Hey gang, I'm really curious to know your thoughts on this one!

If someone says some nice things about your business in one form - like a post on a forum, a thank you card or an email for example - does that automatically give you the right to use those comments however you please?

Personally, I think you should always ask and get a clients permission before using anything of theirs as a testimonial, but I've had a few people do this with comments I've given them lately and I'm not sure if I'm just being overly sensitive or if I should be ticked off and ask them to remove my comments.

In one case, I mailed a nice thank you card to someone and saw that my thoughts soon ended up on their website. They only used my first name and not my full name so I don't really have a problem with it, but it's a shame because if they'd only asked I would've let them use my full name which would've made the testimonial much more believable.

In another case, I posted some nice comments about someone's book on a public forum a few weeks ago and just recently was at their site and saw my comments, including my full name and website address, grouped in with many other positive comments about their product. I can't say that I'm terribly ticked off about this and who knows, I may get some traffic to my site out of it, but just the fact that they reproduced my comments without asking my permission has me worked up.

So what do you think? Am I making a big deal out of nothing or should I let these folks know I don't appreciate my comments being used without my permission?

Wow - 100 views and nobody has a comment about testimonial use?

Makes me think that either no one uses them or they use them as they see fit, whether or not they've received permission.

Steve

When I have sent gushing praises or whatever (unsolicited) to a business person, they have ALWAYS asked permission to use it on their website, promo material.

It's just the polite thing to do and avoids misunderstandings and intentions.

I believe that they should ask for permission. However some folks feel that you don't mind them sharing the testimonial since you gave to them.

Rave,

I experienced the same thing as you...

...someone took some complimentary comments I shared about their product/service and...voila...it ended up on their website.

Frustrated, I emailed and asked them to remove it.

And, like you, I more than likely would have given them permission to use my testimonial, along with my full name, city and state, etc. so that it is a more powerful credibility builder.

My two cents:

1. Always ask. It's a habit of mine to do so with anyone who kindly comments on a product or service I'm offering.

2. People love to give their opinions, so by following up and thanking them for the comment, then asking permission to use it, they are almost always favorably inclined to do so.

(Recently, I followed this simple step when Peter Stone wrote a wonderful comment about copy I had written.

Since I wanted to use it on a site I'm having built, I followed up with him, thanking him for the comment, and politely asking if I may use his comment as a testimonial on my site...graciously, he said yes.)

3. Also, in asking, be sure to allow them to decline to do so, so they don't feel like any arm-twisting is going on. I simply wrote something like:

And please, no pressure. No expectations.

But if you would, I'd appreciate it if you allowed me to use your comments. Just let me know when you get the chance.

Thank you.

4. Ideally (as you likely already know) the besti testis are with a picture, first and last name, city and state, and even their occupation/where they work if it relates to the product/service...or even if it doesn't. Having an occupation just adds more believability to the testi.

And sometimes boosts your proof elements, because if someone, say is a Dr. at Johns-Hopkins, and he/she is taking your stuff, then people are more impressed, since they think something along the lines of "wow, look...even so and so over at (institution) uses this product or believes in it, etc.

5. So, I'd ask permission for the testi, then...follow a 2nd time asking for more detailed info like using their full name or occupation, etc.

6. Lastly, I don't know the legal wranglings over using a testi w/out permission, but I simply stay away from it.

P.S. Guess it depends on how it strikes you, but it's a mixed bag with me about contacting people telling them I don't appreciate them using my comments without permission...and other times I've let it go.

This got me thinking about something. A lot of good critiques go through this board...what about asking board visitors for a testimonial after giving them a complete critique. Anyone ever tried that?

Thanks for all your comments everyone!

I think for time being I'm going to forget about these incidents, but it's a shame these folks can pretty much count on not getting any further purchases or testimonials from me - unless them come out with something spectacular!

Interesting topic.

My take is that it's always best to ask for permission from the person sending the note, but if you take a step back and think about it from a different perspective - if you are sending me a note of thanks, endorsement, etc. why should I ask for permission to use it? You must know just by sending it you are giving that person permission to use it.

Once you put something in writing - you have to know its going to be used in some capacity, unless you EXPLICITLY tell the person NOT TO use it.

I would think the point of sending such a note or email is to support the person you are sending it to and why would that person not want to share it???

When folks send me such notes, I immediately send a thank you along with a request to add this to my testimonial list. Quick, simple, and considerate.

Something else I've seen copywriters do is they take some famous marketer's (or copywriter's) quotes and paste it into their copy (whether it be in or out of context).

It seems obvious that the copywriter didn't take the time to ask permission to do this from the one being quoted or they would have something a bit more "personal" from the person being quoted.

The reason they do this is to justify or drive home what ever they are writing about in their letter.

I've often wondered how some of these people feel if they see their quotes being taken and flaunted at the sake of someone trying to make a point in their copy.

My question is... if someone says something in public, is it ethical or legal to use that quote?

Much like public quotes, is it ethical or right to simply use it without permission since it is in the public's view anyway?

For me, I always ask for permission.

One good reason for asking permission is that the person giving you the testimonial may want to kick it up a notch for you and give it more personality and flash.

For example, would you rather use...

"Great job on the copy, Steve. Thanks!"

or use...

"Steve, the last copywriting job you did for us made us over $20,000 in sales in just two hours. We can't wait to use you again on our next, upcoming copywriting assignment. Thanks so much. Great Job!"

Steve,

As the resident English professor here, I'll give you my two cents: Always ask permission. Regardless of how the words are posted, the original author retains the rights to the work. I know we're talking compliments and praise here, but I'd treat any written work the same. It's better to stay out of hot water than to get burned.

My testimonials appear on websites, but they came from e-mails and forum postings. The website owners asked permission first, and I didn't mind at all. It's one thing to endorse a product yourself; it's another issue when someone uses your name to endorse a product.

If someone says something great, ask him/her if you can use it in the future. If you want to cover yourself, put it in writing. From what I understand, e-mails are perfectly acceptable as an agreement.