Although new to this blogging lark, even I know that the basic premise of it is honesty and transparency. There is no point lying, or writing things that are designed to covertly market something, or spread certain ideas. To this extent the blogosphere (rubbish word I know) is self selecting - the good ideas spread, the bad ones wither and die.
Brands that have tried to manipulate blogs by posting artifical comments about their products and services have been slapped down by bloggers in the past with often significant backlashes.
In spite of this, Payperpost have launched a service that pays bloggers to write positively about products or services on their blogs.
I read this on Antony Mayfield's Open blog, check out his post here.
I cannot say strongly enough what a dreadful, terrible, awful idea this is for any brand to try and covertly market themselves, their products or services in this way.
Backlash is putting it mildly. I'm not sure if you agree, but I think it's a terrible abuse of blogging and just shows that there are so many people out there who still have no idea what it is about.
Phew, rant over. Apologies.
Steve