When the (often dubious) reputation of one entity affects the reputation of another.  Also known as "guilt by association".

Technology examples:
* AiWinter and LispLanguage
* BrowserWars or browser incompatibilities and JavaScript
* Annoying pop-up ads and JavaScript
* CeePlusPlus and ObjectOrientedProgramming
** ''Aw shucks, OOP hasn't tarnished C++'s reputation that badly.''
* MacromediaFlash and annoying pointless SkipIntro animations
* AlanKay and SmalltalkLanguage
* BenjaminFranklin and DaylightSavingTime
* ChuckMoore and the ForthLanguage.
* nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons (NuclearPowerIsBetter)