Alienware: Dell's new pain in the neck?

Earlier this year, Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) acquired Alienware but largely left the company alone. But Alienware's recent alienation of product review journalists may create some public relations backlash towards Alienware, and by proxy, its parent company Dell.

A recent article on Hexus.net, a tech review site, revealed a poorly thought out vision for ensuring good reviews. Apparently Alienware is refusing to provide sample units to journalists who've given less than glowing product reviews. Sure, if a reviewer calls your company bad names you probably won't go out of your way for them next time. In this case, the review wasn't harsh, it was just honest and suggested some alternatives for the high cost of the Alienware machine.

Nobody goes out of their way to help someone who called them a bad name. In Hexus's case, the review wasn't terribly critical. If Alienware is openly trying to manipulate the media for good reviews, the backlash could become staggering. Maybe it's time for Dell to get more involved in raising their new stepchild.