Nvidia viral marketing with AEG exposed !!! *UPDATED* *Poll Added*

[EndGame]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Yourself

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Rollo

Originally posted by: Witchfire
You smell that? It's the charred remains of nVidia's and Rollo's reputations.

if ATF keeps you, nVidia won't have a shed of credibility left here . . . not sure if that is good or bad

Do you really believe that? Do you think that this thread and this issue has that much affect on people's opinion of Nvidia and in turn will affect their buying habits? I just don't see that happening. This is an enthusiasts forum and people will buy the best/fastest product out there....regardless of who is pimpin it here on the boards.

Self

actually, yes

there are several members that said they would not buy nVidia products in the future - specifically the g71 - becasue of company ethics issues.

but that is rather small

what will likely happen instead - there will be less vocal nVidia supporters . . . that will make a difference in some buying habits.

they will survice . . . no doubt . . . but who likes a "black eye"? . . . a tarnished corporate image

i think nVidia must not be pleased with "Rollo"

You've got to put down the pipe Apoppin.

Nobody will shoot themselves in the foot and buy inferior products in that price range based on this- you'd have to be STUPID to do so.

LOL- yeah right:
"Sniff ....sob...I could have played all my games 50% faster if not for nVidia giving those six guys some cards!"

As far as nVidia hating me, didn't seem to stop them from hooking me up on the 512GTX a week or two ago? :roll:

You don't know anything about nVidia, you don't know anything about AEG, you're just a spiteful old guy spitting out hate on the internet.

excuse me, but you're [evidently] a middle aged guy who has been spewing out hate in these forums for years.

again, it isn't about me . . . it's about your total lack of ethics coupled with a pattern of abusing forum members who are not pro-nVidia

don't even attempt to SPIN in about me . . . your troll tactics have been exposed along with the rest of your FUD.

and nVidia's reputation has been damaged or else they would not be attempting such desperate damage control

and you can't seem to put your bottle down . .. drunk posting has got you in trouble before if i remember correctly.

This is "Desperate Damage Control"???

Boy - read your article - you couldn?t have gotten it more wrong.

Do you really not know what AEG does? Did you go to their website? Do you understand their business?

Seems before you write an editorial article on this you would educate yourself.

AEG helps us to manage the online community - we engage with some NV fans to help educate people on the web.

They are NOT hired actors!

They are NOT ?shills?!

Happy to answer more questions - but it seems as if you need to do some research first.

Sounds more like an explination and a prompt for them to educate themselves on corporate marketing.

Like I said, I believe many would be very surprised if companies revealed their marketing strategies. It may or may not ever happen but I'd wager to say that none of them will do it willingly!

 

[L00PY]

Again, banning people that call out marketers just means that marketers are free to come into the forum. AT is effectively condoning that action then. A better solution would be to invite them in, have them pay for it just like people pay for banner ads, and force them to have a sig, advatar, and title that labels them as an advertiser.

AT gets more money. AT users can more easily identify them and make their own decision about the validity of their posts. Advertisers have another legal means of getting their word out. As it stands now, only advertisers get an edge and benefit from the current situation. All others lose out.

I wouldn't have a problem it AT just retroactively applied this policy. Rollo can stay if AT gets paid for the advertising. Ban for unpaid advertising otherwise. Just like Turtle was supposedly banned for multiple accounts and not for calling Rollo out. The rules should apply to everyone, IMNSHO.

 

[sellmen]

Long time lurker (since 2000), first time poster. This issue is ridiculous.

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Banning Rollo would be a grave disservice to this forum, and I'm here as a lurker to say so.

...

So...after lurking on this forum for six years someone suddenly registers, writes a long pro-Rollo, anti-ATI post, and suggests banning everyone who mentions AEG.

:disgust::laugh:

So whats your other ID?

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: Crusader
Long time lurker (since 2000), first time poster. This issue is ridiculous.

yeah, sure

you joined after six years just to post - today.

Why do i find it hard to believe?

seriously

 

[crazydingo]

Originally posted by: sellmen

Long time lurker (since 2000), first time poster. This issue is ridiculous.

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Banning Rollo would be a grave disservice to this forum, and I'm here as a lurker to say so.

...

So...after lurking on this forum for six years someone suddenly registers, writes a long pro-Rollo, anti-ATI post, and suggests banning everyone who mentions AEG.

:disgust::laugh:

So whats your other ID?

I wouldnt be surprised if he's calling his online friends (from other boards) for help over here.

 

[imported_Crusader]

Originally posted by: sellmen

Long time lurker (since 2000), first time poster. This issue is ridiculous.

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Banning Rollo would be a grave disservice to this forum, and I'm here as a lurker to say so.

...

So...after lurking on this forum for six years someone suddenly registers, writes a long pro-Rollo, anti-ATI post, and suggests banning everyone who mentions AEG.

:disgust::laugh:

So whats your other ID?

So instead of attacking the content of my ideas and post you would rather attack me?
You sir, need to be one of the first to go.

PS. it was not an "anti-ATI" post, at all. in fact if you even see it that way it reveals your bias much more than mine.

 

[imported_Crusader]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: Crusader
Long time lurker (since 2000), first time poster. This issue is ridiculous.

yeah, sure

you joined after six years just to post - today.

Why do i find it hard to believe?

seriously

Hey, just because I'm taking the only reasonable ground here doesnt mean you must attack me personally.

If you really think banning Rollo will stop viral marketing then you are naive.

The REAL problem here is OT discussion. OCP doesnt have that problem

Marketers are impossible to root out anyway so thats a moot point.
Why is AEG even being discussed?????? This is OFFTOPIC material that needs to stay OUT of VIDEO.

Once you come up with the way to stop anyone from joining AT forums who is given free hardware from ATI or Nvidia.. let me know.. and we'll go with your plan.

Until then, nothing can be done about this fact of life.
Time to grow up, and stop posting off topic.

If they are marketers, and thus have a bias and are incorrect in what they post.. then you, being the "esteemed" member that you are could EASILY put them in their place right?

You surely, being the big man that you are chasing down Rollo, can defeat a lousy marketers information right?
Then whats the worry?

Afraid Rollo knows more than you about this stuff?

I know he does. He has connections with Nvidia.
I think hes a valuable addition to the boards and I would like more insiders to join, from both camps!

 

[schtuga]

Originally posted by: apoppin

Originally posted by: schtuga
Well now,we've had over 60 pages of the same statements ,by the same people over and over.

1) Some people simply don't give a sh*t about this marketing,it's a part of life and how ALL companies will start/try to do business(whether we like it or not)

2)Some people feel strongly against this type of marketing and have stated it over and over and over and over and ,...well you know(not saying I am for it,but I am also against income tax and I'm sure whining about it isn't going to change that either)

3) And some people have taken advantage of the situation and their obvious PERSONAL feelings against Rollo to use this situation to post the same name calling over and over,but do it in the battle against viral marketring,to justify it.

The people in #3 are doing the most damage against the cause,because their statements are more reflected specifically to Rollo and not the program.AT is gonna see that it is more personal to those people.If you simply would have stated your opinion against the marketing,then Rollo being invovled would have been included in the decision regardless .
But it's easy to see the people using the marketing as an excuse and it weakens the voice against the marketing.

Appopin made a good statement that it would be welcome if it was transparent.And we knew who these people are.So if all the members reveal it and openly state it ,would that be enough.Or has it simply become that personal that people feel Rollo should go regardless?

One last question--Does anybody here feel ousting Rollo will put an end to viral marketing in forums forever and ever.Can anyone guarantee there isn't another tech company using this method on AT forums as we type?

And before I get called a rollo clone/worshipper etc,the reason I am asking is because everyone has stated their hatred for the marketing/Rollo,but does ousting Rollo solve the marketing.No one is discussing how we can remedy the situation as a whole,no intelligent conversation on how we could lets say vote a 3 person committee to police the vid forum,or how we would like to discuss these things with the companies invovled,what can we change to make it acceptable.We oust Rollo ,they send someone else and the witch hunt continues,nothing solved.Let's try to be intelligent responsible people here instead of he called me names,yeah but you did first.

FIRST OF ALL, let me publically apologize to you for calling you a 'rollo clone worshipper'.

Sorry


and you do make very valid points

there are several acceptable POVs . . . i realize that there are those who really don't care about Viral marketing. i only take issue with those who defend it . . . it fails to meet the Word of Mouth Marketing Assn Draft Code of Ethics.

stating myy POV over-and-over is in RESPONSE to [the same] people attacking it over-and-over - note i am being called out by name.

i really don't care about "Rollo" . . . but i recognize there is a person behind the avatar who is a fellow human with feelings just like me . . . and i imagine he is more than hurt now.

i don't hate the person . . . just dislike his stealth abusive trolling tactics

No ousting Rollo will not "change" the way Viral marketing works . . . but the discussion has called for more ethics in TRANSPARANCY of WoM programs. Hopefully companies will get a clue that we don't like this covert manipulation.


and we really NEED moderation . . . but that is a separate issue.

Thanks bud,I also should apologize for personal statements I have made in the past.

I also don't believe it's fair/ethical for someone to appear as an equal,especially when a video card is a very important decision as far as pennies are concerned to some people.
But I still feel a majority of it comes down to the morals of the person that posts the statements.

I could not tell anyone,under any circumstances,to make a purchase ,that I did not truly believe was right.I wouldn't be able to sleep if I told a kid to spend his birthday money on an FX5600(I own this pos)instead of a 9800 pro.

So then the question comes down to,

Did they specifically state that they had to make a certain number of posts?,have to include certain phrases(the power of 3),what were they honestly required to do.

Is it possible they didn't require that much of them because deep inside they knew that anyone you give free stuff to is gonna pimp it without being told to?(I have to admit that if ATI flipped me an RD580 xfire and a pair of 1900's for it ,it would be hard not to pimp them somewhat without being asked to).If this is the case then the program is only as good/harmful as the end person making the statements.


Just some more thoughts on it

 

[DidlySquat]

I'm agreeing with appopin - how many times has Rollo run to the mods to complain someone is attacking him, even though that person was only debating facts ? The tRollo wanted people banned and in some cases he succeeded, I can remember a few

 

[crazydingo]

Originally posted by: Crusader
Hey, just because I'm taking the only reasonable ground here doesnt mean you must attack me personally.

lol, reasonable ground ...

Originally posted by: Crusader
If you really think banning Rollo will stop viral marketing then you are naive.

I think most of us have already stated that it wont stop it completely, but it is a step in the right direction. (See Pete's large post in this thread)

Originally posted by: Crusader
The REAL problem here is OT discussion. OCP doesnt have that problem

Agreed. Some people have repeatedly tried to derail the topic, people from both sides.

Originally posted by: Crusader

Marketers are impossible to root out anyway so thats a moot point.
Why is AEG even being discussed?????? This is OFFTOPIC material that needs to stay OUT of VIDEO.

Because it involves Nvidia, simple as that. If mentioning AEG pricks you so much, then dont click on the thread, simple aint it?

Originally posted by: Crusader
Once you come up with the way to stop anyone from joining AT forums who is given free hardware from ATI or Nvidia.. let me know.. and we'll go with your plan.

Just like trolls, we can sniff out potential viral marketers.

Originally posted by: Crusader
Until then, nothing can be done about this fact of life.
Time to grow up, and stop posting off topic.

It is a fact of life but it doesnt mean you turn a blind eye towards it.

Originally posted by: Crusader
If they are marketers, and thus have a bias and are incorrect in what they post.. then you, being the "esteemed" member that you are could EASILY put them in their place right?

Correct, only in Rollo's case he has a big gang of people following him, defending him and flaming anyone who disagrees.

Originally posted by: Crusader
Afraid Rollo knows more than you about this stuff?

I know he does. He has connections with Nvidia.
I think hes a valuable addition to the boards and I would like more insiders to join, from both camps!

Yes, Rollo is jesus to some people. Its obvious enough ..

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: sellmen

Long time lurker (since 2000), first time poster. This issue is ridiculous.

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Banning Rollo would be a grave disservice to this forum, and I'm here as a lurker to say so.

...

So...after lurking on this forum for six years someone suddenly registers, writes a long pro-Rollo, anti-ATI post, and suggests banning everyone who mentions AEG.

:disgust::laugh:

So whats your other ID?

I wouldnt be surprised if he's calling his online friends (from other boards) for help over here.

Yeah that's it-

Now that the highly skilled marketing machine I trained pretty much runs the video forum, I'm bringing in my crack team of defenders to stop this witchhunt. :roll:

It's always hard to tell what to believe with new members, could be returning banned, could be alternate identities for existing, could be what they say, who knows. A lot of my more angry detractors have very new accounts, I'm not going to complain if someone joins who seems to like what I have to say.

I'll reserve my own opinion of him till he posts more. Can't disagree with him so far!

 

[schtuga]

Originally posted by: DidlySquat
how many times has Rollo run to the mods to complain someone is attacking him, even though that person was only debating facts ? The tRollo wanted people banned and in some cases he succeeded, I can remember a few

Ok then but your statement isn't against the marketing ,but Rollo in particular then right?

If you dislike Rollo that much say it but don't use the marketing as an excuse to justify it.

 

[Witchfire]

This 'Crusader' fellow has to be the most shallow, transparent cloning attempt for Rollo-support we've seen yet. It's either a Rollo-clone, or as was put previously, a calling in of friends from other forums to garner fictitious support. Noone is going to lurk for six years & then come running to the aid of this poor, trampled, wronged soul called Rollo. 'Crusader' indeed....

 

[imported_Crusader]

Simple fact is, no one has refuted my actual ideas yet.

I'm being associated with Rollo because Im seen as on "that side".. when I'm really probably the ONLY one here being reasonable about the reality of the situation, what can actually be done about it.. and what needs to be done for the overall health of the forums.

You cant stop "infiltration" (because even AT editors and DaveBauman get free hardware, are they not allowed to post here?) and in fact they have better information than some 13 year old fanboy picking zits on his face.
If these marketers are utter fools, then make them out to be fools. .you think you are such hot stuff you can make Rollo look bad in a technical discussion??

Do it! Then people will not listen to him on what MATTERS.. the VIDEO discussion.
But this "ban Rollo", nazi-like book burning event is ridiculous.
Face Rollo like Men, on technical discussion.
If you were in a fight this is the point where the anti-Rollo crew would be punching in the nuts, pulling hair and poking eyes.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Witchfire
This 'Crusader' fellow has to be the most shallow, transparent cloning attempt for Rollo-support we've seen yet. It's either a Rollo-clone, or as was put previously, a calling in of friends from other forums to garner fictitious support. Noone is going to lurk for six years & then come running to the aid of this poor, trampled, wronged soul called Rollo. 'Crusader' indeed....

Like I said, some of my detractors have pretty new accounts.

You seem to have built up a lot of anger toward me in the three whole weeks you've been here Witchfire, for example. LOL

BTW- I don't really have friends on other boards, because 90% of my posting is here.

 

[Witchfire]

I don't have any anger toward you, Rollo. I think your dishonesty and subterfuge was uncalled for, and that you DO deserve a ban, if at least a temporary one. I'm calling it like I see it. I'm not about animosity, I'm about honesty. If you look upon my opinions as a personal attack, and an expression of hatred, then so be it. That's not where my opinion stems from.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: Witchfire
I don't have any anger toward you, Rollo. I think your dishonesty and subterfuge was uncalled for, and that you DO deserve a ban, if at least a temporary one. I'm calling it like I see it. I'm not about animosity, I'm about honesty. If you look upon my opinions as a personal attack, and an expression of hatred, then so be it. That's not where my opinion stems from.

I agree.

Every member ever banned by Rollo needs to be allowed back with the title "Reinstated Member", even if it's Turtle1.

Then Rollo needs the custom title "Slave of the Reinstated", and his threads can be locked by the Reinstated Members.

IMO these are the only conditions that should allow Rollo to remain here.

 

[Nirach]

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Once you come up with the way to stop anyone from joining AT forums who is given free hardware from ATI or Nvidia.. let me know.. and we'll go with your plan.

Just like trolls, we can sniff out potential viral marketers.

Excuse me?

Sorry, but that's just comical. Half this board can't even tell the difference between debate and trolling, let alone marketing and preference.

And those capable have a weighty bias due to preference, and would probably ignore the people touting their preference as preference.

Asking people to do that would just spark more arguments than just letting them* get on with it and posting a warning as a sticky topic.

*The marketers

Edit: Clarified the use of 'them'.

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: Rollo
I appreciate you coming into this thread and posting this, but I have to correct you on this point:
I was permabanned at Sharky Extreme for refusing to stop calling a guy scum who was bragging about how many cards he had RMAd after burning them up OCing.

No, you were permenantly banned from Sharky Extreme for your abusive language and attitude. Obviously not much has changed since then.

Originally posted by: Rollo
I was also vactioned here once for returning fire in a flame war.

Why don't we simply repost the reason the Moderator gave you a two week ban and see if it matches your description of simply "returning fire in a flame war".

You have not helped anyone with anything with your seemingly endless, pointless, useless flaming. I am beyond tired of it, and I am even more tired of receiving complaints from others you offend.

Please spend two weeks elsewhere to consider how you can improve your forums courtesy.

AnandTech Moderator

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...hreadid=1502774&enterthread=y&arctab=y

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: Crusader
Ze Final Solution: Ban all who discuss other things (like AEG or marketing schemes).

If we all turned a blind eye to things such as AEG, then we wouldn't have much of a community here.

If everyone started pimping Matrox one day, then the Video Forum would become even more useless than it is in its current "non-trustable" state.

 

[flawlssdistortn]

I'm not sure if Rollo should be banned, but I think the point needs to be made that marketing tactics such as this are destructive to the AT community, and undermine the integrity of the website. It may happen all the time, but it should be discouraged nonetheless. If Nvidia wants to advertise here, they should do it in the margins, and pay the fee like everyone else. The message boards are supposed to be for discussion for the benefit of the members, NOT for corporate interest.

 

[imported_Crusader]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Crusader
Ze Final Solution: Ban all who discuss other things (like AEG or marketing schemes).

If we all turned a blind eye to things such as AEG, then we wouldn't have much of a community here.

How do you propose to get people who recieve free hardware to identify themselves?
If Rollo is the spawn of satan like you say, then wont he just return under a new name anyway?
Ban IP, he'll get a new ISP.

No one can stop it beyond shutting down the forums.
The best solution is a warning to new members:

Some members here might be undercover agents or have bias for certain corporations. Please take the advice with a grain of salt and think for yourself ultimately.
If you accuse others of being marketing agents or discuss marketing schemes in any forum besides Off Topic, you will be banned immediately.

Is that too much to ask?

If everyone started pimping Matrox one day, then the Video Forum would become even more useless than it is in its current "non-trustable" state.

No it wouldnt. Because I could easily defeat your Matrox pimping. Matrox is not superior to Nvidia or ATI in the performance realm and I will defeat you and your army of marketers single handedly.

Its only useless if you let them get away with it, but if they ARE right.. and have valid info (like Rollo), then theres absolutely nothing wrong, nor anything you can do about it.

Insiders are great additons to any forum, and it would be nice if we could get a glimpse of true insider battles so we could learn even more.
In fact, B3D has the MOST insiders and its the MOST respected of all enthusiast forums!

Veritas vos liberabit!

 

[crazydingo]

Originally posted by: Crusader
Insiders are great additons to any forum, and it would be nice if we could get a glimpse of true insider battles so we could learn even more.
In fact, B3D has the MOST insiders and its the MOST respected of all enthusiast forums!

Veritas vos liberabit!

B3D is also a great place because of MODERATION, a "Rollo" wouldnt survive a second there.

Lumping Rollo into the "respected lot" says a lot about you. (woah jesus!)

Originally posted by: Nirach

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Once you come up with the way to stop anyone from joining AT forums who is given free hardware from ATI or Nvidia.. let me know.. and we'll go with your plan.

Just like trolls, we can sniff out potential viral marketers.

Excuse me?

Sorry, but that's just comical. Half this board can't even tell the difference between debate and trolling, let alone marketing and preference.

I partially agree. Most members here often dont know the difference between debate and trolling but it is the same members who rightly accused Rollo of being an AEG plant.

 

[Nirach]

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Insiders are great additons to any forum, and it would be nice if we could get a glimpse of true insider battles so we could learn even more.
In fact, B3D has the MOST insiders and its the MOST respected of all enthusiast forums!

Veritas vos liberabit!

B3D is also a great place because of MODERATION, a "Rollo" wouldnt survive a second there.

Lumping Rollo into the "respected lot" says a lot about you. (woah jesus!)

Originally posted by: Nirach

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Once you come up with the way to stop anyone from joining AT forums who is given free hardware from ATI or Nvidia.. let me know.. and we'll go with your plan.

Just like trolls, we can sniff out potential viral marketers.

Excuse me?

Sorry, but that's just comical. Half this board can't even tell the difference between debate and trolling, let alone marketing and preference.

I partially agree. Most members here often dont know the difference between debate and trolling but it is the same members who rightly accused Rollo of being an AEG plant.

So based on one, frankly obvious, guess you think that they can differenciate your average fanboy from a marketer?

I don't think so. Not now, not ever.

 

[imported_Crusader]

Originally posted by: crazydingo

Originally posted by: Crusader
Insiders are great additons to any forum, and it would be nice if we could get a glimpse of true insider battles so we could learn even more.
In fact, B3D has the MOST insiders and its the MOST respected of all enthusiast forums!

Veritas vos liberabit!

B3D is also a great place because of MODERATION, a "Rollo" wouldnt survive a second there.

I judge him off of the information he brings and the services he provides, which are directly from Nvidia.

I welcome people with direct access to ATI as well. Lets get the juicy details from every camp as early as possible.
Plug me into Orton and Huangs mind.
Unless you are not here for valid information, but rather pointless fanboy fodder?

Its clear that B3D is the most respected enthusiast forum, and has the most authentic ATI/NV employees.
Rollo is our only known corporate connection, and to discourage ATI and Nvidia from sending more here is what will kill this forum.. also not moderating this ridiculous AEG/marketing discussion (by banning all of you who continue to make it an issue when its a fact of life that you cant do anything about, short of shutting down all forums.. in which Anandtech will lose MASSIVE revenue from the hits these forums bring in).

Its about money, and pitting NV/ATI insiders against each other is the best way to exploit the system to our advantage to learn more information about our hobby.. while raising respect and awareness of the AT forums (if this is where the real gurus are at from ATI/NV.. this will pretty much be the place to be, like B3D is today).

Why do you this has pretty much blown over at B3D? Because they pretty much see things my way.

If AT doesnt, and they allow your mob to burn this place down.. this forum wont even be #2.

We need hits, we need insiders, we as forum members want valid and insider information.