COMQUEST is paying bloggers such as "The Paramount" for good reviews.

[Conoco]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I already matched into a competitive specialty but viewed this site from time to time during my med school career so figured I would give back a bit to everyone who is deciding which QBanks to get. I used both COMBANK and UWorld for both Step 1 and 2 (and HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH) so I can't comment on the quality of COMQUEST but I am recommending people be very cautious when thinking of using it! I came across "The Paramount" blog the other day while looking at some stuff for Level 3 and started reading the article before seeing the author's disclosure that he receives "a sales commission" if you use his discount code for COMQUEST. The author indicates at the top of the page the he ‘sells’ for COMQUEST - Code "paramount" for 10% off COMQUEST - http://theparamount.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/comlex-3-iii-tres-trois-review-on-exam-question-banks/

It looks like COMQUEST is now PAYING people sales commissions to write favorable blogs to get customers. Makes me wonder how many other times they are doing this. I would not TRUST an advertisement from COMQUEST since they are paying people to seem objective when they are really sales people in disguise. This is pathetic. Here is an excerpt from the article I am referring to:

"Study time. The classic adage 3 months for Level 1, 3 weeks for Level 2, and 3 days for Level 3 is crap. I would say its more like 4-5 months for Level 1, 2-3 months for Level 2, and 1-1.5 months for Level 3. You have to remember that as a resident taking Level 3 you won't have as much time so you need to do as many questions as you can every night you can (you won't be able to study every night).

Thank you to COMBANK for a discounted price on my Level 3 question bank. Use promotional code "paramount" for 10% off all COMBANK products.

Thank you to COMQUEST for allowing me to use and review their question bank for free. Use discount code "paramount" for 10% off COMQUEST (Any Level).

Disclosure: I receive a commission if you use my discount code for COMQUEST."

Feel free to PM if you have questions about Step 1 or 2! Good luck!

 

[DOogie1]

I already matched into a competitive specialty but viewed this site from time to time during my med school career so figured I would give back a bit to everyone who is deciding which QBanks to get. I used both COMBANK and UWorld for both Step 1 and 2 (and HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH) so I can't comment on the quality of COMQUEST but I am recommending people be very cautious when thinking of using it! I came across "The Paramount" blog the other day while looking at some stuff for Level 3 and started reading the article before seeing the author's disclosure that he receives "a sales commission" if you use his discount code for COMQUEST. The author indicates at the top of the page the he ‘sells' for COMQUEST - Code "paramount" for 10% off COMQUEST - http://theparamount.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/comlex-3-iii-tres-trois-review-on-exam-question-banks/

It looks like COMQUEST is now PAYING people sales commissions to write favorable blogs to get customers. Makes me wonder how many other times they are doing this. I would not TRUST an advertisement from COMQUEST since they are paying people to seem objective when they are really sales people in disguise. This is pathetic. Here is an excerpt from the article I am referring to:

"Study time. The classic adage 3 months for Level 1, 3 weeks for Level 2, and 3 days for Level 3 is crap. I would say its more like 4-5 months for Level 1, 2-3 months for Level 2, and 1-1.5 months for Level 3. You have to remember that as a resident taking Level 3 you won't have as much time so you need to do as many questions as you can every night you can (you won't be able to study every night).

Thank you to COMBANK for a discounted price on my Level 3 question bank. Use promotional code "paramount" for 10% off all COMBANK products.

Thank you to COMQUEST for allowing me to use and review their question bank for free. Use discount code "paramount" for 10% off COMQUEST (Any Level).

Disclosure: I receive a commission if you use my discount code for COMQUEST."

Feel free to PM if you have questions about Step 1 or 2! Good luck!

I question the integrity of your post. A good number of bloggers blog because they receive some sort of revenue either from advertising on their blogs or receiving something from a product's manufacturer that they're blogging about. It's usually not simply because they love to blog. To question the integrity of a blogger and a company because they offer discount codes and commissions is nothing short of silly. However, your post is more than silly because you state the bloggers are "really sales people in disguise", when in fact the blogger was very ethical and transparent in stating that he is giving a discount + getting a benefit for sharing his experience. Again, it's standard practice for bloggers and companies and I wonder what your motive really is. In fact, I just read the comments below the link you provided and it says, "I have received benefits from combank in the past as well." So it looks like the company that you're so fond of "is now PAYING people sales commissions to write favorable blogs to get customers", too, as you put it. Interesting, huh?

 

[mike1618]

No kidding. This post is nonsense. I also question the integrity of this post. Almost every review company pays for reviews or advertisement. COMQUEST and UWorld were the two best resources that I used. COMQUEST had really good customer service. They put out a quality product. I don't understand why you are on here with 7 prior posts and having already matched a "competitive" specialty and now bashing accompany out of the blue. I encourage anybody thinking about using COMQUEST to discuss it with friends or classmates who have used the question bank. I don't know anyone who was disappointed.

 

[InTheMaking]

No kidding. This post is nonsense. I also question the integrity of this post. Almost every review company pays for reviews or advertisement. COMQUEST and UWorld were the two best resources that I used. COMQUEST had really good customer service. They put out a quality product. I don't understand why you are on here with 7 prior posts and having already matched a "competitive" specialty and now bashing accompany out of the blue. I encourage anybody thinking about using COMQUEST to discuss it with friends or classmates who have used the question bank. I don't know anyone who was disappointed.

Read most blogs on the Internet. They all advertise and receive commission to do so. The blog post by paramount even states that he received a discounted level 3 price from combank as well. There are pluses and minuses to both qbanks which are discussed in the post.

 

[Es Pontas]

I used COMBANK and UWorld and liked it as well. Use whatever you feel comfortable with!

 

[Conoco]

I don't understand why you are on here with 7 prior posts and having already matched a "competitive" specialty and now bashing accompany out of the blue.

To be honest, I am a 4th year med student who just received information regarding my intern year book stipend and when I would be expected to take Step 3 so as I often do, I used the search engine looking for more information regarding Step 3. When I came across the post by "The Paramount," I was baffled from an ethical standpoint that someone could receive commission and objectively post about it. All in all, I am interested in getting the facts. Bloggers who have any ethics at all do not accept money from the companies they blog about to keep their position objective. Those who do accept money and companies who pay them money are manipulative and should not be trusted, period. Again, my goal is to get the facts. Here's what I plan to do to get resolve on this:

1) I have left a comment in the comments section asking the blogger directly if he has ever received money from any company other than COMQUEST, including COMBANK. And, if he currently receives royalties from any other company, or just COMQUEST? Someone else has already asked him this question and he refused to answer. I have asked him again directly. You can visit the blogger's site: just Google..."The Paramount COMLEX"

2) I will also email both COMQUEST and COMBANK to ask them if they currently pay, or have ever paid a blogger commission to sell their products. I will ask for full disclosure.

 

[InTheMaking]

To be honest, I am a 4th year med student who just received information regarding my intern year book stipend and when I would be expected to take Step 3 so as I often do, I used the search engine looking for more information regarding Step 3. When I came across the post by "The Paramount," I was baffled from an ethical standpoint that someone could receive commission and objectively post about it. All in all, I am interested in getting the facts. Bloggers who have any ethics at all do not accept money from the companies they blog about to keep their position objective. Those who do accept money and companies who pay them money are manipulative and should not be trusted, period. Again, my goal is to get the facts. Here's what I plan to do to get resolve on this:

1) I have left a comment in the comments section asking the blogger directly if he has ever received money from any company other than COMQUEST, including COMBANK. And, if he currently receives royalties from any other company, or just COMQUEST? Someone else has already asked him this question and he refused to answer. I have asked him again directly. You can visit the blogger's site: just Google..."The Paramount COMLEX"

2) I will also email both COMQUEST and COMBANK to ask them if they currently pay, or have ever paid a blogger commission to sell their products. I will ask for full disclosure.

I think you are being invasive and frankly ridiculous. Many blogs do this. There are rules from the FTC.

http://diannej.com/blog/2012/05/new-ftc-rules-on-writing-reviews-affiliations-and-sponsored-posts/

It clearly states bloggers must disclose products if they have received it for free and reviewed it or if they received compensation.

Clearly you do not read many blogs on the internet.

 

[Chirurg]

I have to agree with the above comments questioning the integrity of OP, though I have no interest in comlex.
Given that the blogger is being transparent about receiving benefits and having received the product free of charge, it is ridiculous to imply dishonesty. get a grip.

 

[Conoco]

I have to agree with the above comments questioning the integrity of OP, though I have no interest in comlex.
Given that the blogger is being transparent about receiving benefits and having received the product free of charge, it is ridiculous to imply dishonesty. get a grip.

Fair enough but haven't seen in my 4 years of med school one of the credible study tools: First Aid, BRS Phys, UWorld, RR path, COMBANK, OMT Review book, or Kaplan hire someone to promote their product. Why? Those sources don't need to hire someone as everyone knows in some combination, those are the big guns for COMLEX and USMLE (minus the osteopathic things above of course). It really is of no benefit to me whether or not anyone does well on Step 1 or 2 but I figured I would pass along the information of what I saw. Good luck!

 

[DOogie1]

I already matched into a competitive specialty but viewed this site from time to time during my med school career so figured I would give back a bit to everyone who is deciding which QBanks to get. I used both COMBANK and UWorld for both Step 1 and 2 (and HIGHLY recommend doing BOTH) so I can't comment on the quality of COMQUEST but I am recommending people be very cautious when thinking of using it! I came across "The Paramount" blog the other day while looking at some stuff for Level 3 and started reading the article before seeing the author's disclosure that he receives "a sales commission" if you use his discount code for COMQUEST. The author indicates at the top of the page the he ‘sells' for COMQUEST - Code "paramount" for 10% off COMQUEST - http://theparamount.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/comlex-3-iii-tres-trois-review-on-exam-question-banks/

It looks like COMQUEST is now PAYING people sales commissions to write favorable blogs to get customers. Makes me wonder how many other times they are doing this. I would not TRUST an advertisement from COMQUEST since they are paying people to seem objective when they are really sales people in disguise. This is pathetic. Here is an excerpt from the article I am referring to:

"Study time. The classic adage 3 months for Level 1, 3 weeks for Level 2, and 3 days for Level 3 is crap. I would say its more like 4-5 months for Level 1, 2-3 months for Level 2, and 1-1.5 months for Level 3. You have to remember that as a resident taking Level 3 you won't have as much time so you need to do as many questions as you can every night you can (you won't be able to study every night).

Thank you to COMBANK for a discounted price on my Level 3 question bank. Use promotional code "paramount" for 10% off all COMBANK products.

Thank you to COMQUEST for allowing me to use and review their question bank for free. Use discount code "paramount" for 10% off COMQUEST (Any Level).

Disclosure: I receive a commission if you use my discount code for COMQUEST."

Feel free to PM if you have questions about Step 1 or 2! Good luck!

Fair enough but haven't seen in my 4 years of med school one of the credible study tools: First Aid, BRS Phys, UWorld, RR path, COMBANK, OMT Review book, or Kaplan hire someone to promote their product. Why? Those sources don't need to hire someone as everyone knows in some combination, those are the big guns for COMLEX and USMLE (minus the osteopathic things above of course). It really is of no benefit to me whether or not anyone does well on Step 1 or 2 but I figured I would pass along the information of what I saw. Good luck!

Your argument is still invalid. Either you're trolling or have some personal vendetta (or just lack enough knowledge to figure this all out).

Let's start with the fact that you stated something false starting in your subject line - that a company paid a blogger for a positive review. I don't see anywhere in the blog, which has pros and cons of both companies, written or implied that the blogger was paid to post a positive review. That's something you made up and then publicly attacked two obviously ethical entities. Like others have already said, bloggers often provide their followers a coupon code and rather than putting advertising on their blog, these generate revenue often only enough to cover their time/expenses. Bloggers receiving free or discounted products and other benefits to review a product (this does not equal paying for a positive review) is standard practice. These reviews, including the one you referenced, can be positive, neutral, or negative. The one you've brought into question looks pretty darn neutral making your post very baseless and suspicious. Your questioning the ethics of the blogger (who appears to be a resident) is highly questionable. The write-up is fully transparent and says he received benefits from both companies + offers his readers a coupon code. He mentions he'd benefit if that coupon code is used. And he mentioned enough cons to make it a very balanced write up. Again, very transparent and very ethical.

Coming on this forum after you've matched into a competitive specialty to "HIGHLY recommend" another company which you indirectly claim is more ethical shines a dark light on the fact that you completely ignored the point I made earlier: the blogger states in the comments section of that write-up that "I have received benefits from combank in the past as well." Again, standard practice from a blogger - but your reaction is questionable since you are focusing on just one company. Receiving a discounted or free product can also influence his reviews of these companies, but I trust a blogger who has such disclaimers is ethical enough to write up an honest review as s/he clearly has.

With regards to your reference of the "big guns" not having these types of arrangements, let's start with the printed books you've mentioned (BRS phys, First Aid, OMT review book, RR path): How would the publishers track the sales from the review given the use third parties like Amazon to sell them? You seem a bit antiquated with how things work online these days. Having said that, there are medical students and residents who earn commission from you buying those exact books based on their reviews: for example, if you click on any of the book titles on these blogs/recommendations and purchase them, the person who suggested them would receive a commission:

http://aslackersguide.com/medical-school-resources/usmle-step-1/

http://usmle-recommended.blogspot.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/usmleworld

See the bottom of the first link - the disclaimer states they are part of Amazon Affiliate Program and, ironically, it includes all of the USMLE books you've mentioned as the "big guns" that don't "need" affiliate marketing. I hope you get the point because I can keep going. There are a ton out there. If you want more information about Amazon's Affiliate Program, click here . In summary, it states: "Whether you are a large network, content site or blogger, we have simple linking tools to meet your advertising needs and help you monetize your web site."

So according to your argument, the "big gun" books, as you call them, indirectly pay bloggers to write positive reviews. Disclaimer: I disagree with your argument.

Given the ignorance in your posts, I'll assume you don't already know this common form of marketing is called "affiliate marketing". Now that we've got the flawed argument about the "big gun" books out of the way, let's move onto what you call the three "big gun" digital products that you falsely claim don't have these types of arrangements:
Kaplan: http://www.kaptest.com/kaplan-affiliate-program.jhtml
Combank: "I have received benefits from combank in the past as well."
UW: I'd email them to find out, but I don't really care since like I said - it's an ethical and highly utilized method of getting honest write ups.

So according to your argument, nearly all of, what you call, the "big guns" seem to be paying bloggers to write up positive reviews directly or indirectly. The fact is, these companies are not paying bloggers to write positive reviews and I trust that the affiliate/blogger/advertiser/etc. is remaining neutral and honest - ESPECIALLY when they include a disclaimer like s/he did. You, for whatever reason, have questioned the ethics of both the company and the affiliate/blogger.

Get online and read some blogs. You'd be surprised that you actually don't know it all. Let us know what your actual motive is here or if you're just trolling (or are just paranoid). As someone above said, Get a Grip.

 

[DOogie1]

By the way, based on your reasoning, my last post's content indicates that:

1. First Aid for USMLE Step 1's publisher and/or Amazon pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
2. RR Pathology's publisher and/or Amazon pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
3. BRS Physiology's publisher and/or Amazon pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
4. Kaplan pays bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
5. And a plethora of other companies pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED

I hate to question your integrity, but I can't help but wonder why you singled out The Paramount (blogger) and Comquest when both seem to have very high ethical standards based on the blog and someone (with a history of over 200 posts) above posts that "COMQUEST and UWorld were the two best resources" and that Comquest offered a quality product and customer service. Do you work for a direct competitor of one theirs? Please clarify for us. You owe them an apology.

 

[InTheMaking]

By the way, based on your reasoning, my last post's content indicates that:

1. First Aid for USMLE Step 1's publisher and/or Amazon pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
2. RR Pathology's publisher and/or Amazon pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
3. BRS Physiology's publisher and/or Amazon pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
4. Kaplan pays bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED
5. And a plethora of other companies pay bloggers to write positive reviews and should NOT BE TRUSTED

I hate to question your integrity, but I can't help but wonder why you singled out The Paramount (blogger) and Comquest when both seem to have very high ethical standards based on the blog and someone (with a history of over 200 posts) above posts that "COMQUEST and UWorld were the two best resources" and that Comquest offered a quality product and customer service. Do you work for a direct competitor of one theirs? Please clarify for us. You owe them an apology.

Nuff said.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Nonblogger here.

Comquest so far has been a pile of trash, imo. At least for Step 1.

And no, they aren't paying me to say that

 

[Conoco]

Your argument is still invalid. Either you're trolling or have some personal vendetta (or just lack enough knowledge to figure this all out).

Let's start with the fact that you stated something false starting in your subject line - that a company paid a blogger for a positive review. I don't see anywhere in the blog, which has pros and cons of both companies, written or implied that the blogger was paid to post a positive review. That's something you made up and then publicly attacked two obviously ethical entities. Like others have already said, bloggers often provide their followers a coupon code and rather than putting advertising on their blog, these generate revenue often only enough to cover their time/expenses. Bloggers receiving free or discounted products and other benefits to review a product (this does not equal paying for a positive review) is standard practice. These reviews, including the one you referenced, can be positive, neutral, or negative. The one you've brought into question looks pretty darn neutral making your post very baseless and suspicious. Your questioning the ethics of the blogger (who appears to be a resident) is highly questionable. The write-up is fully transparent and says he received benefits from both companies + offers his readers a coupon code. He mentions he'd benefit if that coupon code is used. And he mentioned enough cons to make it a very balanced write up. Again, very transparent and very ethical.

Coming on this forum after you've matched into a competitive specialty to "HIGHLY recommend" another company which you indirectly claim is more ethical shines a dark light on the fact that you completely ignored the point I made earlier: the blogger states in the comments section of that write-up that “I have received benefits from combank in the past as well.” Again, standard practice from a blogger - but your reaction is questionable since you are focusing on just one company. Receiving a discounted or free product can also influence his reviews of these companies, but I trust a blogger who has such disclaimers is ethical enough to write up an honest review as s/he clearly has.

With regards to your reference of the "big guns" not having these types of arrangements, let's start with the printed books you've mentioned (BRS phys, First Aid, OMT review book, RR path): How would the publishers track the sales from the review given the use third parties like Amazon to sell them? You seem a bit antiquated with how things work online these days. Having said that, there are medical students and residents who earn commission from you buying those exact books based on their reviews: for example, if you click on any of the book titles on these blogs/recommendations and purchase them, the person who suggested them would receive a commission:

http://aslackersguide.com/medical-school-resources/usmle-step-1/

http://usmle-recommended.blogspot.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/usmleworld

See the bottom of the first link - the disclaimer states they are part of Amazon Affiliate Program and, ironically, it includes all of the USMLE books you've mentioned as the "big guns" that don't "need" affiliate marketing. I hope you get the point because I can keep going. There are a ton out there. If you want more information about Amazon's Affiliate Program, click here . In summary, it states: "Whether you are a large network, content site or blogger, we have simple linking tools to meet your advertising needs and help you monetize your web site."

So according to your argument, the "big gun" books, as you call them, indirectly pay bloggers to write positive reviews. Disclaimer: I disagree with your argument.

Given the ignorance in your posts, I'll assume you don't already know this common form of marketing is called "affiliate marketing". Now that we've got the flawed argument about the "big gun" books out of the way, let's move onto what you call the three "big gun" digital products that you falsely claim don't have these types of arrangements:
Kaplan: http://www.kaptest.com/kaplan-affiliate-program.jhtml
Combank: “I have received benefits from combank in the past as well.”
UW: I'd email them to find out, but I don't really care since like I said - it's an ethical and highly utilized method of getting honest write ups.

So according to your argument, nearly all of, what you call, the "big guns" seem to be paying bloggers to write up positive reviews directly or indirectly. The fact is, these companies are not paying bloggers to write positive reviews and I trust that the affiliate/blogger/advertiser/etc. is remaining neutral and honest - ESPECIALLY when they include a disclaimer like s/he did. You, for whatever reason, have questioned the ethics of both the company and the affiliate/blogger.

Get online and read some blogs. You'd be surprised that you actually don't know it all. Let us know what your actual motive is here or if you're just trolling (or are just paranoid). As someone above said, Get a Grip.

At first, I only posted this warning 1st and 2nd years to be cautious of reading a blog about COMQUEST....And you are correct, I am not a huge blogger...hence my 9 previous posts. But your hefty defense of the product and endless attacks makes me wonder if you are not a COMQUEST Rep yourself. Which if you are, then I totally understand that you are sticking up for your product and hats off for that. But as I said before, I don't care what qbanks students used before but by continuously attacking me, it really makes me question what your role is in in the company.

However, giving individuals a free or discounted subscription as you mentioned above with an affiliate program, is very different than paying a commission to every sale that goes through a blogger. It takes all objectivity away from the blogger. You would never find CNET review for example, offering a promo code for LG over Samsung, etc. I use CNET because they have maintained my trust. I You are attempting to make it look like other USMLE companies also pay bloggers commission on sales. This simply is not true. It's unethical. Although UWorld and COMBANK are also mentioned on the blog, it is very clear that these companies have never paid the bloggers money, only given a single discounted subscription to try their products. Very manipulative the way you make it sound like he receives financial benefits from multiple companies.

In face, can you provide evidence that a single other company other than COMQUEST participates in this practice? If so, please let me know. The blogger makes it very clear in the "donations section" that he is a "poor medical student turned resident" who is willing to accept donations (and you can't blame the guy!). Using the blog as a way to make extra money by selling COMQUEST subscriptions seems like a nice way to get $$$. I do give the blogger credit though for at least admitting that he takes money from COMQUEST from every student who uses his promo code.

 

[DOogie1]

If there is any manipulation going on, it starts at the title of your thread since it's clearly false. I read many blogs, would consider guest writing for, or operating, a blog in the future, and also have a keen interest in ethics. And I have issues with people attacking innocent, ethical entities like you did. If I found your argument valid, I would have defended you 100%. But, it wasn't. So please don't question my integrity. I wouldn't refer to my reply as a "hefty defense" by any means - you just made so many accusations on the two (a justified reason still remains unknown) and I wanted to invalidate them one at a time (hence the "heftiness", I guess). Whether a blogger/company uses an affiliate link or coupon codes to track sales, the fact remains that they're ethical and very common practice, but the latter provides an additional benefit for the consumer. An example of the aforementioned affiliate link, though, was already shared with you and can be found on Kaplan's link which states "In fact, we pay YOU. You can earn commissions on sales of Kaplan products or services on our site that are completed through your links."

Some bloggers use this type of relationship to write reviews and then if you use the link on the blog, they'll earn commission. Some unethical bloggers may not state this, but ethical ones like the one you questioned and attacked would disclose this. Others bloggers offer their readers a coupon code to not only give back to their readers, but to track sales and earn a commission from the manufacturer (this is becoming, thankfully for us consumers, much more common). I would imagine this is usually just enough to cover their blog's maintenance and time to do what they enjoy (write blogs). I don't know, and quite frankly don't care, about specific details of Comquest's, USMLE World's, Combank's, McGraw Hill's, Elsevier's, Lippincott's or CNET's (all companies you brought up) marketing plans - but I do know that every claim you've made has been discredited. As a consumer, I always appreciate a blog that offers me, the reader, a coupon code, especially with a disclaimer. Whether he receives commission or not, is not important to me since I trust the bloggers that I follow. This is much preferred to affiliate links that the average consumer would not realize tracks the purchase that I've made and gives the blogger a commission (see Kaplan's link).

I think we've beaten the horse to death now and if you don't get the point by now, you probably never will (and I wouldn't spend any more time trying to clarify it) . Therefore, I'll respectfully bow out of this thread now and spend the saved time reading and looking for other blogs that offer coupon codes.

So thanks for the debate and good luck in your competitive specialty. Hopefully you'll trust your patients and your patients will trust you more than what you've exhibited here.

 

[InTheMaking]

At first, I only posted this warning 1st and 2nd years to be cautious of reading a blog about COMQUEST....And you are correct, I am not a huge blogger...hence my 9 previous posts. But your hefty defense of the product and endless attacks makes me wonder if you are not a COMQUEST Rep yourself. Which if you are, then I totally understand that you are sticking up for your product and hats off for that. But as I said before, I don't care what qbanks students used before but by continuously attacking me, it really makes me question what your role is in in the company.

However, giving individuals a free or discounted subscription as you mentioned above with an affiliate program, is very different than paying a commission to every sale that goes through a blogger. It takes all objectivity away from the blogger. You would never find CNET review for example, offering a promo code for LG over Samsung, etc. I use CNET because they have maintained my trust. I You are attempting to make it look like other USMLE companies also pay bloggers commission on sales. This simply is not true. It's unethical. Although UWorld and COMBANK are also mentioned on the blog, it is very clear that these companies have never paid the bloggers money, only given a single discounted subscription to try their products. Very manipulative the way you make it sound like he receives financial benefits from multiple companies.

In face, can you provide evidence that a single other company other than COMQUEST participates in this practice? If so, please let me know. The blogger makes it very clear in the "donations section" that he is a "poor medical student turned resident" who is willing to accept donations (and you can't blame the guy!). Using the blog as a way to make extra money by selling COMQUEST subscriptions seems like a nice way to get $$$. I do give the blogger credit though for at least admitting that he takes money from COMQUEST from every student who uses his promo code.

Receiving a free product is really the same as receiving money, especially if said reviewer would have purchased the subscription anyways.

I imagine you believe the Loose Change video on 9/11, have a store of food for when the government takes over and have all your money under your mattress because the banks are corrupt.

 

[BigSib]

I will also email both COMQUEST and COMBANK to ask them if they currently pay, or have ever paid a blogger commission to sell their products. I will ask for full disclosure.

Doubtful you will obtain a straight answer, if any, but any results?

UW: I'd email them to find out, but I don't really care...

Your posts are so exhaustingly long to not care; you must contact them.

Do you work for a direct competitor of one theirs?

Do you?


Post created on 04-05-2013 by Conoco

InTheMaking: according to post history this is Paramount, but I just stopped after seeing a particular post so I could be wrong.

DOogie1: account created on 04-05-2013 with 0 posts prior to thread. All posts after the start of this thread appear to be on odd topics where the user appears to log on to respond here and then fill up the history with a few posts afterward. Judgement: COMQUEST > Paramount > student (especially in light of the InTheMaking finding, but also because I feel that Paramount/students should care less)

Conoco: account created on 02-11-2013 with 7 posts prior to thread. Judgement: student > 'competitor' (unless they're playing the long con, but it's too immature)

Another site http://osteopathicmedstudent.com/preparing-for-comlex-level-1/ found by searching Google under blogs which adds to the discussion.

Follow-up post from Paramount http://theparamount.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/thanks-conoco-ethics-of-blogger-reviews/ which I give much applause.

Overall my thoughts are whoopty-doo, but this was such an interesting read. Didn't know the flame princess existed, but I feel it may be appropriate. Although I fear my integrity will be questioned as my account was created on 04-02-2013!?!?! It's heating up in here.

 

[InTheMaking]

Doubtful you will obtain a straight answer, if any, but any results?


Your posts are so exhaustingly long to not care; you must contact them.


Do you?


Post created on 04-05-2013 by Conoco

InTheMaking: according to post history this is Paramount, but I just stopped after seeing a particular post so I could be wrong.

DOogie1: account created on 04-05-2013 with 0 posts prior to thread. All posts after the start of this thread appear to be on odd topics where the user appears to log on to respond here and then fill up the history with a few posts afterward. Judgement: COMQUEST > Paramount > student (especially in light of the InTheMaking finding, but also because I feel that Paramount/students should care less)

Conoco: account created on 02-11-2013 with 7 posts prior to thread. Judgement: student > 'competitor' (unless they're playing the long con, but it's too immature)

Another site http://osteopathicmedstudent.com/preparing-for-comlex-level-1/ found by searching Google under blogs which adds to the discussion.

Follow-up post from Paramount http://theparamount.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/thanks-conoco-ethics-of-blogger-reviews/ which I give much applause.

Overall my thoughts are whoopty-doo, but this was such an interesting read. Didn't know the flame princess existed, but I feel it may be appropriate. Although I fear my integrity will be questioned as my account was created on 04-02-2013!?!?! It's heating up in here.

Tis my blog mate, but I am not DOogie1.

I said all I can say in my reply on my blog.