as Microsoft thinks it is, you have to agree that bloggers will opine factually about the things they encounter that they like as well as dislike.
And I have to believe that that's all that Microsoft expects, while also believing that the likes will outweigh the dislikes. Otherwise they wouldn't have thrown money at this "marketing attempt".
Posted by la_bruin | December 29, 2006 3:47 PM
re: Michael Houst's comments
Your comment about the quality of the laptops rings very true. Good equipment leads to reviews unimpeded by performance concerns and that focuses the reviews on the usage scenarios & business value... and not hardware problems.
But your comment also brings up an very interesting point: A good part of the blogosphere is writing about Windows Vista... high-end hardware... Windows Vista... laptops... Windows Vista... bloggers... Windows Vista...
Hey wait a second: Isn't that a little thing called "buzz"? Even the MAC & LINUX bloggers are writing about Windows Vista because of this Ferrari giveaway.
As the saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad press," especially when it does positively influence some individuals and creates opportunity for others.
Posted by la_bruin | December 29, 2006 3:49 PM
re: Roy Schestowitz' comments
This is untrue and a silly reference: Microsoft is NOT asking for the return of the Ferrari laptops from the bloggers that received them.
I personally know several individuals that received a laptop - they've received no such letter asking for the laptops back "when they're done" and there's never been any deviation from the original offer. It would appear that Marshall Kirkpatrick is one of only a few people this letter has been extended to.
And to be honest, is anyone surprised? Just read his post: Kirkpatrick's thrown such a hate filled hissy fit over the dread "Windows-based computer" sent to him (Kirkpatrick's a Mac user) that he's apparently become one of the few Ferrari receivers directly asked to consider essentially putting up or shutting up: If he has a problem with the laptop, then return it.
Not surprisingly, according to his blog, he's chosen not to.
Posted by la_bruin | December 29, 2006 3:58 PM
re: Glenn Charles' comments
Junior High debate tactic #103:
When lacking any substantial argument, refer to your opponent's position "as something Hitler would have thought of."
Your reference to Hitler's manifesto is uncalled for, especially during the holidays.
Posted by la_bruin | December 29, 2006 4:11 PM
If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, s**ts like a duck: IT'S A DUCK!!I don't care how YOU spin it, A BRIBE IS STILL A BRIBE!!
This is even a material, tangible thing. Your analogies don't apply and are examples of journalistic spin at it's worst!
What ever happened to good old REPORTING?
Posted by Old Timer | December 29, 2006 4:18 PM
If I wanted you to try something and get feedback - and i assume that you will not take the time or have the resources to buy it - why would I not give it to you for review ?
It has nothing to do with the act of a bribe, where there are conditions.
Sorry, I think you all are being silly.
Posted by Michael Jahn | December 29, 2006 5:03 PM
The reality is that the laptop give away is probably a good will gesture and not a bribe, any blogger who has integrity would appreciate the fact that they got the free laptop running Vista, but at the same time if Vista sucks then wouldn’t the bloggers will use the very same note book and blog against Vista?
In fact we should consider that MS is so freaking confident about Vista that it is giving a ultimate test drive to the critics, would GM or Toyota would ever try that? ;)
Regards,
Omer Qureshi
Posted by Omer Qureshi | December 29, 2006 10:53 PM
The reality is that the laptop give away is probably a good will gesture and not a bribe, any blogger who has integrity would appreciate the fact that they got the free laptop running Vista, but at the same time if Vista sucks then wouldn�t the bloggers will use the very same note book and blog against Vista?
In fact we should consider that MS is so freaking confident about Vista that it is giving a ultimate test drive to the critics, would GM or Toyota ever try that? ;)
Regards,
Omer Qureshi
Posted by Omer Qureshi | December 29, 2006 10:54 PM
For the record:
I beta-tested Vista (as you probably did). I've been saying good things about it, though I'm not sure an end-user will find many dramatically new things about it.
My FREE laptop hasn't arrived, yet.
Posted by steven | December 30, 2006 12:10 AM
What were they thinking in Redmond? Are they that desperate? Fact is, anyone who returns their notebook for whatever reason could easily be interpreted or reported as “Vista, so crappy Microsoft can’t even give it away.”
Posted by meatofmoose | December 30, 2006 1:39 PM
a little from column a, a little from column b
Posted by puppet | December 30, 2006 6:36 PM
just my three cents!!!
it can be termed bribery, as that often refers to giving gifts, etc to receive some benefit in kind.
what is the benefit here?! to get good reviews from respected bloggers??? as if that ever swayed anyone (used to making sensible purchasing decisions) as to whether or not a product was a good buy!
I agree with a previous poster that Vista has not demonstrated any particular must-have feature that makes me want to go out there and buy it!, nor would the opinion of some user just like me change it so easily.
it's seems more appropriate to term it as influence peddling, pretty piss poor but peddling all the same. the PR dept could have done better
Posted by love this crap!!!! | December 31, 2006 11:09 AM
Well done & carry on.
Try to improve more and more.
OK....
Posted by p.k.mathan raj | January 1, 2007 6:17 AM
I've been reading about this for the last few days now. And I'm amazed that anybody can see it as anything other than a bribe.
1) If Microsoft wanted to give the OS to bloggers to test, no problem. they could even LOAN them a system to do the testing on and achieved the goal of givinghtem something to test. Then, no conflict of interest.
2) A high end laptop is not a trivial freebie. A DJ getting a tee shirt from a record company or a new unreleased CD is a trivial amount at best. Same with free samples through the mail or from supermarkets etc.
3) Any company that pulls a publicity stunt like this is asking for bad publicity. And yes.. there is such a thing.
I remember many years ago seeing a review of a game in a computer magazine. I had just bought the game in question, and many of the features referenced in the review didn't exist in the game. I was annoyed enough by this to stop buying the magazine.
Posted by John Bailey | January 2, 2007 2:21 AM
Apple has been giving away iPods to Celebrities, Athletes, and Journalists for years. How come we have not heard charges of bribery by Apple?
Posted by david | January 2, 2007 1:10 PM
Want a laptop giveaway telephone or write to Rhonda Williams c/o Morne Jaloux P.O. St. George's Grenada
Posted by Rhonda Williams | February 16, 2007 10:39 AM
Hi I also need a fee laptop for my Translation business because I lose so much contracts.
Can you help to find a free laptop?
Magellan
Cote d'Ivoire
Posted by Magellan | February 20, 2007 8:32 AM
I recycle laptop and computer for our community children lowincome services
Posted by andre juste | February 27, 2007 9:36 AM
are u still giving away the free laptops - i need one for school - no money / I take care of diabled mother and two younger brothers
franzone5@bellsouth.net
Posted by christa | May 10, 2007 6:27 AM
Hi all!
Looks good! Very useful, good stuff. Good resources here. Thanks much!
Bye
Posted by govokinolij | July 10, 2007 4:02 AM
I REALLY NEED A LAPTOP I WILL BE A FRESHMAN IN THE FALL AND I HAVE SPENT ALL OF MY MONEY ON BOOKS AN SCHOOL SUPPLYS I REALLY NEED A GOOD COMPUTER FOR SCHOOL PLEASE HELP ME.THANK YOU
MARIO DIAZ
Posted by MARIO DIAZ | August 4, 2007 5:35 AM
plz i need some cds and magazines.thanks
Posted by allen bennah | August 11, 2007 8:42 AM
I really need a laptop. I am attending college in the fall and would like to have a laptop. I dont have the resources to purchase one.
Posted by p_jones | August 31, 2007 2:22 PM
i am a student who has a creat knowledge about computers. i have spent my whole life trying to bring about a programme and i have no computer to enable me so if u can assist me to get any second hand laptop. i will be very greatful to recieve such thing. thank you.
Posted by ankomah emmanuel | September 7, 2007 1:58 PM
hello my name is michelle and i am currently enrolled in college, to better my future. i am a single mother of two, my daughter who will be starting college next year, she is graduating class of 2008, i am real proud of her. as a single mom i can't afford much, but right now we both need laptops, and if your company is giving away any, i wish that you would consider us for that opportunity. i know nothing in life are free, but life is free and taking chances is free. so whatever it takes for me to make our life better for the future i will do. i thank you for your time, and hope to hear from you.
thank you
michelle
Posted by michelle seide | November 17, 2007 6:27 AM
Being in medical school studying and reserching on how to improve health care in the nearest future especially on deases that currently have no cure, having a laptop will facilitate this ambition and enhance a wonderful result that will make a lot difference in the world! Please, if you still have laptops, I will appreciate one! Remain blessed.
Posted by Henry E N | December 13, 2007 10:18 PM
As a student,i need laptop to learn so that i can achieve my major goal in life.so please give me one of the laptop.thanks
Posted by Emmanuel Abankwa | December 17, 2007 7:01 AM
hello my name is anthony, and i want a free laptop my computer is not working at the moment, i have been strugleing in marketing because i cant read and rite. if i dont get one i will be out of work wich puts a big bordon on me so if any one has one pls email me anthonybesanko@hotmail.com addres 78 couch st sunshine australia
Posted by anthony | January 23, 2008 11:23 AM
anthony :
hello my name is anthony, and i want a free laptop my computer is not working at the moment, i have been strugleing in marketing because i cant read and rite. if i dont get one i will be out of work wich puts a big bordon on me so if any one has one pls email me anthonybesanko@hotmail.com addres 78 couch st sunshine australia
Posted by anthony | January 23, 2008 11:23 AM
Posted by anthony | January 23, 2008 11:24 AM
hi,
I am going to school, so i need a laptop so i can use in doing my assignment.I will be happy if my request is granted because it will help me alot.
Thanks
Posted by ADEOSUN OLUWATOBI | March 22, 2008 5:49 AM
hello my name is mohamed , and i want a free laptop my computer i have no any computer at the moment, so i would to like to assist this request ,just my email maxamadibraahin@hotmail.com and thanks .
Posted by mohamed | April 5, 2008 3:55 AM
brotherhood p.o.boxtt668 tema new town ghana 00233 wa
Posted by joshua tetteh | April 24, 2008 6:45 AM
brotherhood p.o.boxtt668 tema new town ghana 00233 wa
plz i need the laptop plz
Posted by joshua tetteh | April 24, 2008 6:45 AM
i will like to say microsot really does a good job and may god bless that company to offer people needs iam not commanding but iam asking for a laptop iam in school so i struggle to do my school work without the internet my address 475 kwetla qibing wepener
9944
free state
south africa
Posted by josiase | June 3, 2008 8:55 AM
i am a computer science student of federal university of technology owerri Nigeria currently in my 3rd of study
i like want microsoft is doing and i would really love to own a laptop as this would assistant me in my carrier.
i would be granteful if my request is granted
postal address
Department of mathematics and computer science
federal university of technology owerri
Nigeria westAfrica
Posted by odoemenam okechukwu | July 18, 2008 9:37 PM