I was flipping through a popular technology magazine with local content recently and I couldn’t believe my eyes as I almost skipped through one of the gadget review pages. I had to double check the product review written by “writer x” because from what I know about this person’s professional background, he (or she) is currently affiliated with the same company that produces that particular device. The person in question also happens to be a writer as I’ve seen the name frequent technology publications.
But a line has to be drawn somewhere – and this is what you get when the editorial staff of the said publication is not very critical about who writes the review. The review was fair – but I do have to admit, would you, as an editor allow a product manager (or someone in a similar status) write a product review of devices manufactured by the company he or she works for?
The answer is obviously … Nope. This is a sad day in the local tech media.
I’m not sure if the editorial staff knows about this current affiliation. I obviously withheld names out of prudence to this particular magazine, the writer and staff because I don’t want this to become a huge controversy. It’s just … sad.
I don’t have a problem with the writer contributing for a technology magazine. I take issue on the position this person is in to write such a review. There are just certain rights you have to give up. Be careful next time 
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i’m rummaging through my piles of local mags as to who this PM cum writer is. i know i’ll find out soon. afterall, this industry is just a small world.
any clues?
@john ray: not a PM. i just used that as an example.
What month or issue? if you don’t mind…
allan, are you implying that you think its with the magazine you write for?
tsk tsk!
thanks for the wii remote hack link by the way.
not really, just curious as to which magazine is at fault
curiosity has always been by weakness 
we need to drink more at cocamongas