Am I the only person reading about this wondering what's going on? I thought a major part of being a tech writer was getting free stuff, particularly laptops, cameras, and such?
I mean, come on - "TechCrunch" isn't exactly the New York Times, or the Wall Street Journal.
If someone had written "So and So intern got a laptop for writing an article at TechCrunch", I would have said "Awesome. Good on him. Hopefully he scores some more nifty electronics...."
I've never, ever, lived under the illusion that TC is some bastion of journalistic integrity... And I say this as an Avid and enthusiastic reader.
Essentially, it breaks down to if the non-journalistic party offers it to the journalist as part of the "review process" and it is disclosed it is ethical, if the journalist demands a random "gift" in exchange for running their story it is unethical. Speculation leans towards the latter being the case.
Actually, in the industry practically only review-specific gear is considered ethical (i.e., you are reviewing the product). Many publications even go to great pains to return products after reviews are completed, just for that extra measure of ethical cleanliness.
A recent FTC ruling actually made "paid" endorsements without disclosure illegal. TechCrunch could be hit with considerable fines if they didn't take action on this.
Relevant excerpt: "The revised Guides specify that while decisions will be reached on a case-by-case basis, the post of a blogger who receives cash or in-kind payment to review a product is considered an endorsement. Thus, bloggers who make an endorsement must disclose the material connections they share with the seller of the product or service."
I mean, come on - "TechCrunch" isn't exactly the New York Times, or the Wall Street Journal.
If someone had written "So and So intern got a laptop for writing an article at TechCrunch", I would have said "Awesome. Good on him. Hopefully he scores some more nifty electronics...."
I've never, ever, lived under the illusion that TC is some bastion of journalistic integrity... And I say this as an Avid and enthusiastic reader.