It would seem that trying away free stuff isn’t always the best PR, with it sometimes backfiring on you.
Case in point is Nvidia’s gesture to provide streamer DrDisrespect with a new video card. Apparently whoever runs the Nvidia Twitter account noticed that DrDisrespect was using a GTX 1080 Ti during a recent stream. Nvidia reached and offered a new RTX 2080 Ti, saying that “The 2x world champ deserves the best.”. Which felt like a slap in the face to current GTX 1080 ti owners, as that card is still a beast despite it not being the latest and greatest.
Surprisingly enough, DrDisrespect replied that he’d rather give the card to any of the lesser fortunate millions out there. Marketing ploy or not, I have to say that I respect that decision. Being honest here, I don’t know many that would turn down a 1000+ dollar video card.
Firm handshakes @NVIDIAGeForce but I enjoy the 1080ti… practicing on outdated tech makes you stronger, buffer, without the training wheels.
I say give it away to the millions in need of one. Let them feel the power.
— Dr Disrespect (@DrDisrespect) September 20, 2019
Of course, that didn’t stop a number of commenters to ask that Nvidia send them the video card instead. Some of which are downright nasty, but that just goes to show the power of free stuff. Still, I feel this an attempt at PR by Nvidia in any event. If they wanted to give DrDisrespect or anyone else a product for free, why not just either DM them, contact their manager or reach out in a manner that wouldn’t draw out so much attention.
Now that the card was refused, I wonder if Nvidia will take DrDisrespect’s words to heart and do some sort of giveaway. The ball is in your court now, Nvidia. Let’s see you give out a few of those fancy video cards to the masses.
