Microsoft paying YouTubers for positive Xbox One coverage ( edited with more info )

[Normchacho]

Mr Puggsly said:

Figgycal said:

? This isn't about reviews.

"You may not say anything negative or disparaging about Machinima, Xbox One or any of its Games in your Campaign Video." Completely fine and to be expected  in advertising.

"You agree to keep confidential at all times all matters relating to this Agreement, including, without limitation, the Promotional Requirements, and the CPM Compensation, listed above." Not fine.

This is in violation of the FTC guidelines that call for full transparancy when an endorsement is made.

 

I rarely see advertisers being open with all that information.

My guess is people with no expertiese on this subject are speculating.

Who's just speculating?

 

"The revised Guides also add new examples to illustrate the long standing principle that “material connections” (sometimes payments or free products) between advertisers and endorsers – connections that consumers would not expect – must be disclosed. These examples address what constitutes an endorsement when the message is conveyed by bloggers or other “word-of-mouth” marketers. 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. Likewise, if a company refers in an advertisement to the findings of a research organization that conducted research sponsored by the company, the advertisement must disclose the connection between the advertiser and the research organization. And a paid endorsement – like any other advertisement – is deceptive if it makes false or misleading claims."