Be Aware if posting reviews on Autopia Forums---

**pwaug** · 09-20-2013, 02:03 PM

A review of 3D Waterless Wash was removed because it wasn`t stated that the product was part of the free product promotion:

"THREAD EDITED by Todd Helme-

We understand that 3D is currently offering free products in exchange for reviews. We have remained open, but asked repeatedly for anybody who is posting their review of 3D`s products in order to prevent their credit card from being charged to please post this in the reviews. Back in the day, this forum of advertising was known as shilling, and was greatly looked down upon.

Please read this thread before using our forum as an opportunity for you to make money (in effect by getting free products).

Doing reviews in exchange for products..."

**mikemurphy234** · 09-20-2013, 02:33 PM

Not uncommon to have it removed for that. Todd is a very fair guy and he has mentioned it before. In fact this very forum before the new owner wouldn`t let that happen and if you disagreed with a good review of their products you`d probably get banned.

**RaskyR1** · 09-20-2013, 03:33 PM

I think the promotion was a clever idea but the requirements should have been to only post a review on this forum. They had to know other forums wouldn`t like it...

**TroyScherer** · 09-20-2013, 04:24 PM

I have multiple 3D/HD review posted there. But unless I bought the products I not that they were free to me in my review. If you are up front an honest about that you can post your review. If your not then this edit might happen.

You might also want to look and notice that this was the persons first post. Seems to wreak of shill, the same thing others that only come here and else where to post and promote themselves are called out for.

**pwaug** · 09-20-2013, 05:10 PM

Gents--I totally agree with Todd`s actions. He has made it clear that according to the forum rules you must state that you recieved the product as part of a promotion. My only reason for posting the warning is so others who are taking advantage of the 3D/HD Free Product Program are aware they must state clearly that the product was part of this program at the beginning of the review.

I think Todd`s actions are completly justified.

**ec90** · 09-20-2013, 05:58 PM

Agreed, he stated it to me and I made sure to include it in a note section. It is in all fairness and makes sure that someone reading it has all aspects of it.

**joefro1310** · 09-20-2013, 07:14 PM

That was my review that was closed down!! Now they are following every forum i posted on to report me and take my reviews down. Unbelievable.

**joefro1310** · 09-20-2013, 07:16 PM

I did make the mistake and didn`t include that it was free. My mistake. But just because it was my first post doesn`t mean i haven`t used the site before. Blah so much drama over nothing ahaha

**Swanicyouth** · 09-21-2013, 12:50 AM

How did Todd know it was "free" when he took it down since it was not noted in the post apparently? Someone did a review of product brand X, which is supposedly allowed and it`s taken down because it`s ASSUMED it was free?

**joefro1310** · 09-21-2013, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by Swanicyouth

How did Todd know it was "free" when he took it down since it was not noted in the post apparently? Someone did a review of product brand X, which is supposedly allowed and it`s taken down because it`s ASSUMED it was free?

No idea. that thread is now closed though haha. Oh well

**pwaug** · 09-21-2013, 09:15 PM

It appears there are one or two members there who have a particular disdain for 3D/HD and their marketing methods and have embarked on a personal crusade to have the 3D/HD reviews (as generated as a result of the free products program) removed not only from AutopiaForums, but other non detailing forums as well.

**gmblack3** · 09-22-2013, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by pwaug

It appears there are one or two members there who have a particular disdain for 3D/HD and their marketing methods and have embarked on a personal crusade to have the 3D/HD reviews (as generated as a result of the free products program) removed not only from AutopiaForums, but other non detailing forums as well.

Wait, somebody that shops at the geek is upset with another companies marketing methods? :loco: :behindsofa::sosad

**ec90** · 09-22-2013, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by gmblack3

Wait, somebody that shops at the geek is upset with another companies marketing methods? :loco: :behindsofa::sosad

Well in fairness, posting on Autogeek is against their forum rules since they don`t sell the products. Although AMMO reviews have been allowed on there for some time. Posting it on Autogeek is asking for issues, but I do agree that over on Autopia has been met with quite a few rude comments and a selective group who have been going out of their way to attack reviewers.

**beamerstrumpet** · 09-23-2013, 05:10 PM

I have made mention of 3D HD many times on AG. I dont know what all the fuss is, never saw original thread. Didnt know about free stuff, I just come here for good info. It seems counter productive if good reviews are being smashed due to over zelous mods and or members who are getting up tight over something like this. Come on guys, settle down and remember this is supposed to be for all who enjoy woking on their cars and toys.

**Calendyr** · 09-23-2013, 08:56 PM

Wow this is completelly ridiculous! If the only issue with posting a review is that the reviewer must say when he received the product free to test, why not just ask him to change his post to include the info. Or the mod could do it for him. Deleting the review (which can take quite a while to write) and then going after the poster on other forums as some kind of crusade show a total lack of respect for members.

People come here to get information. So far I have been here about a week and not only don`t I see many posts (maybe 3-5 per day) but the posts are not that interesting. Maybe the reason for that is people don`t want to get shut down for saying things that might not be acceptable here.

Well, I am heading back to Autogeek. Discussions there are very productive and not a day goes by when there isn`t at least 3 to 4 pages of good stuff to read.

I find this very sad, was really hoping to be able to join an other great forum, but this is just too much.