"I'll Pay you $50 for your testimonial"

[TheInternetWorkshop]

Crap - I feel cheated - I only got $25!

Can I sue for the rest?

[adambrad]

I personally pay very little attention to testimonials these days particularly if the product/service is in the IM niche. Three main reasons for this:

1. A few years ago I asked a rather well known IM marketer to review and provide a testimonial for my own product. He agreed but given the extreme quick turnaround time on the testimonial he provided plus the outlandish claims made in the actual testimonial wording, I knew he wasn't genuine. (and no I didn't use his testimonial).

2. I got sick of constantly seeing big name gurus providing testimonials for other big name gurus products/services and vice versa. I can't help think wondering whether in these cases the testimonial is genuine or if it's a never ending case of big lists and joint ventures to line their own pockets.

3. On a new launch product/service I get sick of getting hit with promotional emails from every man and his dog whose list I am on, particularly when the messages from multiple people effectively say the same sort of canned message with no real substance.

Adam

[Johnathan]

Hi Josh,

You sound pretty pessimistic. Actually, if it is an honest assessment, it is not "buying" a testimonial. Not an an automatic "ooh this is great" (unless of course, the product warrants that, which in some cases, it does ). (The only case I would agree with you is if someone actually said "you must say this product is good if you get a copy/license"). That is buying a testimonial. From what I've seen, that is *not* what most people appear do be doing.)

I noticed it looks like you've been around a while (7000+ posts), so, I am assuming you have had a product or two. Are you saying that you have never, in your career, asked someone to write you a testimonial in exchange for reviewing a product of yours? If so, good for you. How would you recommend products be reviewed then? It is an intelligent way of making everyone happy. They get a free license, and they get an honest review.

I have actually reviewed one product thus far on this site, and was able to provide good feedback because I genuinely thought the product would help others. If it was crap, I would tell the person that it was crap. But it was a decent product. I was also able to provide feedback to that user on a few areas that I thought they could improve their product. So not only did I learn something new (from their product), but they ended up with a higher quality product because of my comments, which means that their product can now help a lot more people, which means more success overall. Isn't that what the purpose of online marketing is? To have high quality products that help a lot of people?

[MaskedMarketer]

Originally Posted by Johnathan

Are you saying that you have never, in your career, asked someone to write you a testimonial in exchange for reviewing a product of yours? How would you recommend products be reviewed then?

Just because you ask someone to review your product, doesn't mean a person should automatically get a written testimonial endorsing the product.

That is not honest.

A review can be negative or positive.

A testimonial is normally a positive endorsement in advertising.

[Johnathan]

Actually, re-reading this post, I am just realizing that perhaps I have a different definition of "testimonial" compared to what other people have. (I am new to the "IM" industry, so where I come from/the people I generally associate with, "testimonial" is almost synonymous with an honest "product review")

So -- if what you are saying is that a "testimonial" must be 100% positive for an unreviewed product, ok, then I agree that isn't right. However, if they review the product and think it is superb and rocks, then I think that is fine. From what I've seen so far, I don't think I've seen anyone that has asked for a 100% postive review for a testimonial. (In fact, I have already reviewed one product where he asked for a "testimonial", and gave him an honest assessment. I also gave him some feedback on what he could do to improve his product).

[MikeAmbrosio]

Originally Posted by Johnathan

Hi Josh,

I noticed it looks like you've been around a while (7000+ posts), so, I am assuming you have had a product or two. Are you saying that you have never, in your career, asked someone to write you a testimonial in exchange for reviewing a product of yours? If so, good for you. How would you recommend products be reviewed then? It is an intelligent way of making everyone happy. They get a free license, and they get an honest review.

I have been on Josh's list for many years, have had many personal exchanges via email, PM and a few times in person. I have also been a member of this forum ALMOST as long as he and I can say this...

I have never seen Josh offer any of his products in exchange for a review, etc. Josh - if I am wrong, you can correct me.

Subsequently, if I ever see his testimonial on someone else's product I was considering buying, I would buy it. That's because I would know if he gave a testimonial, it IS an honest testimonial based on his actual review and use of the product.

Josh is also someone who believes in quality. I have purchased a few of his products (and about to buy another) because I know he wouldn't release it until he felt it was a quality product.

Me? When I create a new product, I usually email my own list looking for reviewers and beta testers. I always ask for 100% honest feedback. And I always get good feedback with recommended changes, etc.

After all is said and done, I will ASK if they would give a testimonial based on their experience with my product.

I have always done it that way and it works for me.

Mike

[Johnathan]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your response. Ok, I would like to hear Josh's response, but yes -- I agree 100% that it is important to get an *honest* review. And I believe in offering "testimonials" (now that I think I understand the IM jargon/version of it ) for only quality products. Besides, I think it works best long-term, because if it is not an accurate review, generally people will see that as soon as they get/view the product.

[waken]

I seldom trust on testimonials on the sales page but independent reviews that I found elsewhere.

[Raydal]

My Ethics professor said that he would never write a recommendation
for a student that he didn't think deserve the job or position s/he was
applying for. But many people are "forced" into writing glowing testimonials
because they don't want to hurt the other person's feelings.

I mean c'mon, how many Warriors would want to say, "Sorry, but I
think your product stinks!"?

We are not thinking about the product but the person's feelings and
maybe even relationship with us.

And if that person gave you a good testimonial, why not 'pay them
back with a great testimonial as well?

Refusing to give a testimonial when asked is harder for MOST people
than most people here may want to admit.

-Ray L.,

[Johnathan]

>>I mean c'mon, how many Warriors would want to say, "Sorry, but I
think your product stinks!"?<<

Actually, I would. I would be nicer about it -- I wouldn't necessarily say "it sucks" that directly, but I would tell them that they needed to improve the quality of their product if I didn't think it was good, before I could recommend it. And apparently according to a previous post, someone says that Josh would (still waiting to hear from him though).

[MaskedMarketer]

Originally Posted by Raydal

But many people are "forced" into writing glowing testimonials
because they don't want to hurt the other person's feelings.

I mean c'mon, how many Warriors would want to say, "Sorry, but I
think your product stinks!"?

We are not thinking about the product but the person's feelings and
maybe even relationship with us.

And if that person gave you a good testimonial, why not 'pay them
back with a great testimonial as well?

Refusing to give a testimonial when asked is harder for MOST people
than most people here may want to admit.

-Ray L.,

In the long run Lying to people will not be the answer.

You are also scamming the people who buy the product.

Thats why people need to ask for reviews, not testimonials.

Testimonials are used in promotions and are positive, reviews should be unbiased.

People need to learn to separate emotions from business.

By telling me my product sucks, you're actually HELPING me and my future customers.

If the product owner can't understand that, this business may not be for them.

I thought this is the WARRIORS forum, not the Wussies Forum

As they say, truth hurts...

[miked]

In the business world, business owners support each other. They buy from each other and send business to their friends.

If a business owner I knew asked me for a review and testimonial, I would tell him/her what I really think about the product. Why? Because I care about the business people I know, and I care about my reputation. Even if the review turned out to be a critique and not a true testimonial, it will benefit both of us.

And if a product really is an excellent product, then getting testimonials will never be a problem. And neither will sales.

I do a fair amount of web design and marketing work in the local off-line marketing world, my customers being brick and mortar business. I would NEVER compromise my reputation or my customers and put misleading or false statements or testimonials on my web pages or my customers....

Honesty seems to be such a rare commodity these days. Be honest with your customers and the buyers of your products, and the world will beat a path to your door.

Enough of my rant.

Provide honest testimonials and request honest testimonials. This is part of building a solid established business. Those who don't and try to short cut the process will not succeed over the long term. They'll rush off to another GRQ thingy... and good riddance ....

Quality. Honesty. Reliability.

The result?

Success long term as part of a real business.

-Mike D.

[Eric Johnson]

If you are not absolutely demanding the testimonial what's the problem. It's just giving away a product hoping that you get good feedback. What's the harm in that? What exactly is unethical?

I swear half the posts around here lately are people just finding something to whine about. Sorry, I don't mean to be harsh but there it is...

[Mike McBride]

Hi Johnathan,

I noticed it looks like you've been around a while (7000+ posts), so, I am assuming you have had a product or two. Are you saying that you have never, in your career, asked someone to write you a testimonial in exchange for reviewing a product of yours? If so, good for you. How would you recommend products be reviewed then? It is an intelligent way of making everyone happy. They get a free license, and they get an honest review.

If you had been here a bit longer than a month, as well as checked Josh's sig file, you would know:
1) Josh is a straight-shooter and has a great deal of well-earned credibility here;
2) He does have a product or two;
3) He does know the difference between a testimonial, a review, and a bribe.

He's addressing what has become an ongoing concern lately in this forum.

Eric,

If you are not absolutely demanding the testimonial what's the problem. It's just giving away a product hoping that you get good feedback. What's the harm in that? What exactly is unethical?

I swear half the posts around here lately are people just finding something to whine about. Sorry, I don't mean to be harsh but there it is...

Have you actually read this thread? Have you actually seen the threads Josh is referring to? Do you actually know what a whine is? (If not, read your post.)

[ragstworiches]

It seems of little value to fake testimonials when if you are gonna last at all in this industry you ought to have something to sell that is worthy of a genuine positive testimonial. If it is not get a new product/idea. If you want to act like you are amazing and then sell a turd for $100 the turd will hit the fan sooner or later.

[SlickSki]

I agree with ragstworiches. It will hit the fan.

[maxhomebits]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

That would not be right would it?

So why do so many of these "free product if you give me a testimonial" threads show up every day on the warrior forum?

Sure people need testimonials but I Just saw a thread were people posted a testimonial right in the thread without even getting the product first.

Come on are you guys testimonial whores or what?

Not only does the person posting the thread requesting unqualified testimonials (which is just about common here on a daily basis) ding their own credibility but the people who throw testimonials around like they are tossing out candy and a parade do to.

Asking for people to review your product is one thing but buying testimonials?

That just ain't the way to do it and that is exactly what all you guys are doing who keep posting threads saying you will give away your product if someone gives you a testimonial.

It's not the way to go, if you have a great product and it brings joy to your buyers then it shouldent be a problem getting testimonials. Offering your buyers the chance to promote by giving testimonials is better, the thought of making money back and paying for the product is a good trigger.

[Jesse Kemmerer]

I guess the question is: Who's more at fault?

The product owner who gives their product away for free in search of good testimonials?

The common forum user who will give a great testimonial no matter the quality of the product?

I think both are at fault. The word testimonial implies a good connotation. Most people who post threads asking for testimonials are simply looking for good reviews to help sell there product.

Now, that's not to say there aren't a few out there who are looking for honest reviews of their product. I think we need more forum users who aren't afraid to step on anyone's toes and who aren't just looking for a free product.

Personally, I've had a few people tell me that my product needed some work. But I'd much, much rather have that than have someone insincerely tell me that it was the greatest thing under the sun.

[Michael Oksa]

I will most likely continue to ask for reviews here, but I always ask for honest reviews.

There are two reasons.

1. If they are good, I can use them as a sales tool.

2. If they are bad, I have useful feedback for improving my product. After which I will make changes (if warranted) and send the updated copy to the person who offered the constructive criticism.

Another point. I don't ask for reviews of existing products, as collecting a good batch of comments is part of the product creation process for me.

That doesn't mean I won't use post-launch feedback, just that pre-launch feedback has its place.

That's all about me asking though.

----------

When someone asks for a "testimonial" I still offer a review, and only on a complete product.

----------

A few other things to consider.

Who is asking?

Do you already trust them?

Are they new?

Are you really willing to ave your name attached to the product?

I think if you are asking for reviews/testimonials, that you should be happy with whatever you get. I know I have to send out about 15-20 copies to actually get 10 reviews back.

That's one reaosn why I ask for "trusted" Warriors. Yeah, the term 'trusted' is a little vague, but that leaves the interpretation for me to decide. And it's not so much about post count as it is about longevity and contribution to the WF.

All the best,
Michael

[greatmark]

Originally Posted by Always-A-Warrior

No that would not be right. I'll do it for $100.

In all seriousness, you're right. Testimonials should come natural and not paid for.

I have to agree with this.. paying for testimonials is cheating in my view and not a ethical way at all.. come on do some promotions and get real testimonials.

[Josh Anderson]

I have never offered to give a product or anything else for that matter in exchange for a testimonial.

Of course anyone who knows me or my products already knows that :-)

Me? When I create a new product, I usually email my own list looking for reviewers and beta testers. I always ask for 100% honest feedback. And I always get good feedback with recommended changes, etc.

After all is said and done, I will ASK if they would give a testimonial based on their experience with my product.

I have always done it that way and it works for me.

Mike

Hopefully more people will see why that simple approach is much better than buying testimonials.

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

I have never offered to give a product or anything else for that matter in exchange for a testimonial.

Of course anyone who knows me or my products already knows that :-)

Hopefully more people will see why that simple approach is much better than buying testimonials.

Hi Josh,

Looks like we will do things differently, and that's okay. It doesn't mean your way is somehow superior, just that we're different.

I like to get reviews from Warriors because I value their opinions, I know them - that's why I will continue to ask.

But, my purpose of giving them a review copy is not to "buy" the "testimonial, but rather to give them the actual product to review.

It doesn't take anything away from the product itself to gather testimonials this way, just as it adds nothing to value of your product by your doing it that way.

However, asking for only positive testimonials, and offering a bribe (which a review copy of a product is not, if you ask me, or Jack Canfield, or Mark Victor Hansen, or any number of other authors) is not acceptable. That's not getting a review it's buying someone off.

Hopefully you will see why I like to use my approach.

All the best,
Michael

[Jason Moffatt]

Somehow this isn't surprising.

Coincidentally I just finished uploading a testimonial video a few seconds ago.

When you want to display some credibility, here's a ghetto example of how to do so...

YouTube - Jason Moffatt's Nichebrowser...

If you hurry, you can still snag that browser for free before I get a salesletter up.

[Josh Anderson]

I like to get reviews from Warriors because I value their opinions, I know them - that's why I will continue to ask.

But, my purpose of giving them a review copy is not to "buy" the "testimonial, but rather to give them the actual product to review.

Michael if you go back and read the thread you will notice that is the type of reviewing we are suggesting IS correct.

What we are talking about here is the plethora of threads showing up where newbie warriors are offering people a product for free if they agree to give them a testimonial.

In addition to this some warriors are posting fake testimonials right in the thread before they get he product even.

That is what we are describing as... well... less than credible.

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

Michael if you go back and read the thread you will notice that is the type of reviewing we are suggesting IS correct.

What we are talking about here is the plethora of threads showing up where newbie warriors are offering people a product for free if they agree to give them a testimonial.

In addition to this some warriors are posting fake testimonials right in the thread before they get he product even.

That is what we are describing as... well... less than credible.

Aha!

Oops!

Thanks Josh,

Re-reading the posts I see I was arguing about something we agree on.

Posting a testimonial without ever looking at the product is not cool. I wish I would have seen the post(s) that prompted this thread.

So, I agree that "your" way IS better - hard to disagree with myself.



Anyway, thanks for cluing me in before I looked like a total idiot (instead of a partial one).

All the best,
Michael

[Roderick Armstrong]

I gotta keep it real...I did click cause I thought I could score a quick fifty.

I am properly ashamed of myself now...

Oh come on! You know the rest of you did the same thing! That's why you're reading this thread...

[roderick]

I would respect a testimonial more if it wasn't paid for

[Kay King]

You know the rest of you did the same thing!

Nope - some of us know Josh by reputation here and knew before clicking where he was going with this.

kay

[Floyd Fisher]

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

That would not be right would it?

So why do so many of these "free product if you give me a testimonial" threads show up every day on the warrior forum?

Sure people need testimonials but I Just saw a thread were people posted a testimonial right in the thread without even getting the product first.

Come on are you guys testimonial whores or what?

Not only does the person posting the thread requesting unqualified testimonials (which is just about common here on a daily basis) ding their own credibility but the people who throw testimonials around like they are tossing out candy and a parade do to.

Asking for people to review your product is one thing but buying testimonials?

That just ain't the way to do it and that is exactly what all you guys are doing who keep posting threads saying you will give away your product if someone gives you a testimonial.

I don't see the problem in it...especially when this is the way things are done by big corporations.

For example, ATi develops a new video card. In order to get out 'word of mouth' they send out free video cards to computer magazines and review sites across the globe in order to get honest reviews...and create media buzz.

If you don't believe me, feel free to talk to Kyle Bennett of [H]ard|OCP or Thomas Pabst of Toms Hardware. Let them set you straight on the issue.

GM does the same thing, sending out loaners of their new cars for automotive magazines to test out and write about.

If they can do that, why can't I do the same thing?

[seobro]

Hi Ray:
I got a free product and did not review it because it was "less than optimal". If I did write a review it would be the truth. The seller was not happy. Most of us give beta copies to friends to review and they give us a list of bugs.

Both seller and reviewer benefit. It is like a free movie showing. The test audience gets to provide feedback on what they love and hate about the movie. I believe in giving out free samples of product, my conversion rate is 10%.

Hi Rod:
I would respect a testimonial more if it wasn't paid for.

If I fix your car for free, would the repair job be better or worse than if you pay me $50?

[tommygadget]

When I first saw this page, I thought "Hey, Josh's stuff is pretty good, so easy $50", sheesh, what a letdown

TomG.

[Daniel Scott]

Originally Posted by Kay King

Nope - some of us know Josh by reputation here and knew before clicking where he was going with this.

kay

I think he was joking, Kay.

At least I hope so.

-Dan

[Daniel Scott]

Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher

I don't see the problem in it...especially when this is the way things are done by big corporations.

For example, ATi develops a new video card. In order to get out 'word of mouth' they send out free video cards to computer magazines and review sites across the globe in order to get honest reviews...and create media buzz.

If you don't believe me, feel free to talk to Kyle Bennett of [H]ard|OCP or Thomas Pabst of Toms Hardware. Let them set you straight on the issue.

GM does the same thing, sending out loaners of their new cars for automotive magazines to test out and write about.

If they can do that, why can't I do the same thing?

There's something a lot of people seem to be missing.

We are NOT talking about FREE REVIEW copies. A review copy implies that whoever reviews it will be honest enough to give you honest feedback; good, bad, or indifferent.

What Josh is talking about is people soliciting TESTIMONIALS - aka POSITIVE reviews, before they are aware of the quality of the product in question.

It's okay to ask for an honest review. Which is what you are talking about.

It's not okay to try and bribe or coerce people - in whatever way - to give you a positive review for a product that does not warrant it.

-Dan

[dsilvestre]

Sadly many people give testimonials withouth reviewing the product first...

Regards,
Dan

[Josh Anderson]

For example, ATi develops a new video card. In order to get out 'word of mouth' they send out free video cards to computer magazines and review sites across the globe in order to get honest reviews...and create media buzz.

Floyd you have misunderstood what we are discussing. You may want to go back and reread the thread. We are not referring to examples like the one above seeking honest reviews.

There are people in this forum who are offering products IF someone will give a testimonial...

They are not asking for reviews. They are offering to buy testimonials which is what we are referring to as not credible.

There were three threads on the main page of the WF general discussion offering free products in exchange (payment) for testimonials (not reviews) when I posted this thread and one thread had warriors posting testimonials who had not even received the product.

[Shonee]

I am so glad you brought this up.
The funniest part is,they pay you for testimonials and then they will put up on their site "read the most genuine and unsolicited testimonial"

LOL.

Originally Posted by Josh Anderson

That would not be right would it?

So why do so many of these "free product if you give me a testimonial" threads show up every day on the warrior forum?

Sure people need testimonials but I Just saw a thread were people posted a testimonial right in the thread without even getting the product first.

Come on are you guys testimonial whores or what?

Not only does the person posting the thread requesting unqualified testimonials (which is just about common here on a daily basis) ding their own credibility but the people who throw testimonials around like they are tossing out candy and a parade do to.

Asking for people to review your product is one thing but buying testimonials?

That just ain't the way to do it and that is exactly what all you guys are doing who keep posting threads saying you will give away your product if someone gives you a testimonial.

[Eric Johnson]

Originally Posted by Mike McBride

Eric,
Have you actually read this thread? Have you actually seen the threads Josh is referring to? Do you actually know what a whine is? (If not, read your post.)

LOL

[Li Weng]

I always thought paying for testimonials was considered
fraud and illegal.

But asking someone to review your product for a POSSIBLE
testimonial is different to getting a testimonial in exchange
of your product for free.

[Josh Anderson]

I always thought paying for testimonials was considered
fraud and illegal.

Here are some of the general legal guidelines for the US published by the FTC regarding endorsements and testimonials:

FTC GUIDES CONCERNING USE OF ENDORSEMENTS AND TESTIMONIALS IN ADVERTISING

from 255.1:

"Endorsements must always reflect the honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experience of the endorser."

From 255.5:

"This endorsement must of course comply with §255.1; but even though the compensation paid the endorser is substantial, neither the fact nor the amount of compensation need be revealed."

[Chris Kent]

I bought a product by a famous Warrior who is a ghost writer and in it he/she said that they often write fake testimonials for their clients.

I think that the gurus have ruined it for everyone else with their blatant back-scratching to get each other amazing testimonials for products which are quite often total c**p. Perhaps 20% of IM ebooks that I have ever bought were any good.

It reminds me of what people do with their CV/resume when they look for a job. Because the practice of lying on your CV/resume is so commonplace, honest folk are actually at a disadvantage if they also don't do so. So do you lie just to stay with the pack or do you stay honest and fall behind?

None of these problems would exist if it hadn't been for the backscratching gurus. They have destroyed the value of testimonials.

Here is an interesting webpage: Lead Optimize Outsourced Marketing Fake Testimonials Are Legal (and Effective)

[Charles E. White]

Josh, over the years I have been asked to give testimonials for hundreds of products and have maybe given ten after I look at the product.

To give a testimonial for something you have never seen doesn't say much for your good name, does it?

[Ivancho]

Great post Josh.

This new poeple who join the warriors forum everyday and just posting anhd trying to get some quick cash are worthless...