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Would you post a poor product review?

Seems like many of us are getting hit up to review products on our blogs in exchange for free stuff.

So, if you received the free stuff stuff, and it did not meet up to expectations, would you still review it?

Would you give it a poor review?

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Zeldman on May 22, 2009 at 5:30am

"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" -- Milton Berle (OT, but I couldn't resist!)

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Permalink Reply by Harriet B on May 22, 2009 at 10:20am

I guess it helps to be honest with your readers and let them know what you do not like about a product and what you do like. It could also help the manufacturer- if they even read it. But, if the product has no positive attributes, I would not post anything.

thanks all!

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Permalink Reply by Catherine on May 22, 2009 at 10:55am

I agree with Beth. If there is something that you really think is a bad idea/product/etc then wouldn't you want to let your readers know? There are ways to write a negative opinion of something without completely bashing a product or company.

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Permalink Reply by Holly Suso on May 22, 2009 at 1:09pm

This is a really interesting question to me since I haven't started reviewing products yet? What are the ramifications of giving honest but "poor" reviews? Will sponsors stop coming? Am I naive in believing that sponsors want to know what the public thinks of the product and how they can improve it or are they just using us for "almost free" advertisement?

I like what Toni said about contacting the company first to give them your feedback before you post. That's a great idea, thanks Toni! http://www.mombloggersclub.com/xn/detail/988554:Comment:246561

Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Pam Newlin on May 22, 2009 at 4:36pm

There was actually an article related to this very topic in a recent Sunday edition of The Indianapolis Star. You can read it HERE.

Personally, I have not offered any freebies on my blog as yet. However, if and/or when I do, you can bet I will be honest - whether it is a good review or a bad review - because really, I don't feel I am giving an honest-to-goodness review of something if I sugar-coat my true feelings of the product and its performance.

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Permalink Reply by Lee of MWOB on May 22, 2009 at 5:58pm

I would absolutely post the poor review but would do it in a respectful, non- bashing manner. I agree with everyone who said how could you possibly trust a reviewer if every review was a glowing one?? If you want to develop a trusted, clear voice then you have to provide balance. Otherwise you just become another face in the crowd doling out meaningless reviews just to get a few free things. What's the point of that? I don't get it.

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Permalink Reply by Lucy on May 22, 2009 at 10:44pm

I would. The point of a review is to actually REVIEW the product, not blow smoke up the company's ass. Plus, I want my readers to feel they can trust me and if I'm just kissing up to everyone who sends me something then I'm not reliable or trust-worthy.

Having said all of that, I would try to make my negative review as constructive and kind as possible. I wouldn't just call something a piece of crap. :)

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Permalink Reply by kristen andrews on May 22, 2009 at 10:57pm

I have yet to see a negative review on a fellow Mom Bloggers site, have you? Maybe it is just the blogs I visit. I have a feature clld Product Junkie Approved so the bad ones will never make it since it is only products I really like and approve. I have had several products that I didn't like and I told the companies.

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Permalink Reply by Debra Legg on May 23, 2009 at 12:47am

Here's one.

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Permalink Reply by Maria Sanchez-Masi on May 23, 2009 at 12:24pm

I absolutely would - this speaks to the whole idea of bloggers' integrity. If you didn't like the product and say you do, you're lying.

However, I completely agree with the other comments which suggest contacting the PR department ahead of time, providing only constructive criticism instead of a simply nasty review and noting any of your particular quirks which caused you to give the product a good review.

Great question!!