I use the Semiologic theme on several of my blogs and am now considering the use of the Semiologic Pro package for this and the other blogs currently using the free version. As a result of my interest, I googled Semiologic Pro and came up with a “review” of the Semiologic theme. I put the word review in quotes because the review turns out to be nothing but an endorsement.

I left a comment of the writers website telling him so. I will not give a link to his site, because of content that I believe misleads his readers. My post is as follows:

Bud, you started out with the premise that this was going to be an in-depth review. It now appears that it is in fact Not a review, but an endorsement of the Semiologic Pro package, complete with affiliate links.

While I have no problem with you establishing an affiliate relationship with Denis, I think you should be candid with your readers in making this fact known. A reader should not have to “mouse over” a link to see the affiliate status.

Actually, on checking some of your other reviews, I find the exact same situation. In most cases you say nothing but good things about a product, then offer a link where you stand to make a financial gain. In those cases where you do make a critical comment it is always negated by further use and understanding of the product. Way to go, Bud.

You have zero credibility from the review standpoint, and hence only the most naive of your readers would respond to your invitation to click the link to purchase.

Your readers deserve more.

Larry

Sure, I also use affiliate links, but my links are never hidden in reviews, and I always give my readers the alternate link to buy direct, even though it will cost them exactly the same amount. My readers always make the choice. I think that is the fair thing to do.