Product Promotion, Transparency, And You: All Members Please Read.

[Gruder]

**Winner announced! See post 53**


Product Promotion, Transparency, And You
http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/IMZ/IMZ007/pix0211.jpg

http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/3b846c02278f9f367035ff0411d44294?s=64&d=identicon&r=G Meet Bubba.

Bubba goes online, spends his hard-earned money on a shaving soap, receives the soap, tries the soap, enjoys the soap, and posts the following on B&B:


I love this soap. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful soap of the three I've bought so far. I swear, when I was lathering with it I saw a smurf run by. I'm not certain, but I also think it cured my halitosis! You should all buy this soap!

http://www.indonesiamatters.com/images/ugly-man.jpg Now, meet Cletus.

Cletus goes online, strikes up a conversation with a shaving soap vendor, receives a free puck of soap from the vendor, tries the soap, enjoys the soap, and posts the following on B&B:


I love this soap. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful soap ever! I swear, when I was lathering with it I saw a unicorn run by. I'm not certain, but I also think it cured my athlete's foot! You should all buy this soap!

Bubba's post was, if not a bit prone to hyperbole :wink:, very helpful to B&B. Way to go, Bubba!

Cletus, on the other hand, has done our members a grave disservice. Cletus did two things wrong. So wrong, in fact, that they diminish the ability of our new and old members alike to fully enjoy wetshaving and see B&B as a trustworthy resource.

First, and most importantly, Cletus failed to disclose that he received the soap for free. You see, whether or not Cletus believed that the "freeness" of the soap affected his review, he denied our members the opportunity to make that call for themselves. For the record, we define this activity as "shilling", and do see it as a ban-able offense here.

Second, Cletus failed to contextualize his review by indicating his experience with shaving soaps in general. Such contextualization greatly improves a review, thus helping all of our members make decisions about products they'd like to try. Post counts can help with this, but we have uber-experienced members with 6 posts, and neophytes with 1000. One must be careful relying on post counts alone -- context is our best bet.

Why this exercise? Recently, with everything from razors to brushes to shaving creams, we've encountered instances of purposeful deception in promotion. Some less than scrupulous non-B&B-subscribed vendors (who'd never make it past our application process) have created fake accounts to hype their products or duped our own members into promoting their products through free samples. These actions reduce the integrity of our content, and as such are not tolerated on B&B.

We implore you, be like Bubba. :biggrin1: Strive to be transparent, objective, and properly contextual in your statements about products here. Let's increase our mutual trust as we grow, and eschew vendors who seek to line their pockets at the expense of our integrity.

So, let's have some fun. What should Cletus have said? The most amusing (yet ethically sound) response entitles the winner to a custom title, plus a Gillette Fatboy (non-cased) generously donated by luvmysuper.

[Austin]

Thanks Chad. Wisdom to live by. :thumbup1:

[SpyvSpy]

Originally Posted by Cletus
I love this soap. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful soap ever! I swear, when I was lathering with it I saw a unicorn run by. I'm not certain, but I also think it cured my athlete's foot! You should all buy this soap!

What I would have said say he's using Tabac.

I love this soap. The nice tobacco smell fits perfect for fall/winter months. I have noticed with lathering it's superb and the scent lasts. If you're looking for a not hard to lather good smelling soap give this a try.

Yeah...

[DeusVult]

Cletus should have said


Ya know, I happened to strike up a conversation with my soap-peddling buddy, Jim Bob. By golly, he said he'd send me a free sample of some of his special soap. He promised it would be the happiest, mostest wonderful soap ever! He swore, that when I was lathering with it, I would see a unicorn run by. He even promised that it might cure my athlete's foot!

Guess what fellars? I saw two unicorns run by, both ridden by naked fairies!! Not only that, my athlete's foot has disappeared and I've grown an inch taller! I can't keep the women off me!!! You should all buy this soap!!!

[jgriffith]

After reading Bubbas review of redneck shave soap, I had the opportunity to talk with Joe Bob over at Redneck. I told him I was interested in gettin me some of that soap (to shave with) and he sent me a free puck of it right then and there.

So... I dun tried it, and I thought it was a whopper as well. It lathered like cool-whip, I didn't see no smurfs, but I did see a unicorn. Smelled like my red-tick after a swim in the pond. I dipped my brush, swirled about 12 times and face lathered. It whipped up like a champ, and was very slick, but not greasy and seemed to provide good cushion. If you have ever used I absolutely love this stuff, you should try it fer yerself. If you have ever tried swamp oil shave cream, this stuff is similar. I can't say nuttin about value or price as I got it for free, but a buck a puck, I'd buy this in the future.

[Rivguy]

Thank you for this sound advice. This is such a great community it is a shame when people try to take unfair advantage of our enthusiasm for trying new products.

Doug

[BrianL]

After reading Bubba's post and since I have not found anything that would help with my chronic halitosis short of brushing my tooth, I wanted to try this soap. I called the soaps maker and they were very happy to send me a sample as long as I wrote a review of the soap for all of my friends at B&B to read. I am still not sure what a Smurf is, but if I saw one running by I would grab my double barrel and send some buckshot it's way. All I can say that is I love this soap. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful soap I have ever tried and since it is the onlyist soap I have ever tried it wins by far. I swear it cured my athlete's foot and only after one shave it is my all time favorite! As soon as my sample runs out I will ask Ma to call for me and see if she can get me another sample. You should all run out and by this soap.
Cletus.

[arghblech]

Both users should have just posted "OMG! Ponies!"

[DeusVult]

Double rainbows!

[Slivovitz]

All I know is that, if I see smurfs and/or unicorns running by during one of my shaves, I'm never sniffing that soap again.

Yes, original point taken of course.

[damooshki]

After reading Bubba's review for Hillbilly Moonshine Soap Co. 200 proof Whiskey Shave Soap, I thought I would contact the manufacturer and inquire about about what made this product so great. I couldn't make much sense of old Jimbo but he said he would send me a puck to try for myself free of charge. I have been traditional wet shaving for nearly 15 years and have used many soaps and creams but never one made of pure alcohol until now. I love this soap. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful soap ever! I swear, when I was lathering with it I saw a unicorn run by. I'm not certain, but I also think it cured my athlete's foot! And now da chix be all up onz mai nutz! You should all buy this soap!

[AlanL]

What Cletus should have said?

I love this soap company. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful generous soap company ever! I swear, when I was lathering with it I saw a unicorn dollar signs run by. I'm not certain, but I also think it cured my athlete's foot home equity debt! You should all buy try to get a free sample of this soap!

[bbarton713]

Well, it is pretty clear what Cletus should have said...

Me and the missus was talking the other day and I said, "Missus" (and I really do call her that because if I said SWMBO I'd be in a world of hurt because she has a mean streak), I'd like to try me some of those fancy, new-fangled soaps that everyone goes on about in the B&B forums.

Me and the Missus then had a frank conversation about B&B and how it has nothin' to do with things her momma (I have another name for her but that ain't polite to say) said she shouldn't do.

Anyway, I want to try a soap because it will make me a betterer shaver and I might smell prettier than the preacher's wife when I go to church this Sunday. But the only way I could try it is if I got some for free and you know what? I did!!

This free stuff is ok and it does a good job like everyone else said and the preacher wife is going to order herself some but it was free and I reckon that deserves a free bump or whatever it is that you all do on here...because you can't beat free is what the Missus says.

[DeusVult]

Would it be fair for the rest of the community to try Cletus's product that he falsely promoted? Would it be allowed to be given reviews and discussions? Not that I have been dreaming about seeing a unicorn but the tarnished review might spark my curiosity. Hell, I had a chia pet and clapper! but no sham wow;)

Off topic, but my dear wife bought a sham wow, and it really sucked hind teat. I returned it.

[cswann1]

So, let's have some fun. What should Cletus have said?



"So, whilst I was a drankin at the bar t'udder night, I was abduckted by aleeunz. Wouldn'tchnoit!! They was wet-shavurz too. And thay gimme some o thar soap tuh try out.

Man this soap is gee-gawly sumpn!! Kumpared to the Williums soap I git fer my birfday every other year from mah fambly, it's like latherun with fresh pasture puddin from Gawds own cows! Cept not as good smellun. You guys should hang out at my bar and see ifin u can't get abducked by them aleeuns too! But don't go rushin out tuh spend yur nickels on it, cuz Williums still beats it nickel-fur-nickel."

~Cletus~

[Dewaine]

Double rainbows!


All the way across!

[LouieGrandie]

I think I know Cletus pretty well and I can imagine his post as something like this:


Let me just contextualize my review of the Thunderbolt GreaseSlapper Shaving Soap by indicating my experience with products that one must normally pay for in general. I was nursing my wounds after a particular violent fight with the husband of the woman cooking me breakfast when I happened up the review of Bubba of this soap. Being the crafty and corpulent sort who would rather flimflam someone out a something rather then pay for it I called up said vendor and laid it on thick. Said vendor was about to find out that commerce in life is rarely so simple and never so just. After promising a review for his soap, heck I told him he could even write it for me, he sent me a sample. Since my last little exploit in domestic bliss left me without all my toiletries I went ahead and tried this soap. Much to my pleasure I found the Thunderbolt GreaseSlapper Shaving Soap to lather up pretty well, go on nicely and produce a rather nice BBF shave. And it was FREE! What more could a man ask for. So I give this soap a :thumbup1:. I wish I could tell everyone how much it cost but I really don't know and I really don't aim to find out. Yours in Shaving - Cletus

[GDCarrington]

We have to remind Bubba that this is soap, not a breath mint.
Everyone is always tried to be a Finch Tundgren imitator.

The original post is straight on the money :thumbup:!


Finch's product promotion!
LMpoQSq6poA

[Stubblejumper]

What Cletus should have said...


Awhile back, I mentioned that I'd never tried me any of those fancy-smelling, store bought shaving soaps that the city slickers use, and then, out a the blue, this nice feller named Billy Bob sent me a PM, told me that he works for a big soap company - Proctologist & Gambler I think it was, and offered to send me some free soap! All I had ta do was tell you nice fellers how much I liked it. I said, fer sure I'd like me some o dat free soap. Anyway, the next time I got to town, there it was waiting for me down at the post office... a big ol' slab of Shaved Pork Hog Fat Soap! It smelled so purty, just like honey cured bacon frying on a open fire! When I got back to the cabin, I hauled up a bucket of water from the well, and set to shavin'. Hoo wee, that soap lathered up better than my granny's homemade lye soap! And while I was slatherin' it on my face with my possum brush, I swear I saw a uneecorn playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the banjo! Not only did I git the best shave of my intire life, but I swear on my dear sainted mother's grave, that after I used that soap, my hemorrhoids up and disappeared!

I'm not just tellin' you this cause I got it for free, cause that would make me lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut! This soap is so darned good, that I'd buy me some even if I had to pay cash money for it!

[bbarton713]

Not only did I git the best shave of my intire life, but I swear on my dear sainted mother's grave, that after I used that soap, my hemorrhoids up and disappeared!

Now I don't care who you are or where you're from, that's funny! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Austin]

What Cletus should have said...


Awhile back, I mentioned that I'd never tried me any of those fancy-smelling, store bought shaving soaps that the city slickers use, and then, out a the blue, this nice feller named Billy Bob sent me a PM, told me that he works for a big soap company - Proctologist & Gambler I think it was, and offered to send me some free soap! All I had ta do was tell you nice fellers how much I liked it. I said, fer sure I'd like me some o dat free soap. Anyway, the next time I got to town, there it was waiting for me down at the post office... a big ol' slab of Shaved Pork Hog Fat Soap! It smelled so purty, just like honey cured bacon frying on a open fire! When I got back to the cabin, I hauled up a bucket of water from the well, and set to shavin'. Hoo wee, that soap lathered up better than my granny's homemade lye soap! And while I was slatherin' it on my face with my possum brush, I swear I saw a uneecorn playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the banjo! Not only did I git the best shave of my intire life, but I swear on my dear sainted mother's grave, that after I used that soap, my hemorrhoids up and disappeared!

I'm not just tellin' you this cause I got it for free, cause that would make me lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut! This soap is so darned good, that I'd buy me some even if I had to pay cash money for it!

:lol::lol::lol:

You sir are a comedian.

[Topgumby]

:lol::lol::lol:

You sir are a comedian.

Agreed, that was durn funny. :thumbup1::lol:

What Cletus should have said -

It was almost as good as Williams, and cheaper, too, if you know what I mean.:wink1:

[DE Shaver]

Cletus should have said...

"Brandine, what are you doing here? You're suppose to be in Iraq stopping 9/11."

[Kione]

Well After a phone call with Cleatus (He just got one of those new fangled things) I instructed him in the joys of wet shaving sent him some supplies and asked for a review e-mailed to me. Three weeks later I got a computer monitor in the mail with a letter rubber-cemented to the screen :huh: After reading the letter I figured I needed to call back and instruct him in what "e-mail" is. Mean while, as I'm trying to show him what the internet is, here's his letter.


Howdy Kione heres dat "e-mail" yeh asked fer, seems an awefuwl komplicated way o doin' things. Anyway yeh said teh write it fer someone lookin to buy that soap uh yers so I'll try and use me most ejumehcated spellin and stuf fer it.


Howdy Fellas, I was talkin to me friend Kione the soap seller and he was talkin to me about this new craze o his called "wet shavin" Well, normally if the missus gets on me about my whiskers gettin to long I just let the cows lick 'em off, stings a bit but works well and the slobber acts as a sort o' balm. Anyway, he sent me a box o stuff ter try out and once I saw the effesincy (whew, that was a tricky one ter spel) of usein a blade ter aktually cut my whiskers off I was hooked. So I grabbed that brush he sent and wowee, it smelled like me prize huntin dog died under the porch las' week. But once I got to the soap it mostly covered it up. I whipped it inter the cream he told me about and slathered it on me face and glory be! This stuffs slicker than greased eel snot! I just took that blade and scraped the whiskers right off without a problem and the soap stuff still left enough on ter make me cheeks all soft and feelin' better than cow slobber! Now the missus is all jealous cause I'm smellin even purdyer than she is!"

Hope that works good fer yeh Kione, Thanks fer the stuff, an if yeh got anymore new-fangled ideas don't be bashfull ye hear? Cuttin whiskers off wit a blade an soap, I never would o thought...

Cleatus




*I am not a soap seller, All names have been changed to protect the innocent, This story and all characters therein are fictitious, Any resemblance to Persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[gixxer]

What Cletus should have said...

Well dang it I just got my free soap sample from Shem Clem. This feller has this soap he says is the best thing since BEER!! Now I am not one to go believing everything I hear these days, I was madder than spit when I got that flowbee back then. It took forever for my sweet mullet to grow back right. And heck I sure do love my beer I get from the Circle K. They have those meat sticks that are big enough to use as a walking stick, but that's another story. Anyhow, This feller says I will have "A life changing shave".

Of course I give it a shot and I sure do get a nice shave. Smoother than Jimmie John's bald coon hound fer sure! BUT THEN IT HAPPENED! Dang it if I go to the Circle K to get my beer (Keystone, the ONLY beer I drink) and big ol' Emma, the one eyed peg legged cashier says to me "Hey there fella, I ain't had a date in 25 years, why dontcha come over to my trailer tonight, I get off at 8."

I said hell yea! I aint had a date either since they attached this colostomy bag, but sure! I ride the mower home, tell momma I am taking the IROC out tonight so she needs to find somebody else to put the sandpaper to her back callouses tonight. I am gonna have a great time tonight! After some careful thinking, I elect NOT to go with the three wolf moon shirt. That is just too much awesomeness, I do not want her head to explode. My 1982 official REO Speedwagon tour shirt is the way to go.

8 o clock comes around, and Jimmie John helps me jump start the IROC. Guess the battery got drained keeping it hooked up to the bug zapper. I get over to Emma's place and she has on her nicest mumu. We have the most amazing night, she fed me one of those meat sticks that I love so much. Dang she sure was tryin to impress!

The next morning I go home. Emma wants to see me again. Momma is complainin about her back callouses but I don't care. Time to shave. This has me thinkin. What is in this soap? So I look at the sample, it has a name on it. WILLIAMS? What the? I thought for sure the citronella smell came from sitting on the front porch with the candle lit, NO WAY! I happened to look at my clothes looking for the car keys, need to pop the hood to jump it again. THEN I NOTICE IT! The three wolves shirt! Somehow the awesomeness of the shirt overcame my decision to wear the REO Speedwagon shirt I thought I had on. SO IT WASN'T THE SOAP!


DANG IT SHEM CLEM I SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER THAN TO BELIEVE YOU.

I didn't even see any stinkin unicorns or leprachauns, and my colostomy bag is stopped up.


DISCLAIMER-- no disrespect to those that are one eyed, peg legged, or have to use colostomy bags.

[GDCarrington]

What Cletus should have said...

Well dang it I just got my free soap sample from Shem Clem. This feller has this soap he says is the best thing since BEER!! Now I am not one to go believing everything I hear these days, I was madder than spit when I got that flowbee back then. It took forever for my sweet mullet to grow back right. And heck I sure do love my beer I get from the Circle K. They have those meat sticks that are big enough to use as a walking stick, but that's another story. Anyhow, This feller says I will have "A life changing shave".

Of course I give it a shot and I sure do get a nice shave. Smoother than Jimmie John's bald coon hound fer sure! BUT THEN IT HAPPENED! Dang it if I go to the Circle K to get my beer (Keystone, the ONLY beer I drink) and big ol' Emma, the one eyed peg legged cashier says to me "Hey there fella, I ain't had a date in 25 years, why dontcha come over to my trailer tonight, I get off at 8."

I said hell yea! I aint had a date either since they attached this colostomy bag, but sure! I ride the mower home, tell momma I am taking the IROC out tonight so she needs to find somebody else to put the sandpaper to her back callouses tonight. I am gonna have a great time tonight! After some careful thinking, I elect NOT to go with the three wolf moon shirt. That is just too much awesomeness, I do not want her head to explode. My 1982 official REO Speedwagon tour shirt is the way to go.

8 o clock comes around, and Jimmie John helps me jump start the IROC. Guess the battery got drained keeping it hooked up to the bug zapper. I get over to Emma's place and she has on her nicest mumu. We have the most amazing night, she fed me one of those meat sticks that I love so much. Dang she sure was tryin to impress!

The next morning I go home. Emma wants to see me again. Momma is complainin about her back callouses but I don't care. Time to shave. This has me thinkin. What is in this soap? So I look at the sample, it has a name on it. WILLIAMS? What the? I thought for sure the citronella smell came from sitting on the front porch with the candle lit, NO WAY! I happened to look at my clothes looking for the car keys, need to pop the hood to jump it again. THEN I NOTICE IT! The three wolves shirt! Somehow the awesomeness of the shirt overcame my decision to wear the REO Speedwagon shirt I thought I had on. SO IT WASN'T THE SOAP!


DANG IT SHEM CLEM I SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER THAN TO BELIEVE YOU.

I didn't even see any stinkin unicorns or leprachauns, and my colostomy bag is stopped up.


DISCLAIMER-- no disrespect to those that are one eyed, peg legged, or have to use colostomy bags.

That's almost as amazing as the Sham Wow guy :lol::lol::lol:!
Thumbsup :thumbup:!

[ouch]

Cletus should have said...

"Brandine, what are you doing here? You're suppose to be in Iraq stopping 9/11."

:lol:

[_JP_]

So, let's have some fun. What should Cletus have said? The most amusing (yet ethically sound) response entitles the winner to a custom title, plus a Gillette Fatboy (non-cased) generously donated by luvmysuper.

Does the winner have to post a contextualized review of the Fatboy?

[luvmysuper]

Does the winner have to post a contextualized review of the Fatboy?

No

[Mr. Imperial]

What Ty "Cletus" Thorn should've said:



It's tough working the beat in such a cram-packed city, especially nowadays. I mean, with forty million people to police, my day can get pretty hectic, and let me tell you - shaving is rough. Who has the time to make lather, let alone chop off whiskers? But I heard such good things about the Williams Corporation's new shaving soap that I thought I'd give 'em a call. Turns out, they were more than happy to send me a puck for free.

Well, I shaved with it a few times, and let me tell you - this stuff was amazing. Super slick, and the scent...I can't quite place it. It sort of reminds me of a friend of mine...kinda old and refined, like a professor. It's not like a cologne scent...it's more like a...I dunno, a manly, humanly scent.

...

...

...almost...too human. I did some investigation, and came across a report. I couldn't believe what I found. It revolted me, shocked me, and scared me back into using an electric. You see, the horrible truth about the whole thing is...

WILLIAMS IS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE'VE GOT TO STOP THEM SOMEHOW!!!!!!!


http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=22630

[Mike Schutz]

Some of these posts look like they've been taking lessons from posts I've seen on some other forums that will remain nameless.

[Shavely Manden]

Probably not the funniest, but here's my suggested Cletus (I'm not even going to try the hillbilly; I get enough of that around here):

"Chuck at SuperAmazingVendor.com was kind enough to let me try a puck of his new product, MiracleSoap, for free. Now, I might be too cheap to buy my own soap, but that doesn't mean you are, so I thought I'd share my impressions. It smells better than my Tabac, lathers easier than my MWF, and its lather is even longer-lasting than my Williams! However, I do wish it paired better with Lilac Vegetal, since that's my favorite A/S.

I didn't pay for the soap myself, but I did some price research. SuperAmazingVendor, who provided my puck, stocks MiracleSoap for $15.99 shipped, WayCheaperVendor.com has it for $10.99 shipped, GreatServiceVendor.com (with whom I've had great experiences) sells it for $16.95 shipped, and of course BullGoose has it for $14.99 with retroactive shipping via wormhole so it appears the day before you place your order."

I made sure that Cletus


Clearly states that the vendor provided it for free, but doesn't belabor the point, sound apologetic, sound evasive, or make the vendor sound manipulative.
Contextualizes
Mentions something (even something minor) that's negative about the product -- nothing's perfect, not even Cella, and finding even a minor criticism makes the review more balanced and complete. An entirely positive review, even of a deserving product, sounds suspicious under the circumstances.
Provides pricing information (with shipping), even though he didn't have to pay for it -- the price probably didn't influence his review, but having it for reference makes the review more complete.
provides relatively comprehensive availability information at common vendors, mentioning his benefactor's competitors, unless it's an exclusive product (which should be mentioned). If possible, he mentions a vendor that undersells his benefactor: he probably didn't find everybody who sells the product, and this allays the concern that he cherry-picked uncompetitive vendors.

[AdrianR]

What Cletus should have said...

"Well, my old buddy Tyrone sent me this here shave-soap - said I didn't hafta' pay him - so I tryed it out. Well, dang me! I put on my 'Three Wolf Moon' T-shirt and them wolves was a-howlin' at the baby-butt freshansmooth of mah face! So I called Tyrone and tole' him to send me some others...then he asks me for some greenbacks first! Dang!"

[Kentos]

I am glad this forum takes these things so seriously. I lurked around for a while reading all the reviews and opinions on razors soaps and brushes, and made my purchases accordingly. I feel good knowing this newbie made the best decisions possible.

Cletus should have posted:

This soap is great! A single blade lasted 2 freaking weeks!! With no burns or nicks!!!! It rinses easily and removes oxidation from nickle plate and sterling!!! The smell attracts women of questionable moral character like flies to cream!!! It even raised the libido of my ice cold wife of 20 years!!! If I had to pay for it I would say it's worth at least 7.99, much more reasonable than that fancy Poraso soap!!! I kid you not!!!

[Gruder]

Last call for entries on this one, gentlemen. Go ahead, channel your inner Cletus!

[jgkeegan]

the Good Cletus

"VendorSoandSo gave me this soap.

I love this soap. It's the happiest, mostest wonderful soap ever! I swear, when I was lathering with it I saw a unicorn run by. I'm not certain, but I also think it cured my athlete's foot! You should all buy this soap!"

[Navig8tor]

I don't care to win the prize but I would like to know if the 2nd soap contained unicorn tallow?

I would buy that in a minute!

[Obsessed]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg-CK0Teark&feature=related

[Spivey]

Me get soap free. Soap good. Please to buy lots soap.

[SmoovD]

Me get soap free. Soap good. Please to buy lots soap.

Tonto, Tarzan or Frankenstein?

[Spivey]

Tonto, Tarzan or Frankenstein?

Yes! And you can, too!

[dirtdog]

What should Cletus have said?

I received this sample soap for free from the vendor and have found that I enjoy it more than sex .

Well at least the soap was free anyway .:lol:

[gixxer]

When's the vote? :thumbup:

[1stGenRex]

so, where do I get the free soap?
:lol:

[Myosin]

I am to the point now where I consider ANYONE and EVERYONE who mentions specific brand names or items more than once to be shilling, whether it's shaving or car parts.

I don't care if Gillette doesn't make fatboys anymore, I assume anyone saying it's a good idea to pay $50+ for one is being paid by Gillette.

I have to say that after a month of DE shaving and trying as many different products as I could, that the majority of the most hyped and talked about products tend to not only be the biggest disappointments, but also some of the most mediocre products available.

Taking their price into consideration I would actually put many of them in the low tier as far as shaving goes.

Some of the cheaper and less hyped things are actually superior in both price and quality.

Seems like everything in life is like this, whatever the majority of the population thinks is good, is actually garbage in the reality.


"It doesn't need to be good to sell, just popular"

[wilsonent]

What Cletus should have said...


Awhile back, I mentioned that I'd never tried me any of those fancy-smelling, store bought shaving soaps that the city slickers use, and then, out a the blue, this nice feller named Billy Bob sent me a PM, told me that he works for a big soap company - Proctologist & Gambler I think it was, and offered to send me some free soap! All I had ta do was tell you nice fellers how much I liked it. I said, fer sure I'd like me some o dat free soap. Anyway, the next time I got to town, there it was waiting for me down at the post office... a big ol' slab of Shaved Pork Hog Fat Soap! It smelled so purty, just like honey cured bacon frying on a open fire! When I got back to the cabin, I hauled up a bucket of water from the well, and set to shavin'. Hoo wee, that soap lathered up better than my granny's homemade lye soap! And while I was slatherin' it on my face with my possum brush, I swear I saw a uneecorn playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the banjo! Not only did I git the best shave of my intire life, but I swear on my dear sainted mother's grave, that after I used that soap, my hemorrhoids up and disappeared!

I'm not just tellin' you this cause I got it for free, cause that would make me lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut! This soap is so darned good, that I'd buy me some even if I had to pay cash money for it!

Brilliant, simply brillieant.



Jeff

[gixxer]

so, where do I get the free soap?
:lol:

CVS has it, it's free for a buck and some change...:lol:

[luvmysuper]

Thanks for Participating fellas!

Anouncement of winner to follow shortly.

Stay Tuned............

[Proinsias]

just to check,

I got a free bottle of aftershave recently from a vendor wanting a review, I posted the review elsewhere, as asked, and stuck one of my sotd pics featuring it here. Am I shilling?

I'm sure I've mentioned colognes I'm keen on here, C&S and Floris spring to mind, after only having used a sample vial. And had other free samples included by vendors in orders, to be honest I've got quite a few little vials and tubs sitting around som eof which I can't be certain of the origin - paid for or free. Should I be mentioning that the cella soap I might put in a future sotd was obtained as a sample, free of charge, from a fellow shaving enthusiast around a year ago?

I do see the good intentions to prevent shilling and overpromotion for free but I do feel like I'll have to cover myself with small print rather often to abide by the rules, unless things are done on a more case by case basis. I can see me listing favourite colonges with a little * beside a few and a footnote saying obtained as a freebie from vendor.

I'm surely not the only one with tons of samples I use very slowly as swmba seems to think "I've got enough shaving stuff" and I like a bit of variety.

Cletus should have said:

"TEH MOST AWSOME SOAP EVAH!!!! I HAS A BOUGHT A LIFETIME SUPPLY!!!! WILLIAMS SOAP + MERKUR BLD + DIS STUFF = AS GD AS PHILISHAVE!!!IF YOU DON"T BUT THIS U R TEH STUPED"

followed by a link to a website which sells this product alongside the little pyramids that keep your merkur blade as good as new forever

[luvmysuper]

just to check,

I got a free bottle of aftershave recently from a vendor wanting a review, I posted the review elsewhere, as asked, and stuck one of my sotd pics featuring it here. Am I shilling?

I'm sure I've mentioned colognes I'm keen on here, C&S and Floris spring to mind, after only having used a sample vial. And had other free samples included by vendors in orders, to be honest I've got quite a few little vials and tubs sitting around som eof which I can't be certain of the origin - paid for or free. Should I be mentioning that the cella soap I might put in a future sotd was obtained as a sample, free of charge, from a fellow shaving enthusiast around a year ago?

I do see the good intentions to prevent shilling and overpromotion for free but I do feel like I'll have to cover myself with small print rather often to abide by the rules, unless things are done on a more case by case basis. I can see me listing favourite colonges with a little * beside a few and a footnote saying obtained as a freebie from vendor.

I'm surely not the only one with tons of samples I use very slowly as swmba seems to think "I've got enough shaving stuff" and I like a bit of variety.

Cletus should have said:

"TEH MOST AWSOME SOAP EVAH!!!! I HAS A BOUGHT A LIFETIME SUPPLY!!!! WILLIAMS SOAP + MERKUR BLD + DIS STUFF = AS GD AS PHILISHAVE!!!IF YOU DON"T BUT THIS U R TEH STUPED"

followed by a link to a website which sells this product alongside the little pyramids that keep your merkur blade as good as new forever

Samples are samples. Everybody gets samples (defined here by a small quantity for a few uses only).
The issue is getting renumerated or getting free stuff from people in exchange for good reviews. That is shilling.

Vendors who give away larger than sample sized amounts are few and far between. If you find yourself in that position, just mention it, that's all. No one is inferring that there is anything untoward going on, it's just clarity. By the fact that you mentioned it, it removes doubt.

It probably has less impact if the review is bad. :lol:

[Proinsias]

Cheers Phil,

So if I get a free PILS razor from PILS next week, don't like it and decided to pif it without disclosing I got it free, I wouldn't be in huge trouble:001_smile

[Proinsias]

On re-reading my above post, whilst pretending I was being serious, I just realised that'd be pretty poor conduct. Pretending to be generous without mentioning I got it for nothing.

[Gruder]

What Cletus should have said...


Awhile back, I mentioned that I'd never tried me any of those fancy-smelling, store bought shaving soaps that the city slickers use, and then, out a the blue, this nice feller named Billy Bob sent me a PM, told me that he works for a big soap company - Proctologist & Gambler I think it was, and offered to send me some free soap! All I had ta do was tell you nice fellers how much I liked it. I said, fer sure I'd like me some o dat free soap. Anyway, the next time I got to town, there it was waiting for me down at the post office... a big ol' slab of Shaved Pork Hog Fat Soap! It smelled so purty, just like honey cured bacon frying on a open fire! When I got back to the cabin, I hauled up a bucket of water from the well, and set to shavin'. Hoo wee, that soap lathered up better than my granny's homemade lye soap! And while I was slatherin' it on my face with my possum brush, I swear I saw a uneecorn playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" on the banjo! Not only did I git the best shave of my intire life, but I swear on my dear sainted mother's grave, that after I used that soap, my hemorrhoids up and disappeared!

I'm not just tellin' you this cause I got it for free, cause that would make me lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut! This soap is so darned good, that I'd buy me some even if I had to pay cash money for it!

Gentlemen, I give you our winner! :thumbup:

Stubblejumper, please PM me with your address to get your prize. We'll be working on that shiny new custom title!

We've also decided to award "honorable mention" to Shavely Manden for this beautiful analysis of the situation:


Probably not the funniest, but here's my suggested Cletus (I'm not even going to try the hillbilly; I get enough of that around here):

"Chuck at SuperAmazingVendor.com was kind enough to let me try a puck of his new product, MiracleSoap, for free. Now, I might be too cheap to buy my own soap, but that doesn't mean you are, so I thought I'd share my impressions. It smells better than my Tabac, lathers easier than my MWF, and its lather is even longer-lasting than my Williams! However, I do wish it paired better with Lilac Vegetal, since that's my favorite A/S.

I didn't pay for the soap myself, but I did some price research. SuperAmazingVendor, who provided my puck, stocks MiracleSoap for $15.99 shipped, WayCheaperVendor.com has it for $10.99 shipped, GreatServiceVendor.com (with whom I've had great experiences) sells it for $16.95 shipped, and of course BullGoose has it for $14.99 with retroactive shipping via wormhole so it appears the day before you place your order."

I made sure that Cletus


Clearly states that the vendor provided it for free, but doesn't belabor the point, sound apologetic, sound evasive, or make the vendor sound manipulative.
Contextualizes
Mentions something (even something minor) that's negative about the product -- nothing's perfect, not even Cella, and finding even a minor criticism makes the review more balanced and complete. An entirely positive review, even of a deserving product, sounds suspicious under the circumstances.
Provides pricing information (with shipping), even though he didn't have to pay for it -- the price probably didn't influence his review, but having it for reference makes the review more complete.
provides relatively comprehensive availability information at common vendors, mentioning his benefactor's competitors, unless it's an exclusive product (which should be mentioned). If possible, he mentions a vendor that undersells his benefactor: he probably didn't find everybody who sells the product, and this allays the concern that he cherry-picked uncompetitive vendors.


Thanks to all who participated! We had lots of fun reading the replies, but most importantly, I think we've sent the signal that B&B isn't willing to tolerate guerilla marketing tactics that seem to permeate much of the internet. Thanks for helping keep our threads and reviews trustworthy! As always, should you have any questions whatsoever about this thread or the activities of a particular vendor or member, please PM a friendly moderator. :001_smile

[hakan]

http://www.indonesiamatters.com/images/ugly-man.jpg

- I am FAMOUS. I am a professional. I am sponsored. Therefore, I am better than all you stinking amateurs! I get beer for free, my wife does my laundry, my sponsor hires young woman to lean against me at trade-shows. I have it made. I am FAMOUS.

Buy this product that I am (currently) endorsing before I switch to another brand (and so will you) because, I am FAMOUS.

/Cletus

ps/ no guarantee. /ds

[Stubblejumper]

Gentlemen, I give you our winner! :thumbup:

Stubblejumper, please PM me with your address to get your prize. We'll be working on that shiny new custom title!


PM sent.

I'm a little in shock, 'cause this is the first time I've ever won something! Thanks to all the mods for a fun contest, and for your generosity!

I love B&B! :thumbup:

PS. Could you guess that my favorite show growing up was "The Beverly Hillbillies"? :laugh:

[luvmysuper]

Congrats to the winner and the H.M.

Prize in the mail today.

[Merkur25]

Congrats to the winner :thumbup:

[Judge Kemp]

I am to the point now where I consider ANYONE and EVERYONE who mentions specific brand names or items more than once to be shilling, whether it's shaving or car parts.

I don't care if Gillette doesn't make fatboys anymore, I assume anyone saying it's a good idea to pay $50+ for one is being paid by Gillette.

I have to say that after a month of DE shaving and trying as many different products as I could, that the majority of the most hyped and talked about products tend to not only be the biggest disappointments, but also some of the most mediocre products available.

Taking their price into consideration I would actually put many of them in the low tier as far as shaving goes.

Some of the cheaper and less hyped things are actually superior in both price and quality.

Seems like everything in life is like this, whatever the majority of the population thinks is good, is actually garbage in the reality.


"It doesn't need to be good to sell, just popular"

I convinced myself last night that the Godrej people have planted "spies" and "shills" with B&B for their lousy cream. Worst. Shave. EVER. (YMMV :lol:)

That one though, is cheap and crappy--so at least it has the cheap thing going for it . . .

[Buford T. Justice]

Goofus vs. Gallant... GO GOOFUS!

[GDCarrington]

Example?

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2720669&postcount=21

[winston61]

If you want to post about how wonderful you think a product is, maybe we should be obliged to also post a disclaimer stating how we acquired a product.
If you bought it, say so, if you were comped, say that as well.
Requuired disclaimer, anyone? I think it is a good idea.:thumbup:

[winston61]

Bravo, well said. I'm one those guys who will not spend a fortune on overhyped crap. Your shaving experience can be wonderful and you do not have to spend a fortune. When it sounds too good to be true, guess what? It is! In the words of my late father in law, 'that shit is made to sell'.




I am to the point now where I consider ANYONE and EVERYONE who mentions specific brand names or items more than once to be shilling, whether it's shaving or car parts.

I don't care if Gillette doesn't make fatboys anymore, I assume anyone saying it's a good idea to pay $50+ for one is being paid by Gillette.

I have to say that after a month of DE shaving and trying as many different products as I could, that the majority of the most hyped and talked about products tend to not only be the biggest disappointments, but also some of the most mediocre products available.

Taking their price into consideration I would actually put many of them in the low tier as far as shaving goes.

Some of the cheaper and less hyped things are actually superior in both price and quality.

Seems like everything in life is like this, whatever the majority of the population thinks is good, is actually garbage in the reality.


"It doesn't need to be good to sell, just popular"

[Blade Boy]

Guess I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing soap, and don't call me Shirley!