03.02.13
Dubious Editorial Control in ZDNet
Summary: Continuing the tradition of Vista 7/8 as a whole category among non-brands
AS WE STATED a couple of years ago, ZDNet is strongly suspected of having received money from Microsoft in exchange for editorial control that favours Vista 7, essentially corrupting ZDNet as a source of news (not that it ever published more than bias, flames, etc.) and we never received confirmation of this from ZDNet; they dodge the issue. I did ask them.
Notice how, for instance in the above image, the site promotes a product’s trademark, not a company, and also a version for that product. It makes no sense. It’s like having catagory called “Android Jelly Bean” in the top-level menu. Vista 8 marketing is reportedly enjoying a budget of over one billion dollars. Some of that money may be in ZDNet‘s pocket, in exchange for editorial control over sections. Fortunately, Vista 8 has failed despite the astroturf; Will Hill made the following two images on Vista Hate (H8).█
Needs Sunlight said,
March 2, 2013 at 11:14 am
Actually the estimates are around $1.5 billion, which is a lot larger.
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/microsoft-estimated-to-spend-1-5-billion-on-windows-8-marketing/
It might be higher.
Needs Sunlight said,
March 13, 2013 at 5:26 am
Here’s another one from M$ inside ZDNet: http://www.zdnet.com/i-used-to-be-with-ibmnow-i-work-for-microsoft-7000008845/
Years ago ZDNet used to be half-decent. Now it is filling up with shills.
Dr. Roy Schestowitz Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:28 am
A blog post about this is coming.
Needs Sunlight Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:37 am
There’s also a growing list of “former” interns showing up in universities.