IT IS NOT just a theory that Microsoft hires AstroTurf professionals to attack Google. It is a well-confirmed truth and while more evidence remains to be found about the Edelman-connected Consumer Watchdog, we already know about LawMedia Group and Burson-Marsteller [1, 2, 3]. It has been proven many times before that Microsoft pays for people to smear Google and give the company antitrust trouble. See the older post "Attempt to Involve Me in Anti-Google 'Astroturf Lies' PR Campaign", it is not an isolated incident. So when Ben Edelman started attacking Google we wrote about it [EN | ES]; as we know from experience/history that companies or individuals attacking Microsoft rivals is often a sign that they are in Microsoft's pocket.
Much of my work for Microsoft does indeed speak to advertising fraud. Microsoft must make sure Bing doesn't show ads for scams, that fraudsters don't use the Microsoft DRIVEpm ad network, that Windows Defender properly detects spyware/adware, etc. I've worked with Microsoft on these kinds of matters.
Comments
Michael Glasser
2011-08-31 01:08:46
bedelman
2011-08-30 19:08:25
Dr. Roy Schestowitz
2011-08-30 19:58:23
Michael Glasser
2011-08-31 20:41:02
You claim that Mr. Edelman just admitted he has Microsoft as a client, as though he has tried to hide this. I see no evidence than he has.
You call Mr. Edelman a "self-portrayed" academic - but there is no reason to doubt he is exactly what he describes himself as, nor doubt that he is the assistant professor he claims to be.
The one thing you never get around to is actually saying where he is wrong. Do you deny that Google, against its own policies, accepted illegal ads? Do you deny Google denied it was tied to such advertising?
How would you react if Microsoft's Bing were found to be doing much the same - posting illegal ads? I am sure you would not give them a pass.