Disconcerting Microsoft FUD campaign:

[JTK]

http://forums.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=1265

Speaking of GTP's "FUD Pimpers...":






http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/e...m/default.mspx

AVS screen name: amirm

www.avsforum.com

There is a growing problem over at the AVS Forums, in the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray related forums: Specifically, a FUD and misinformation/propaganda campaign being spearheaded by this individual, under the screen name Amirm, at the AVS forums.

I’m also convinced we have several plants under anonymous screen named helping him out and continuing to be emboldened by his “example.”

Specifically, you will see dedicated forum areas for the discussion of all things HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.

Links: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=148

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=114

You need go no further than the last few pages of this thread to see plenty of it: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7014443


The above individual, Amir, has taken it upon himself to practically live on the forum and spread spin, propaganda, and "less than truthful" statements in regards to any of Microsoft's competitors and products, most specifically, anything Blu-Ray related. He’s even gone as far as “speaking on behalf” of his competitors on more than one occasion.

He's made no secret of his identity, who he works for (MS), or the fact that he "dislikes Blu-Ray."

Repeated attempts have been made by several forumers, including myself, to approach the AVS forum moderators and administrators about this and we've been told that "our complaints are falling on deaf ears" and that "nothing is wrong with any of Amir's posts" and that if WE continue to report and complain about these things, then WE will be banned off of AVS. You figure that one out.

Thankfully, one of the AVS admins was considerably more receptive and reasonable than this, but they’ve taken little action except to edit a few posts. To his credit, hopefully, there have been some things said and done out of sight, but Amir’s continued posting habits lead me to believe this is not the case.

One will see in a matter of a handful of minutes that we have something far less than a healthy debate or fair and accurate exchange of information.

What’s troubling is: AVS is one of the most influential audio-video forums on the Internet. To my dismay, I’ve seen Amir’s material quoted, like Gospel, on several other leading forums already, not the least of which is HTF. Thankfully, forumers at these other places are vigilant in questioning the non-factual items when they come up.

But you all know that for every one forumer that’s well informed and objective enough to question some of this, there are several others, including an unknown amount of lurkers who will see Amir’s posts and say: “Wow! This is some big head honcho from MS directly! It all HAS to be true!”

Amir is well written and polite, and he does contribute some good things and answer questions, but make no mistake: He IS spreading FUD, misinformation and propaganda against Blu-Ray and BR affiliated companies in a clear effort to shill his (Microsoft's) HD-DVD format. I have to wonder if he’s crossing a legal line somewhere with some of this.

The early adopter crowd that is needed and coveted to make this launch any kind of success uses AVS, among other places, as a primary source for information and feedback. Purity of information and accuracy are critical.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=637139

Here is a poll thread just started at AVS this Saturday morning (1-28-06).

You can see that Amir wasted no time jumping against that thing because it was, and is, clearly favoring BR support over HD-DVD support.

You can see that he accused the author of the thread of being biased and citing a list that “was not neutral.” That’s a typical tactic when the facts aren’t to his liking or advantage. I suspect he’s going to be increasingly displeased with that poll thread as it continues to gather BR votes, as expected amongst a well informed crowd.


I'm all for healthy debate, strong opinions, and so forth.

What we have going on here is clearly something entirely different.


I, and several others have been making it a regular habit to report these things here: http://www.blu-raydisc.com/top/About...549/Index.html

I hope that, and this post, start making a difference. Thanks for reading.