It seems that TiVo have stepped in just in time and started talking to their devoted online community (75,000 strong) about their plans to show advertising. Evidently, the company is going to be introducing ads but not in quite as blatant a way as early reports suggested.
Reading through the comments here, it seems that the TiVo fans are happy that the company is talking to them but feel disappointed about the apparent U-turn. A few of them have clearly lost that evanglistic streak. Here's a couple of choice quotes:
If anything, this debacle lets TiVo know they should keep the blogosphere *more* in the loop.
When I buy something...I don't expect it to morph into another product *after* I bring it home. If I bought a microwave, I wouldn't want it turning into a toaster 2 weeks later.
If anyone doubts the power of digital consumers and transparent markets take note. This has been a fascinating case study. Modern PR programmes are going to have to start taking a lot of interest in the blogosphere.
If you had the 'bug eyes' smilie i'd use it here. how could tivo do this? luckily i have time warner's DVR up here in NYC and they better not try to pop in some discreet advertising...unless it's for Spice of course...
keep spreading the good word!
-pitchfork
more insanity here: http://charleypatton.blogspot.com
Posted by: pitchfork | November 22, 2004 at 06:43 PM