One would have thought that the attitude of blog publishers, including Gawker Media, publisher of this site, was clear: Pay Per Post, the blog marketing scam backed by Tim Draper, the Silicon Valley venture capitalist, is payola journalism. Disclosure does not absolve those publishers which take bribes from Pay Per Post clients such as Hewlett Packard. But the disdain for such marketing tactics doesn't stop Ted Murphy, the venture's shameless chief exec. Below, a pitch email from Murphy which just landed at Gizmodo, Gawker Media's gadget site.

From: Ted Murphy <ted@payperpost.com>
Date: March 6, 2007 8:19:30 AM PST
To: <blam@gizmodo.com>
Subject: Sponsored Content

Brian,
I have had a number of our clients inquire about placing sponsored content specifically on your blog. I would like to know if this is something that you would be receptive to. We offer high profile blogs like gizmodo special treatment such as guaranteed revenue. All of our content requires disclosure and you can opt to take only neutral opportunities (meaning you don't have to write a positive review). Please let me know if you would continue this kind of arrangement.

All The Best,

Ted Murphy
Founder/CEO
PayPerPost, Inc.