No More Fake Reviews - So Who’s Gonna Tell Us What To Buy?

I review equipment for an online audio zine. I have reviewed gear for 30 years. In that time, I have received exactly two freebies: a pair of Linn interconnects and a set of vibration absorption feet for a turntable. I reviewed the interconnects favorably because I thought they were quite outstanding and I use them to this day. I've never used or reviewed the turntable feet because I don't believe they are necessary for my set up. In my career, I've written more than 120 published reviews, I know there are a few reviewers who write good reviews in the hopes of getting the piece for nothing but I sincerely do not believe it is all that common. Believe what you wish but I think most reviewers are honest.

Regarding the lack of negative reviews: in my case, if I don't like a product for one reason or another, I don't write a review. I have never in my 30 years of writing audio reviews been asked by either publisher for whom I've worked to plug unduly a product from an advertiser or anyone else. I once wrote a review of an integrated amplifier that was paired with two stand-mount speakers from the same manufacturer. I gave the amplifier a glowing review because I thought it was spectacular; I did not submit a review of the speakers because I thought they sounded awful and were far too expensive for the sound quality they produced. The audio world doesn't need any more negativity - it gets enough on this forum. You can believe anything you want about reviews and reviewers but I will stick up for most of my group. My suggestion: if you don't like a reviewer's work, DON'T READ IT!