Leaked Photos… Should we or Shouldn’t we?
Posted by Chris Leckness on 06/20/08 in Rants, Site Items
That is the question asked by Charlie from Nokia.
We think it’s great that folks are dying to see our devices. Can you imagine if there was a leak and no one cared? Ugh.
Obviously, we’d like to ask folks to do less peddling in our trade secrets. It puts folks at risk and screws things up for the Nokia and for other companies, too. I think really that there are only a small number of folks who really go too far in trying to procure leaked material. But if we cut down on our enthusiasm for leaked materials, then the thrill of being the one to post about it will be reduced.
Matt Miller chimes in on the subject as a result. Matt is a stand up guy that I have had the pleasure to be friends with for many years now and I admire his outlooks on the online world.
Should I be posting links to device rumors here on this blog? That is something I’ll definitely be giving more thought to the next time I hear of a device rumor. It is tough not to report the news when it is out all over the place, then again I will never post on a device someone may happen to send me if it is not allowed by the manufacturer/carrier (there goes any chance of someone sneaking me something, huh?). While your page views may skyrocket if you post images on an unannounced product, the long term impact may not be worth it. I think posting thorough detailed reviews of products when they are announced is a better strategy and my page views for my product reviews back this up so I’ll stick with providing you with more detailed information rather than speculation.
Running Aximsite and iPaqHQ in their last years of those devices lives, I had the chance to blow some big stories. (mainly on Aximsite) I chose to keep to myself on everything shared with me unofficially. I was under NDA for some aspects, but some things I was free. Most of what I learned, eventually came to light. Some of the leads were dead though. So, here is my take on the subject…
As I mentioned, I have had opportunity to leak some things back in the iPaqHQ and Aximsite days, but chose not to. Why? Mainly because I don’t really want to trade short term traffic bumps for a black eye from the companies we cover. One recent example was a PDF emailed to me with some info about products coming to one the US Cell carriers. I really thought about it, I just couldn’t share it. Some see this a hiding info from the community, but I see it as protecting ourselves from a) possible legal issues b) keeping in good standing with companies we call to get answers to help our readers and that we get demo units to show our community from. and c) I just feels wrong. Well, that particular PDF showed up on one site 4-5 hours later, then all over the blogosphere. We could have broken that, but I chose not to.
Another instance was an employee of another carrier, working in the mobile space, wanted to come onboard to blog. He had hopes of being able to help the community with insider info. I just couldn’t let it happen. I don’t claim that Mobilitysite is “the Saint”, but some things just kind of aren’t worth it.
On the same subject though, whether its looked at as good or bad, I don’t feel bad reposting info that others have broken. I know this seems like coming into the store after it was robbed and grabbing the last candy bar, but I don’t feel it is nearly as bad as breaking the story.
I can understand the companies though. If they are selling phone A and leaked photos of phone b come out, then Phone A’s sales will slow in anticipation of leaked Phone B.
On this subject, do you like the way we do things here? I have no intentions of changing this stance, but it would be good to know what the readers think.
Written by Chris Leckness · Filed Under Rants, Site Items
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If you can’t verify it don’t post it. Seems many in the mobile world have access to insider info, but rumours are only great for free advertising.
I think, in your scenario, the carrier selling phone A knowing a superior product is about to break ground is shadey to begin with. I like knowing my options before I buy, and I prefer to put my money towards the best investments. Look at it this way, if I buy phone a ignorant of phone B, when phone b is released they arent going to get my money for that device…I will make the best use of phone a until I am in need of an upgrade. If I am aware of phone B, of course I will wait until its release, but they will still get my money. But they are only going to get my money once in either case, so theyve lost nothing and gained what they would have in the first place.
As nice as it can be to be ahead of an offical info release, I think its better to be safe than sorry. You wouldn’t want to potentially ruin relations with any company over something like that. Also by not leaking info/pictures other companies maybe more likely to get envolved and help out the site/readers some how.
Chris’ stance is sound to me. That’s why we love Mobilitysite, and why I check in daily. Links to rumors will only point to interesting commentary. Curious, ok, I am, and will follow the links. But decisions on purchase and product use will only come from true release announcements. Having access to immediate news is the best. I like being able to read about what’s in the works, but I love knowing what is really available. Comparisons, reviews, brainy tech stuff.
Good decision. Great site!
Msliberty