We required complete transparency, and even required our bloggers to fly a “flag” showing that they were being paid to post by Marqui. We were called pimps and shills by some of the A-listers who’ve made a ton of money selling blog sites.

I was the lone marketer at the company at the time, and was inundated with opinions of our program. I’m proud to this day of our completely transparent approach. But we had to vigorously defend our brand from attacks by some extremely smart, well-known people in the blogosphere.

Anyway, someone mentioned back then that kids (actually probably anyone under 25 at the time) didn’t mind so-called “character blogs” or flogs, because they knew they were being sold to… much like Chris’ wife so eloquently put it.

I think consumers – especially those who are younger – are smart, aware, and expectant… of the good, the bad, and the controversial content that sweeps through our collective consciousness.

To your point, I agree that marketers looking to stir up controversy or “viral” content through flogs are in for a rude awakening if they expect their brands to come through unscathed – even on the best day.

Any one who doubts that can come on by and talk to me… I’ll set ‘em straight!

We agree as to how it should be and we agree as to it will end up. My biggest concern is how it will can be abused. As is yours.

I think with blogs, people can develop deeper relationships. Some who have blogs and who develop an audience – or one that turns into a community – become sources for their insight and advice. If it is compromised by an agenda or by outright lies, then it could cause great harm in certain cases.

But it’s going to happen and there’s nothing we can do about it. So be it. We can create some standards and hope for the best.

Or create flogs and rake in some cold hard cash. ; )

And you don’t even know my wife! LOL

I’m not sure we disagree that much. But Jonathan you’ve found the thread of this conversation. And it’s an important one.

Thank you, and for my wife thank you too.

Chris