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AMD Papers Over Free Wi-Fi Network Builders

Posted by timothy on from the still-sounds-like-a-great-idea dept.

Glenn Fleishman writes "It's been widely reported in the last week that AMD, Intel's processor competitor, was launching a free hotspot network. It's come out, in reporting we just posted at Wi-Fi Networking News, that AMD has built this network by calling existing free hotspots and asking if they'd put stickers in their window. This might be fine: stickers and the label "AMD HotSpot" in exchange for promotion. However, in Austin several local wireless activists say that AMD has put their hotspot decals up in stores without the stores' permission, including at locations operated and supported by Austin Wireless City and Austin Unleashed. Guerrilla marketing gone overzealous? Or an attempt to seize the credit without paying for it?"

7 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. Did AMD reps put them up? by filekutter · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Or does someone have the stickers? If you don't see them go up, you have no idea who actually is responsible.

    --
    I call computer-illiteracy job security
  2. Kinda reminds me of... by Shakrai · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This kind of reminds me of the Microsoft butterfly campaign in NYC. How much do you wanna bet this was the clueful idea of some champ in marketing? When will they learn?

    --
    I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
    We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    1. Re:Kinda reminds me of... by LostCluster · · Score: 4, Insightful

      When will they learn?

      Never. The goal of marketing is to attract attention, and the most successful marketers are unfortunately the ones who are most annoying and do illegal practices. The key in breaking the rules is not being caught...

  3. Re:Whatever. by dekashizl · · Score: 3, Insightful
    Dude if the stores aren't even looking at who is putting stickers in their windows then they deserve to get them put up there.
    This (troll?) is analagous to the argument that anybody who doesn't keep their servers patched 100% up to date deserves to get hax0r3d. Not everybody has manpower to handle the server patching (not to mentioned downtime it creates), and not everybody can afford security guards and closed-cicruit video surveillance at their sites.
  4. what about the stores? by TheQuantumShift · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If you let just anyone in and put up decals, where does the blame lie?
    "We'd like you to display our logo."
    "Um, no."
    "Ok, we'll just put them in that window over there."
    "Um, ok."

    --

    Shift happens. Fire it up.
  5. Are they all *FREE* hotspots? by EvilStein · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I get really tired of trying to find a hotspot on one of several hotspot maps only to find them all cluttered with Starbucks (TWELVE within one mile of my office) and McDonalds.

    The only free hotspot I know of in the area is a coffee shop on Bush & Kearny, and I patronize the shop over others because of the free 802.11 access.
    It's nice to have, and it does bring in the business.

  6. It just goes to show guerilla marketing is bad by Travoltus · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If you want quality, reputable marketing, you don't ask people to do it for free. You need paid, trained professionals who respect the law and who know good advertising etiquette (such that it is).

    --
    --- Grow a pair, liberals... stop letting the Republicans bully you!