Reviewing things is a tricky dance. It’s one I’ve dealt with ever since I started reviewing software and books for the Alaskan Apple User Group back in the early 2000s.
The issues cropped up again at GamesAreEvil, a gaming news and reviews site I helped start up in 2008. How do you prevent bias? How do you tell people about a product they can buy? Can they trust your word?
Over the years, I’ve come to a place where I feel like I can honestly review any tech item that is either sent to me or that I bought myself. Both have potential inherent bias. Psychologically, I want to avoid buyer’s remorse, so I might overly like a gadget I spent my own money on. On the other hand, if a nice PR person sends me a gadget without my having to buy it, I might feel beholden to them to say something nice about it.
Awareness of potential bias is one way I stay honest when reviewing items. Another way is having many years of experience. If you’ve reviewed 20 smartphones, the 21st won’t have that “gosh wow” factor, which can help me stay objective.
My Promises:
1) I won’t be paid from the maker of the product to review a product.
2) If I am sent or buy a product to review, the maker won’t see or have input into the review.
3) I will not financially gain from selling the products I review (I will use them at home, give them away or, most likely, donate them).
Ultimately, reviewing stuff you’re going to potentially purchase and use in your life is a great responsibility. I don’t want to recommend a product that you’ll hate. I don’t spend a lot of time on the technical specifications of any of the things I try out (unless there’s a use-case reason to share it). There’s always sites and places to find that information.
I’d rather tell you a story about how the device works, how it fits into my life, and how it might benefit yours. That’s what you’ll get here.
I’m always open to feedback, too – feel free to drop me a line anytime. I’m also on Bluesky and TikTok, if you wanna connect there.
Roblef Tech 