A flattering thing happened to me today. A camera manufacturer offered to send me a copy of a soon to be announced, quite expensive camera for me to review. In return, I could keep the camera.
It only took me a few seconds to realize that I had to say no. I think a lot of my credibility depends on reviewing cameras that I purchase on the open market, so that there is no question of my being beholden to any manufacturer. I have accepted a small number of pre-release products to review, since I can’t just go out and buy them. In that case, I always disclose how I got the product, and, when the testing is done, the products go back to the manufacturer.
This is different. Keeping a valuable piece of photographic gear in return for a review would raise the question in readers’ minds about how impartial I was in the reviewing. Indeed, it might actually make me less impartial. I can’t take that chance.
Mike Nelson Pedde says
Good for you. Integrity is being able to look yourself in the mirror…
Michael says
Articulating your reasons clearly for refusing an expensive gift helps you to maintain your disinvested bias. Well done.
Christer Almqvist says
Now we shall all keep our eyes open for a “soon to be announced, quite expensive camera “.
N/A says
what is the problem to review and then return the camera back though ? unless this is from manufacturer totally not interesting for OP ( think Canon ) …
JaapD says
Hi Jim, speaking for myself I won’t question your credibility if you had taken the offer from the manufacturer. I understand your point turning the offer down, but I see it as a missed opportunity to yourself (acquiring something nice for free) and even more towards your community. Your community would have benefitted from this big time through your thorough and detailed review results. Moreover, your community would be more than capable to distinguish your review from all those other ones, shouting how good and improved this new product is in relation to its predecessor.
In the end it’s by all means your and only your decision.
All the best!
JaapD.
Milton Mpounas says
You should have said yes. We trust you.
Mike says
I think you made the right choice Jim. Regardless of the manufacturers intent, you note yourself that, even aside from appearances, accepting such an offer could lead to a less objective review – if you feel in their debt that’s perhaps almost inevitable.
Good call
Robin says
“unconscious bias”
It’s a thing that exists. And that every YouTube pundit ignores.