I read in another thread some suggestions for Dan about reviews, so I wanted to chime in with some thoughts on writing equipment reviews:
When I stated writing reviews years ago I had high aspirations of being this voice of truth and reason- I still do have those aspirations and hold to them. But it is very difficult and I'll tell you why:
First, reviews amount to little more than my opinion. The reader decides the value of that.
Second, as the reviews become more widely read (my site gets an incredible amount of traffic- unbelievable)companies start "posturing" and that threatens objectivity.
I have had serious threats posed to me and my business by manufacturers of products we sell, review and have been honest about. The manufacturer didn't like our opinion and didn't repsect our right to it, so they chose the low road and tried to threaten, badger and intimidate me/us. I have not allowed that to influence my honesty in reviews though, although I admit to avoiding reviews of products when I know my opinions will be inflammatory. In the interest of my business (which is to sell triathlon bikes) I have little interest in reviewing bad products that won't sell. Becasue I own a business that sells triathlon bikes there is an effective argument that, although I strive for accuracy and honesty, my reviews may not be considered "objective" in the detached way. I do have a vested interest in reviewing good products that have earned a good review.
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com
When I stated writing reviews years ago I had high aspirations of being this voice of truth and reason- I still do have those aspirations and hold to them. But it is very difficult and I'll tell you why:
First, reviews amount to little more than my opinion. The reader decides the value of that.
Second, as the reviews become more widely read (my site gets an incredible amount of traffic- unbelievable)companies start "posturing" and that threatens objectivity.
I have had serious threats posed to me and my business by manufacturers of products we sell, review and have been honest about. The manufacturer didn't like our opinion and didn't repsect our right to it, so they chose the low road and tried to threaten, badger and intimidate me/us. I have not allowed that to influence my honesty in reviews though, although I admit to avoiding reviews of products when I know my opinions will be inflammatory. In the interest of my business (which is to sell triathlon bikes) I have little interest in reviewing bad products that won't sell. Becasue I own a business that sells triathlon bikes there is an effective argument that, although I strive for accuracy and honesty, my reviews may not be considered "objective" in the detached way. I do have a vested interest in reviewing good products that have earned a good review.
Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com