Microsoft Caught Trying To Pay Off Bloggers For Positive Reviews Of Internet Explorer
"In this program, we are looking to spread the word about the new Internet Explorer web experience in a cool, visual way, which is where you come in!," the letter reads. "Internet Explorer has teamed up with many partners in gaming, entertainment, and more, and we'd love to see you talk about your opinions on these collaborations."
Today Microsoft offered to pay me to blog about Internet Explorer. There's not enough bitcoin in the world..
— Paul Stamatiou (@Stammy) June 17, 2014
The letter goes on to say that compensation is available, along with "ample opportunities for fun prizes and rewards." It's a sketchy proposition at best, and while the letter doesn't come right out and say the rhetoric has to be all positive, this still boils down to a marketing firm offering "compensation" for a "sponsored post."
Image Source: Flickr (Robert Scoble)
I received the same letter as TechCrunch, followed by another, and another, each of which went straight to the recycle bin. The last letter I received succinctly indicated that the program had been suspended. When pinged for a comment, a Microsoft spokesperson told TechCrunch that the "action by a vendor is not representative of the way Microsoft works with bloggers or other members of the media."