Consumer Lifestyles, found at ConsumerLifestyles.org, claims to be an “all in one consumer website” that is the “world leader” in giving their visitors resources intended to “enhance and improve” your life.
ConsumerLifestyles.org says they provide information for their readers concerning the best companies for auto insurance, tech products, travel assistance, homeowner insurance, career guidance, financial assistance, health and beauty, and more.
And according to their website, the articles are written for the purposes of education and information, as well as to empower their readers to be in better control of their lives by making the right consumer decisions.
What is an Advertorial?
Consumer Lifestyles actually specializes in advertorials, which is a specific kind of editorial style article that is intended to appear neutral and information, but is in reality a paid advertisement.
The homepage of ConsumerLifestyles.com is headed with the disclaimer that they are an “Advertisement” and in their About Us section they admit they work directly with partner companies and affiliates, but that they have “been vetted” by a research team to ensure they’re the “very best.”
In addition, Consumer Lifestyles promises that though they are paid to endorse the companies they do, their article writers still “abide by the highest standards of truth and excellence.”
The Concerns
Advertorials are a controversial form of advertisement, because they purposely attempt to appear as though they are not an advertisement, which many people find rightfully confusing.
In addition, once you give your information to Consumer Lifestyles, it will automatically be given to their partners and affiliates so they may contact you with special offers and information. However, they do promise that your information will never be sold to a third party company.
Finally, the articles posted on ConsumerLifestyles.org are actually quite confusing, as the article represents one specific company, but the link will take you to a completely different company.
For example, the article about using penny auctions is advertising DealFun, but will connect you to ZBiddy. This type of error is confusing to the consumer, and leads to doubts about the “excellence” of the articles and the “vetting” of their products.
All consumers who take the advice of paid advertisers should make sure to do their own independent research before investing money in a company or product.
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