Richard McManus over at one of my favorite and regular reads, Read/Write Web, sums up his experience as a publisher throughout the ad campaign for Microsoft that has generated a bit of a blogstorm.
For him, the issue isn't disclosure. There was nothing to disclose. His lesson learned: "don't use the corporate catchphrase" (People Ready) in his, otherwise heartfelt and genuine post.
Two other lessons I take away:
- Don't underestimate some people's distrust of advertising. And, therefore, respect that distrust.
- Perhaps we could all be a little more open minded about how advertising is explored in the world of social media. It's not always going to work well. When it doesn't, we try something else.
Monetizing content will make it possible for Richard to make Read/Write Web into a sustainable, long-term business. I look forward to what comes next.
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