"This is just layers of stupid," Arrington wrote on uncrunched.com.
Sponsored content has become an unfortunate byproduct of the new media landscape. Andrew Sullivan recently criticized the practice at a Harvard event.
"You think you're reading a writer when you're actually reading a copy-writer," he said.
Sullivan suggested the rise of sponsored content would eventually backfire, resulting in a wave of reader cynicism that would diminish its popularity as a marketing tool.
Here's the the pitch Microsoft's PR rep made to Arrington:
To which Arrington responded, incredulously:
Twitter reacted with amusement:
Stay classy Microsoft http://t.co/bAy7XO9YU7 cash for comments - ugh really? #IEbloggers
- Peter Mescalchin (@magnetikonline) June 18, 2014
When I have no other choice, I always use Internet Explorer to download Chrome. #IEBloggers #rethinkIE (where can I claim my money now?)
- Lukas Klein (@lukashed) June 18, 2014
If I mention #iebloggers #iebloggers twice do I get paid double?
- Scott Watermasysk (@scottw) June 18, 2014
We've reached out to Microsoft for comment but have yet to hear back, though the company told TechCrunch through a spokesman it had "suspended" the sponsored content program.
The practice "is not representative of the way Microsoft works with bloggers or other members of the media," the spokesman said.
It might be best to remain skeptical of any writing on IE before July 10, especially if it uses the #IEbloggers hashtag.