Maggie is a superb Writer, but the reason I mention this is because here in the UK, the BBC are not allowed to advertise. As well as being a technology blogger, I am the owner of a very successful international marketing business and have over 20 years experience in marketing. In my opinion, the article or ‘blog post’ reads way too much like pre-launch marketing.

Pre-launch marketing?
Companies pay marketing and PR people to generate a ‘buzz’ about a new product or service BEFORE it’s launched. This way, the launch goes with a bang and stacks of sales are made. Think of the kind of thing we saw before the launch of; the last iPhone, GTA 4 or the last Harry Potter book and you will get an idea of what pre-launch is all about!

News?
By reporting on the ‘hype’ surrounding the new iPhone – the BBC, who are the world’s largest news organisation, is giving Apple even more pre-launch coverage and creating even more hype! One of the comments on the blog says; “so, when there’s nothing to report, you report nothing?” I think this is because the article reads too much like ‘yet another’ promo piece for Apple.

A request
I have asked the BBC, through their blog, how this works. When is it OK to add fuel to the pre-launch hype in the name of news – And when it crosses the line into pre-launch marketing.

If YOU know the answer or have any feedback, please let me know.