What would you do for free gear?

[Jimbob]

It seems that many people on this site are pretty hard on people who are making a living in the industry. Comments about being a sell-out to the highest bidder are thrown around regularly. BUT how many of us would do the exact same thing if we were in that situation?

I'm sure many would admit they would do it but others say no way, not them.

Well, an interesting thread has started in the backpacking forum. A brand new company, with no credibility presented, has released "arguably the best new pack around". They have asked for roksliders thoughts on this almost $600 pack. After 5 pages the majority of comments are very positive praising the good design and features. Uncharacteristically of the internet, there is little to no criticism. Hmm? must be a great design with great info and strong testimonials for a brand new product to receive this kind of welcome on Rokslide.

Here's the catch, The company is giving away a free pack to someone who comments in that thread. I feel like everyone is giving a positive comment so it increases their chance of receiving the free pack. Money talks right?

it could be that everyone is in a good mood and giving this brand new company the benefit of the doubt but I think the free pack is influencing the majority of the comments.

 

[dirtytough]

Link to free pack thread please

 

[fatlander]

The better question is what wouldn’t some do for free gear. Trade show babies are a real thing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[6t4nova]

For a free backpack, I'll comment in their thread and see if I win lol

 

[bsnedeker]

Adding a comment to a thread from a company that actually decided to do it the right way and SPONSOR this website puts you in the running for a $600 pack...yeah, not surprising they are getting a good welcome here.

I'm happy to add a comment to get entered into a drawing. Where my tolerance stops is "follow XXX and XXX and tag 5 friends in this post" garbage. You will get unfollowed SO HARD it will make your head spin!

 

[dieselchessy]

Is this thread advertising to draw attention to the pack thread?
Your probably overcrowding that honey hole and reducing the chances of those who found it on their own. LOL!

 

[bojangles808]

Ya it's pretty wild what people will do for a shot at a free knife or other stuff

 

[Jimbob]

Adding a comment to a thread from a company that actually decided to do it the right way and SPONSOR this website puts you in the running for a $600 pack...yeah, not surprising they are getting a good welcome here.

I'm happy to add a comment to get entered into a drawing. Where my tolerance stops is "follow XXX and XXX and tag 5 friends in this post" garbage. You will get unfollowed SO HARD it will make your head spin!

I think you missed the point of my thread.

My take on this is that because there is an offer of a FREE pack people are not willing to share their honest first impressions.

I know the thought crossed my mind when I commented. Do I share my honest first impressions of the pack or do I just say "Welcome, cool features"?

 

[svivian]

You are 100% correct, a $600 made overseas pack is getting a lot of good comments without even being seen or tried in person for the hope of winning it. Which is surprising since packs are one of the most scrutinized products on this forum. Shoot I posted a comment on there but I'm also going to see the pack in person this weekend hopefully at the Hunt Expo...

I'm not proud, I use gear that is given to me to use that I may not necessarily buy with my own money. The money saved is used for the ability to hunt more. I am also not a social media influencer, don't even have it.

With that said, depending on the level of influence and income from said social media marketing I would be pickier with the brands I aligned with.

 

[Moserkr]

BUT how many of us would do the exact same thing if we were in that situation?

I'm sure many would admit they would do it but others say no way, not them.

Well, an interesting thread has started in the backpacking forum. A brand new company, with no credibility presented, has released "arguably the best new pack around".

I provided some criticism only because I saw an issue. Otherwise I liked a lot of the features. Dont need a new pack or care if they pick me, but I would take it and run it through the ringer. I hunt with new guys sometimes that could use a solid pack when I take them out. Sometimes i provide a lot of the gear to get people started and see if they like it. Couple of youth (who are taller than me lol) come to mind. Id probably give them the pack.

But if they sponsor rokslide, we cant be complete a$$holes - not like im paying them so I have an outlet for my obsession. Getting thrown to the wolves is pretty daunting for a new company and i agree that thread was pretty light. Theres 2 ways to start a business - at the top or bottom. They want the top and those shoes are big to fill. Ill wait til someone here gives it a shot and an honest review. Thats what this site is all about and that company knows it. I’d wager its a pretty decent pack but being a new company, will likely have a few flaws. They all do.

 

[AZ8]

Ya it's pretty wild what people will do for a shot at a free knife or other stuff

Have you seen the line at the free food samples at Costco?

 

[bsnedeker]

I think you missed the point of my thread.

My take on this is that because there is an offer of a FREE pack people are not willing to share their honest first impressions.

I know the thought crossed my mind when I commented. Do I share my honest first impressions of the pack or do I just say "Welcome, cool features"?

I think you also missed the point of my what I was saying.

This company is introducing themselves to this specific forum in a way that is going to garner a lot of good will. Why would people come and rag on a new sponsor to this website? Give a welcome, get entered into a drawing....this is not surprising or complicated.

I'm not sure what your issue is with this exactly....do you think this company is going to get a bunch of un-earned sales based on a thread that is full of a bunch of unqualified opinions?

 

[RyanT26]

I had to go look up the new pack thread. It’s kind of funny. Reminds me of the Amazon reviews people leave “just took it out of the box but looks like it’s going to last a lifetime…great product”.

 

[mlgc20]

I don't know what you were expecting. Most of the comments say something along the lines of "Looks good. Would love to try it out." Nobody is going on like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally.

 

[long hunter]

Perhaps those people are plants revving up a base for future sales. I have found that if its free its usually worthless.

 

[S.Clancy]

I would do nothing for free stuff. Probably why I buy all my own gear. And why I won't comment on that thread, I bought a pack I wanted so I dont need another one

 

[ChemE]

I reckon the only thing I had issue with is the price but as I stated, outdoorsy types will spend cash on just about anything lol.

 

[Elmer J. Fudd]

I wouldn't do much for free gear but I would do some shady stuff to become a well known rokslider

 

[long hunter]

Ask Luke.

 

[Jimbob]

I think you also missed the point of my what I was saying.

This company is introducing themselves to this specific forum in a way that is going to garner a lot of good will. Why would people come and rag on a new sponsor to this website? Give a welcome, get entered into a drawing....this is not surprising or complicated.

I'm not sure what your issue is with this exactly....do you think this company is going to get a bunch of un-earned sales based on a thread that is full of a bunch of unqualified opinions?

I understand what you are saying and agree with you but that is a different topic from why I started this thread.

Here is my issue again for you. The company asked for Rokslider's thoughts but Roksliders are not giving their real thoughts because they want to win a free pack. Do you think all the comments would be that positive if there was not a free pack being given away?

I'm not saying people should bash the company I'm just saying that people should be honest and give their opinion on how the pack looks.