According to its website ‘About Us’ page, US-based company BrickHouse Security is “the trusted name in high-tech safety and security solutions for federal and state law enforcement agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and individuals across the globe.”
Why then, in its attempt to get higher search engine results page ranking (SERPs) does it have to stoop to buying paid blog items that deceive the casual reader into thinking that they are independent endorsements? Such as this. It is not even well written. The so-called-blog’s dubious status is apparent to internet-savvy users alert to such practices, and confirmed on the Disclosure Policy page. It’s the internet equivalent of giving a journalist a backhander to write a favourable article.
Telecare Aware is transparent in its relationship with suppliers and others. Anyone with a story that I consider relevant will get a mention in the news items without payment. Readers can assume that companies have only paid for advertising and my advice to suppliers who wish to raise their profile amongst the readership has for years been available for anyone to read on this page. Companies to which I have supplied other services, such as press release drafting and distribution or presentation or website design are listed on this page.
By the way, some monthly sponsorship slots after March 2009 are still available.
Very interesting that you have exposed the dubious nature of a certain company and a blog. But I would like to point out the following flaws in your argument:
1. You seem to have a personal vengeance against the medical/electronic firm. I say this cuz I don’t see anything in your write-up that proves the incompetence of the product. In fact, what is the purpose of this article of yours?
2. What is wrong in propagandizing a product if the company thinks that its useful to the larger public? A paid review is just the reflection/opinion of a blogger on the product/site. When a firm could better its search performance by whatever means, it serves as a pinnacle of its prudence. If you are questioning the ethics behind advertisement, why on the brains of a hag does this site pitch for the many products that i see glaring into my eyes as ads?
3. The world of paid reviews is so vast that – hey – why don’t you check if the product of the company that you work for, is advertised in similar sorts. Very likely. Perhaps thats why its site has got a good PR (I mean page rank and not public relations).
4. Your blog has excerpts from BrickHouse’s and Telecaware’s claims of ingenuity and transparency. When both of them convey the same in essence, does it not seem to expose the intellect of a sheep that you proudly possess, basing on which, you uphold one and disregard the other?
In quoting Mark Twain to sum up “Most morality is lack of opportunity” 🙂
Hi Anator
Thanks for taking the time to comment. If I may respond…
Your point 1: I am always supportive of companies that are trying to bring the benefits of telecare to people and I have no issues with BrickHouse as regards its products or services.
The purpose of this item was a) to remind my readers in the industry that when it comes to services involving older and disabled people the highest ethical standards should apply, including to their online activities and b) it was a chance to remind potential advertisers that there are legitimate advertising opportunities available.
Point 2: It is a question of transparency and trust. It is well understood by readers that money is involved in advertising and they can take a view on any non-advertising content they read that relates to advertisers. Paid-for blog ‘reviews’ are deceptive. If the author is paid by the product owner to write an opinion about something, how can it be trusted?
Point 3: “The company I work for” is me and I do not advertise Telecare Aware or buy links. The good page rank is the result of spending large amounts of time to deliver content for my readers each week for years – many of those with very little advertising income.
Point 4: Sheep-brained or not, that quotation sounds like Mark Twain with his tongue in his cheek as usual, but I checked and wasn’t able to identify the actual source. One thing he did write was “The low level which commercial morality has reached in America is deplorable.” (Notebook, 1902) but he went on to say “We have humble God fearing Christian men among us who will stoop to do things for a million dollars that they ought not to be willing to do for less than 2 millions.” Which is quite funny. Still, lets not get into trading quotations!
Regards,
Steve