I’m sorry, but I feel it important to post regarding this issue. Gizmodo has recently published what they are calling an “Advertorial”, paid advertising which takes the form of a story or feature in an effort to trick the reader into thinking its really written by the staff of the publication. Aside from the fact that The Dojo sees this as being irresponsible to its readership, selling lies as fact, and not clearly informing the reader that it is engaging in this kind of shady advertising, its not even an advertorial. It is, in fact, a survey from an online marketing group asking questions about the quality, penetration, and effectiveness of certain ads featuring new cars.

I personally find this kind of advertising offensive and generally don’t read the magazines which publish ads of this sort. Some I can’t escape (i.e., Network World), but I have many, many sources for the information which I deliver to you, the reader, most of which are real press releases from the companies which are making the announcements. As such, I’m not willing to expose my readers to such advertising tactics directly (The Dojo provides direct access to feeds from a very small selection of other news sites) and, as such, have removed the Gizmodo feed, replacing it with the more reliable and more market true Engadget.

Call me picky. I am. I believe that truth in journalism is an absolute, and to violate that is to prove to the reader that old axiom is true, “Don’t believe everything you read.” Really, how hard is it to stick to the facts when reporting on technology? I can’t imagine its that hard, but if a site gets too big to hold on, outspends its reserves, and feels it must resort to such tactics to earn money, then they shouldn’t be in journalism. They may want to try marketing instead.

I’m sure a number of my readers will suggest that I need to grow a thicker skin, dial into reality TV more often, get a clue; they’re in stock at Wal-Mart, or get off my high horse, since I’m clearly not doing well at high altitude, but I believe I have the sacrosanct right to speak my mind, just as those readers do. I welcome the feedback. I’m sure, however, that Gizmodo isn’t looking for this kind of publicity. Maybe they should have thought it through a bit longer.

Purchase this and related items at Amazon now: