"Would you buy a song on the recommendation of someone who you knew was getting a commission for recommending that song? Of course not."
Of course not? How so?
I don't usually care what the motive is if I can determine the veracity of the information. For example, there are many people who blog about books, with an affiliate-tagged link to Amazon. (I do that myself.) I know they are getting a cut, but a) it does not change the price I pay, and b) if I trust their judgment I'm more interested in getting a good book than spiting someone out of some loose change.
Besides, I take all reviews with a grain of salt, and if I do not know the reviewer I consider possible ulterior motives (financial or otherwise).
Basically, everything on the Web is suspect until shown otherwise. People still find the means to establish trust and reputation and act on shared information.
Of course not? How so?
I don't usually care what the motive is if I can determine the veracity of the information. For example, there are many people who blog about books, with an affiliate-tagged link to Amazon. (I do that myself.) I know they are getting a cut, but a) it does not change the price I pay, and b) if I trust their judgment I'm more interested in getting a good book than spiting someone out of some loose change.
Besides, I take all reviews with a grain of salt, and if I do not know the reviewer I consider possible ulterior motives (financial or otherwise).
Basically, everything on the Web is suspect until shown otherwise. People still find the means to establish trust and reputation and act on shared information.