Paid vs. Free Review Copies

12 years ago

I have to agree with you there..

Most of the time when someone receives a free review, they just scroll through the PDF and leave a positive review. They dont take action on the material given either. Also, they fell that they are obligated to give a positive review because they recieved it for free.

So of you want unbiased reviews, dont give out free copies

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Clint Butler

12 years ago

Ditto,

Free review copies are great to receive but you feel bad if you get one and product isn't any good. So you either get the review copy and don't do a review then the product creator is upset with you. Or you write a bad review, and the product creator is mad at you.

Either way you loose as a creator because people will feel obligated to leave a good review. And then you don't find out about something in your product that may need a little extra work.

Regards,
Clint

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RyanJohnson

12 years ago

totally agree with you on types of reviews. Makes complete sense. Only problem is when the seller is unknown by the masses. Then it would be hard to get people to spend any money at all with them, as the "branded" people could just holler out "buy this" and a ton of people will do that....

which brings you to the questions of... what about giving a free copy to a well branded marketer and ask them to JV with you if they like the product. You'll know that if it is indeed a good product, any smart marketer will help you for some cut of the money... then you have all the reviews you need on your sales page, etc..

... if your product stinks, they'll likely ignore you and you still have your answer...

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OhioWriter

12 years ago

My problem with free reviews is I feel like sometimes, people just want that free review but then have no need for a new writer. If you hop on a free review offer, at least be someone who is looking to hire. Not someone who won't need any writers for a while (of course, maybe they just get their writing done by getting 5 or so free review articles a day).

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Justin Says

12 years ago

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

My problem with free reviews is I feel like sometimes, people just want that free review but then have no need for a new writer. If you hop on a free review offer, at least be someone who is looking to hire. Not someone who won't need any writers for a while (of course, maybe they just get their writing done by getting 5 or so free review articles a day).

Review copies, refers to a copy of someones product, service, program, and so forth, not only content.

In other words, people offer "free copies" of their product in order to get good reviews.. it's annoying.

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Justin, I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here, and argue the exact opposite POV...

Free copy: I have no emotional investment, as well as no monetary investment, so I'm free to call it like I see it and let the chips fall where they may. This is especially true if I have no real connection to the product developer. For example, if the developer puts out a general, first come, first served offer of review copies, or if a stranger contacts me out of the blue asking for the review.

Paid copy: I've made judgment call and put my money on the line, so I have an emotional investment in being right. I'm going to massage my own self image by concentrating on the good points and glossing over the bad ones. If I post a public review, I don't want to admit that I paid good money for a bad product, suckered by the sales copy. So I'm more likely to post a review that makes me look smart...

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Justin Says

12 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Justin, I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here, and argue the exact opposite POV...

Free copy: I have no emotional investment, as well as no monetary investment, so I'm free to call it like I see it and let the chips fall where they may. This is especially true if I have no real connection to the product developer. For example, if the developer puts out a general, first come, first served offer of review copies, or if a stranger contacts me out of the blue asking for the review.

Paid copy: I've made judgment call and put my money on the line, so I have an emotional investment in being right. I'm going to massage my own self image by concentrating on the good points and glossing over the bad ones. If I post a public review, I don't want to admit that I paid good money for a bad product, suckered by the sales copy. So I'm more likely to post a review that makes me look smart...

I <3 the devils advocates. I do it all the time, debating is not a bad thing. If anything it helps others think differently.

However, I just want to note. You even stated that you had a emotional investment via the paid copy. Which means you are more likely to post an HONEST review on what you think you got for the money paid.

Free copies on the other hand, don't let you think like a buyer.

You're not emotionally invested into the product, so you are much more carefree. Meaning you are not likely to post a bad review on the product.

Originally Posted by OhioWriter

Yes, that's true, but it applies in the writing world as well.

Yep I definitely agree. It relates to pretty much everything. Probably the only network that it doesn't relate to would be video games and movies, as if a game or movie sucks and you get to see it for free (which is common) then you will probably be honest and give real feedback (critics are everywhere in those industries), but it's much different when it comes to anything dealing with internet marketing.

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mgkimsal

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

I <3 the devils advocates. I do it all the time, debating is not a bad thing. If anything it helps others think differently.

However, I just want to note. You even stated that you had a emotional investment via the paid copy. Which means you are more likely to post an HONEST review on what you think you got for the money paid.

I'm more inclined to think it goes down like the earlier poster - people aren't going to post that they felt like they just wasted $27 on something because they fell for a sales page and it was bad.

I've purchased a couple things based on reviews posted here and was, in one case, shocked at how bad it was. I didn't think I was reading the same material people had said was "awesome", "solid value", etc. I'm not even sure they were paid or free reviews, but perhaps I have higher standards. Even in that case, I felt social pressure (just myself, not from anyone) to *not* post a negative review, because I thought something was wrong with my view of the product. If 18 other people posted it was "100% useful", etc - maybe I'm wrong? I was a bit new to the scene. I didn't feel I was going to get any value from the product at all, though, so I did request a refund, and was promptly ignored. Lesson learned.

So, no, I don't think just because someone's paid they have an 'honest' assessment to review something negatively if they don't think it's good. They're still more likely to not post anything at all, for fear of looking like they "don't get it".

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Justin Says

12 years ago

Originally Posted by mgkimsal

I'm more inclined to think it goes down like the earlier poster - people aren't going to post that they felt like they just wasted $27 on something because they fell for a sales page and it was bad.

I've purchased a couple things based on reviews posted here and was, in one case, shocked at how bad it was. I didn't think I was reading the same material people had said was "awesome", "solid value", etc. I'm not even sure they were paid or free reviews, but perhaps I have higher standards. Even in that case, I felt social pressure (just myself, not from anyone) to *not* post a negative review, because I thought something was wrong with my view of the product. If 18 other people posted it was "100% useful", etc - maybe I'm wrong? I was a bit new to the scene. I didn't feel I was going to get any value from the product at all, though, so I did request a refund, and was promptly ignored. Lesson learned.

So, no, I don't think just because someone's paid they have an 'honest' assessment to review something negatively if they don't think it's good. They're still more likely to not post anything at all, for fear of looking like they "don't get it".

Oh you.

The way that sounds, it seems that the "18" you specified were exactly what I stated, but then again, I don't know what product it was that you purchased so I can't really get deep into it.

If someone spends $97 for something and it's "just okay" then they are going to share that with others. Maybe not you personally, but think of 100 people buying a product that's rehashed for $97, nothing of value, nothing of substance. They'd probably post something saying so.

But if someone got that product for free, maybe it would be of value to them because well.. it's free. They didn't invest emotionally into the deal, so they are just, oh cool stuff, now I'll post a kind review because I got this for free.

Get what I'm saying?

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mgkimsal

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

Oh you.

The way that sounds, it seems that the "18" you specified were exactly what I stated, but then again, I don't know what product it was that you purchased so I can't really get deep into it.

If someone spends $97 for something and it's "just okay" then they are going to share that with others. Maybe not you personally, but think of 100 people buying a product that's rehashed for $97, nothing of value, nothing of substance. They'd probably post something saying so.

But if someone got that product for free, maybe it would be of value to them because well.. it's free. They didn't invest emotionally into the deal, so they are just, oh cool stuff, now I'll post a kind review because I got this for free.

Get what I'm saying?

I do see what you're saying. My experience at the $17-$27 end of the spectrum has made me very wary of anything over that amount. Maybe there's a different dynamic at play at smaller $ amounts?

In general, though, I've grown to trust more names here, and unless there's a review from someone I trust, I probably won't trust the review anyway. Yeah, I'm getting cynical in my old age!

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OhioWriter

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

Review copies, refers to a copy of someones product, service, program, and so forth, not only content.

In other words, people offer "free copies" of their product in order to get good reviews.. it's annoying.

Yes, that's true, but it applies in the writing world as well.

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salegurus

12 years ago

I have to say i agree with you.
Most of the time the reviews left by people who have received a "review copy" are
worthless to people who are trying to make a decision. They all seem to use the same
syntax, no fluff, no brainer, jump on this, a ton of value etc.

I would not base a buying decision on review copies, they are generally not
based on fact.
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asmartbuy

12 years ago

Yes, you are totally right Justin. But, be it Free or Paid review. Just as long as it is honest. No bandwaggoning, just because they might have scored a Free copy. The main thing that sickens me, is seeing people shamelessly ask for a Free review copy and none is offered or may have certain criteria to be met before scoring one. Yet, they still ask for one.hahha. Meaning, they have not even read the post. They are just here on the forum to score free things and have no interest in giving an impartial opinion.

Much Success to everyone.

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Miguelito203

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

I was talking to a dude named Brian a few minutes ago via Skype and just wanted to share my thoughts.

I am not a fan of the "free review copies".

To me, they aren't realistic. Even though they are definitely awesome and I have personally grabbed some myself.

Here's why.

Free Reviews:

The client doesn't spend any money, they don't take any risks, they have nothing to worry about. So of course someone who got a free review would end up giving it a good review (most likely) even if it's not that wonderful.

Paid Reviews:

The client spends money, they take a risk, and they have everything to worry about. This way, they are more likely to dive into the information and actually read it, connect with the seller, and if the product is actually worth while, they'll give a good review.

These, like everything, are just my opinions.

Summary: I don't like free review copies.

How about you?

P.S. It was pointed out that my signature has "free" stuff in it. But I was referring to the fact of getting something that is usually PAID for FREE, in order to REVIEW it

Hope that clears up some things.

When I get free review copies of stuff, I actually go through it because I'm not going to waste my time promoting something that's going to get a bunch of refunds. I'm not of fan of paying for review copies. As I see it, that's something the product creator should anticipate when recruiting affiliates.

Joey

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Justin Says

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Miguelito203

When I get free review copies of stuff, I actually go through it because I'm not going to waste my time promoting something that's going to get a bunch of refunds. I'm not of fan of paying for review copies. As I see it, that's something the product creator should anticipate when recruiting affiliates.

Joey

I wasn't really specifying this towards "affiliates".

The concept here is what do you feel about a review given for a product from someone who received the product for free versus paid for it.

Here's an example.

If I gave you $100 right now for free. You'd say, "wow, I just got $100 bucks, this is the most amazing thing I've ever seen".

But if I gave you $100 and you paid $99 for that $100 (meaning you made $1), you'd probably be like, "oh.. I got $1, whoopie?".

Lol. Not to say that $1 isn't worth anything. I'm just referring to the fact that someone that is given something of value absolutely free, would see it in a different light of someone who actually paid for that product.

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junwejw

12 years ago

Sure, I'd like to take a paid review if interesting.

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Justin Says 12 years ago

Originally Posted by junwejw

Sure, I'd like to take a paid review if interesting.

Paid meaning - the customer pays for a product and then posts a review (just like a regular business).

Free meaning - the customer gets the product for free and then post a review.
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barbling

12 years ago

I've been asked to review things as well.

I once received a 'how to create an infoproduct' product that simply was everything remashed with no added value. Prior to receiving it, I told the developer that if I couldn't find value, I would not leave a review.

Well, the product turned out to be not good at all. It *could* have been, mind you, and I spent some time telling the developer what *could* be added to make it sellable.

End result? The developer went live with it a few days later and then took it off the market because of poor sales.

Sigh.

So...I have no problems leaving reviews, so long as I can stand behind what I write.

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Justin Says

12 years ago

Originally Posted by barbling

I've been asked to review things as well.

I once received a 'how to create an infoproduct' product that simply was everything remashed with no added value. Prior to receiving it, I told the developer that if I couldn't find value, I would not leave a review.

Well, the product turned out to be not good at all. It *could* have been, mind you, and I spent some time telling the developer what *could* be added to make it sellable.

End result? The developer went live with it a few days later and then took it off the market because of poor sales.

Sigh.

So...I have no problems leaving reviews, so long as I can stand behind what I write.

Great share.

In that particular instance, did you post a "bad review" for the product? Giving Warriors your real impressions?

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JCorp

12 years ago

I'll review free products all day long as long as it's medium well and served with A1!

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RyanJohnson

12 years ago

I think product creators generally are wanting to send their products out for free and in turn, if the reviewers thinks it is good, they leave a good review. If it is bad, they want to know... but only in private. Then based on that and their laziness... they either tweak their product or throw it out there and see what happens.

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la dominatrix

12 years ago

I have to argue, I often receive free revuiew copies and I do spend the tiem to review the product. At least twnety percent of the time I refuse to review it because it is just same old same old rehashed and not even in a good way.

Having said that I have never left a slating review I just tend to tell the product creator in private

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salegurus

12 years ago

Originally Posted by asmartbuy

Yes, you are totally right Justin. But, be it Free or Paid review. Just as long as it is honest. No bandwaggoning, just because they might have scored a Free copy. The main thing that sickens me, is seeing people shamelessly ask for a Free review copy and none is offered or may have certain criteria to be met before scoring one. Yet, they still ask for one.hahha. Meaning, they have not even read the post. They are just here on the forum to score free things and have no interest in giving an impartial opinion.

Much Success to everyone.

Add an Infraction and politely point them to 3rd Sticky in WSO forum. Beggars asking for a review copy has become an epidemic.
Most WSO's are priced below $10 but you still have cheapskates begging for review copies.
I found a few this morning, joined the WF in Oct have 5 or so posts and most of them are "Please can i have a review copy, i will leave an honest review"
These people don't add value and only seem to be looking for freebies.

Originally Posted by la dominatrix

I have to argue, I often receive free revuiew copies and I do spend the tiem to review the product. At least twnety percent of the time I refuse to review it because it is just same old same old rehashed and not even in a good way.

Having said that I have never left a slating review I just tend to tell the product creator in private

If you get a review copy you should leave a honest review good or bad, otherwise what's the point? If you can't let someone else review the product...

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

However, I just want to note. You even stated that you had a emotional investment via the paid copy. Which means you are more likely to post an HONEST review on what you think you got for the money paid.

Free copies on the other hand, don't let you think like a buyer.

You're not emotionally invested into the product, so you are much more carefree. Meaning you are not likely to post a bad review on the product.

Justin, you're proving my point for me...

For the paid product, my emotional investment is not in the product itself. It's in being RIGHT, in validating my own judgment. Leaving a bad review is an admission that my judgment was faulty, something most people have serious difficulties with.

A free product, especially when I have not sought it out, carries no such investment. Meaning I have no emotional stake in being right, so I can let the fur fly.

I said you were proving my point for me. You have staked out a public position (free reviews bad, paid reviews good), and you now have an emotional investment in being right.

So much so that you chose to interpret my points in a way that supported your position. I don't think you did it deliberately, I think you acted in a totally human way - which supports my statements...

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Justin Says

12 years ago

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

Justin, you're proving my point for me...

For the paid product, my emotional investment is not in the product itself. It's in being RIGHT, in validating my own judgment. Leaving a bad review is an admission that my judgment was faulty, something most people have serious difficulties with.

A free product, especially when I have not sought it out, carries no such investment. Meaning I have no emotional stake in being right, so I can let the fur fly.

I said you were proving my point for me. You have staked out a public position (free reviews bad, paid reviews good), and you now have an emotional investment in being right.

So much so that you chose to interpret my points in a way that supported your position. I don't think you did it deliberately, I think you acted in a totally human way - which supports my statements...

Your awesome bro lol. Loving your responses.

I'll be short.

If you spend money on something, you think differently than if you don't spend money on it. Meaning that the review from spending money on it would likely be more similar to those that are also spending money on the product.

So in a sense you proved my point

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

Your awesome bro lol. Loving your responses.

I'll be short.

If you spend money on something, you think differently than if you don't spend money on it. Meaning that the review from spending money on it would likely be more similar to those that are also spending money on the product.

So in a sense you proved my point

Nope, now we're talking about a different animal.

This statement I won't argue. It's also different from considering the objectivity of a free vs. paid review.

Earlier, we both had differing but valid points of view. Either one could be true for any given individual. Basically, we were describing opposite faces of the same coin, neither of which was an absolute truth.

This time, we both get to be right...

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ibacklinkpro

12 years ago

I tend to think that a paid review will be more honest, however both free and paid have issues. I think the best review one can get is to find their product or service being discussed in an unrelated forum post, perhaps talking about it's benefits or even problems. These tend to be the most honest, although, very rare.

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Kecia

12 years ago

In the end, it all comes down to being honest. Some people will be, whether they got the product for free or paid, and others will not for one reason or another. I think it is easier to leave a glowing testimonial if you received a product for free, even if it wasn't that valuable. It's the mentality of "Well, I wouldn't pay the asking price for this product, but since I got it for free...the information isn't that bad." If you did invest your hard earned money, you may be more likely to speak up and tell others what was good or bad about the product.

On the other hand, I could also see someone not wanting to speak up if there are already 3 pages of others raving about the product. You'd look like the dunce that just couldn't grasp what was being taught. Personally, I wouldn't care if others thought this, because I am going to leave an honest review no matter my investment...but others may not.

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hamzah3

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

I was talking to a dude named Brian a few minutes ago via Skype and just wanted to share my thoughts.

I am not a fan of the "free review copies".

To me, they aren't realistic. Even though they are definitely awesome and I have personally grabbed some myself.

Here's why.

Free Reviews:

The client doesn't spend any money, they don't take any risks, they have nothing to worry about. So of course someone who got a free review would end up giving it a good review (most likely) even if it's not that wonderful.

Paid Reviews:

The client spends money, they take a risk, and they have everything to worry about. This way, they are more likely to dive into the information and actually read it, connect with the seller, and if the product is actually worth while, they'll give a good review.

These, like everything, are just my opinions.

Summary: I don't like free review copies.

How about you?

P.S. It was pointed out that my signature has "free" stuff in it. But I was referring to the fact of getting something that is usually PAID for FREE, in order to REVIEW it

Hope that clears up some things.

Yes,you are right people simply don't take anything seriously if they haven't spent some money in order to get it.

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Duce

12 years ago

the problem is this...the way it's set up, is the product creator contacts friends or whomever and offers them a free review copy. Let's them know when the product is coming out and ask them to go by the thread and post a review.

What should happen is the product creator should not only ask them to post a review but ask them to really review the product and look for ways it can be improved. If they say, "hey this is a great product I can't find any ways to improve it" then great launch the wso. But if they can see ways that is can be improved then let the creator know. If they make the changes great...now you feel even better about leaving a review. If they don't then leave a honest review..."yes, great product but I feel it needs...this"...Just my opinion

-eugene

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