Comments on: Can You Trust A Video Game Site That Runs Video Game Ads?

By: gigantor21

gigantor21 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:14:09 +0000

I’m glad that there are no game ads here, actually. I’ve seen too many sites that host a crapload of ads and promotions, then review the game and say it sucks. Plus, I agree that they can skew an already subjective, market-driven field, which nulls the purpose of reading reviews in the first place.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 06:10:42 +0000

While I despise gamespot, I’d love to see a different source of revenue for a game-based web site other than ads (which should appeal to the site’s target audience, hence videogame ads).

By: Chad Lakkis

Chad Lakkis — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:46:16 +0000

Trevor,

I spent several years working for a well known manufacturer of consumer products (which I will not name) on the marketing side and I clearly remember a conference call we had with C|Net regarding placement of our advertisements.

Our decision process was in large part based on the scores they gave particular products we sold and the placements that would get us the most bang for our buck.

Corporations are not in the business of wasting advertising dollars. So if your question is would I send ten other advertisers packing for one giant advertiser that was game related, my answer to you would be no.

Chad-

By: Trevor

Trevor — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:29:30 +0000

I’m really curious: how many major gaming-related ads do you turn down? I’m not saying you don’t turn down game-related ads, but I really don’t believe anyone would shoot down a multi thousand dollar campaign from a game company in favor of a hundred dollar campaign from McDonalds.

By: Coconut

Coconut — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 05:08:46 +0000

I did game reviews for over 2 years in the early days of the web (95 – 96), and believe me, publishers (not game devs), took interest in knowing what angle your review was going to take. Now today, multiply my experience times 100 (10 years ago, times 10 in exposure), and believe me, I can see why this happened.

I will tell you this though, the negative review wasn’t the only thing here – he must have been a thorn in the side, for whatever reason, but ask youself this…. If this is true, and is the case, why would he want to work for such a company? Time to move and find somewhere with integrity.

By: Chad Lakkis

Chad Lakkis — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:40:06 +0000

Mikhail,

I would say if you are unsure, your best bet would be to rent it first.

Chad-

By: mikhail

mikhail — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 22:10:27 +0000

So…i dont get it..does infact kane and lynch suck?? I had it on order, but read a 6.0 review on some gaming site so i canceled my purchase. Does it suck?… oh and yeah.. i rather come some place for relevant content..not be consumed by ads of suck ass gamnes that NEED ads to sell them!

By: Chad Lakkis

Chad Lakkis — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:30:48 +0000

Dino,

Yes, it is my belief based on observing the situation, reading what has been written, seeing the changes that were made to the site after the fact in terms of promotions regarding the game, and my experience in similar environments as both a manager and a direct report dealing with organizations that rely on advertiser support.

No company is going to come out and say “yes we fired him because he wrote a review that we were not thrilled with”. So, if you are waiting for that day, it is highly likely that you will be waiting for a very long time.

Chad-

By: Dino

Dino — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:52:07 +0000

You speak as if you know 100% that is the only reason he got fired. Or are you basing this article on unconfirmed rumors and spinning them as fact? Whats worse, advertisers controlling your news, or news based on heresay. Atleast with advertising you can assume there will be some biased. News sites dont put “we dont report fact, just twist rumors to get ratings” to give signs of what you are about to read may be tainted.

By: Amsterdaam

Amsterdaam — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 13:11:17 +0000

@theturk: That would be autofill on your web browser.

Great article!

By: theturk

theturk — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:22:55 +0000

Three cheers for your integrity and all that but how did my name and email automatically appear in the appropriate sections??