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Open Source Word-of-Mouth Advertising

Posted by michael on from the selling-it dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Plenty of corporations are willing to hire shills to generate buzz for a new product. But what people don't need to be paid to promote? Boston company BzzAgent found that their volunteers promote products simply because it makes them feel good. The NYT Magazine interviews several 'agents'. The volunteers cite the feeling of being 'on the inside', like sharing opinions with others, and enjoy feeling altruistic. Has Madison Avenue figured out what open source developers knew all along?"

3 of 168 comments (clear)

  1. Re:incentive is not always about money by Walt+Dismal · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is why I run naked through Starbucks shouting "I LOVE my new HP computer with an Intel processor and Microsoft operating system! I love my X-Box!" It makes me feel like I'm getting the attention I deserve while influencing my peers.

  2. Re:incentive is not always about money by Soko · · Score: 4, Funny

    True enough.

    Whenever I can, I link to my friends book - which was featured on Slashdot last month. I do keep things on-topic of course - I don't want to shill his book, just point out every instance where it would be helpful - like "Clearing viruses from Windows? It's easy with Knoppix - go get this book to show you how." in respone to a lament about a tough to get rid of infection.

    Since I'm advocating a purchase, I am advertising, but moreover trying to be helpful - to my fellow /.ers as well as my friend.

    Soko

    --
    "Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm." - Anonymous
  3. Re:incentive is not always about money by Eric+Giguere · · Score: 4, Funny

    you could just shamelessly push your product on Slashdot pretty much every post you get

    Surely nobody does such a thing!

    Eric
    Buy my upcoming book | Buy my previous books | Learn why Vioxx reduced spam