Comments on: Can You Be Bought?

By: Mat Siltala

Mat Siltala — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:29:20 +0000

@Jessica Mahoney Yea, that is another way to look at it, I too hope they take my advice and grow their business because of it! Thanks for dropping on by and commenting!

By: Jessica Mahoney

Jessica Mahoney — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:20:40 +0000

I would have definitely taken the honest approach because then at least they are getting feedback, which truly is most helpful when running a business. There is a difference between a slandering review and one written thoughtfully and honestly. As for being bought I think it was the owners way of trying to make it right and probably the only thing they could think of to remedy the situation. Hopefully,they took the things you critiqued and are making improvements.

By: Mat Siltala

Mat Siltala — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:28:12 +0000

@Lisa
Hey thanks so much for coming by and commenting. There is a fine line between staying true and being bought – and I think we always have to be 100% honest, even when it may be the “uncool” thing to do, or we will lose our reputation.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:28:05 +0000

Hi Mat, I can empathise with your situation and I've also experienced something similar. I believe you did the right thing, especially since you seem to have disclosed the free meal deal you got. I am a BzzAgent and I signed up for a campaign recently for Diet Mountain Dew. I should have listened to my hunch that I was not a drinker of Mountain Dew to begin with and I probably wouldn't be very jazzed about their diet version either. Anyway, now I'm stuck with a bunch of soda cans, campaign coupons and "talking sheets" I'm supposed to give out. I feel conflicted and it's reflected in the fact that my bzz activity is way way down for this campaign. I talk about it on my recent post in "Internet Bits and Social Media pieces". I guess the only way to navigate through the murky areas is to be upfront, disclose affiliations and be honest about your opinions. Lisa’s last blog post..Brands - engaging the consumer while avoiding online clutter

By: Mat Siltala

Mat Siltala — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:08:25 +0000

@Janet Meiners Thaeler I thought so! Thanks for the reassurance and thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!

By: Janet Meiners Thaeler

Janet Meiners Thaeler — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:59:19 +0000

Mat,
This is a familiar dilemma. You want to be honest – even if the place is good but you hated it – but not hurt the business. You’re responsible and know the power of a negative review – esp. if it’s one of the only reviews. So I always hesitate leaving a negative review.

What I hate are the people who leave negative reviews on purpose to smear a competitor or to get higher search engine placement.

There are businesses you hate and those you just wouldn’t recommend.
I probably would’ve added a note at the end of the original post. I think you were more than fair to go back and give another try.

Janet