Advertising, ad campaigns, ad agencies, and the people that make it happen

Seems like Microsoft has kicked off the New Year in style with the first controversy of 2007. They sent out a bunch of Acer Ferrari laptops (very tasty) worth about $2,200 each, to a bunch of select bloggers (I’m still waiting for mine) preloaded with the new Microsoft OS, Windows Vista. Obviously, the intent was to get lots of favorable reviews. Apparently, Microsoft said the bloggers could keep the laptops, or flog them on eBay if they felt like it. The controversy has arisen because some in the blogging community have called it a bribe, while others believed it was OK to receive the expensive gift, as long as the blogger disclosed receiving it. Personally, I’d like to be given the opportunity of making that decision. Happy New Year to all!