This is an interesting discussion. I would like to offer my main reason to turn down free stuff to review (or rather to quit volunteering to get stuff for review). And that's the pressure to get the review done in a certain amount of time. I like to take my time, and when I start getting "reminders" from whoever sent me the stuff, it makes me regret having volunteered in the first place.

The few I've done have been honest reviews, and thorough to the best of my ability, but I enjoy much more the reviews I've done for stuff I've paid for.

On that note, when I "buy" an item that turns out to be crap, I rarely have the urge to review it. On the other hand, when I buy something that's really great, I can't wait to tell everyone. I don't think I'm unusual in that sense, so that might be another reason why we see more positive reviews than negative ones. My 2 cents...

(22-Apr-2017, 02:48 PM)Carl.Vegas Wrote: I would say someone who comes to mind as a good reviewer as we talk about this is RCModelReviews. He's brutal at times and that's what makes him great. He also has a ton of knowledge and experience.

Bruce is great and the values that he explains in that video are the very embodiment of integrity.

(22-Apr-2017, 03:47 PM)unseen Wrote: Bruce is great and the values that he explains in that video are the very embodiment of integrity.

agreed!

(22-Apr-2017, 03:33 PM)sloscotty Wrote: ... pressure to get the review done in a certain amount of time....

Yeah, my 1st experience exactly, tbh I would have finished before the 'reminders' arrived, I just had loads of stuff on my plate. Don't get me wrong though, as you guys might have noticed I like to write and I have a passion for the hobby, and I want to share my experiences to try and help others get into it.

(22-Apr-2017, 03:33 PM)sloscotty Wrote: ... when I "buy" an item that turns out to be crap, I rarely have the urge to review it. On the other hand, when I buy something that's really great, I can't wait to tell everyone. I don't think I'm unusual in that sense, so that might be another reason why we see more positive reviews than negative ones. My 2 cents...

Very good point.

Also I have to say I love Bruce's 'rc reviews' he seems like a knowledgeable and straightforward guy, a proper 'no bull$#!+' Aussie.

Onto my main reason for this post however, Sandra has asked me to write a "preannounced article" before I receive the next item, which kind of feel's more like the advertising that nitro20% was complaining about! So apologies in advance for 'advert' for the KINGKONG TINY7..!

(24-Apr-2017, 02:39 PM)Tom BD Bad Wrote: a proper 'no bull$#!+' Aussie.

Don't let Bruce see you saying that, he's a Kiwi!

my thoughts on reviews... if something is crap... say it is crap...
if you find uses for other folks but not for you ... say it (ie you are a fan of aerial photography and ... latency in FPV camera is not a big issue for you as you don't fly close proximity at speed)
overall be subjective as this is YOUR point of view, yet stay on facts as much as you can so other can benefit.
learn to say no... "but i will not get the free stuff" - live with it...
if you want to review something - have an idea what and how you are going to do - rewriting the specs + affiliate link... imho not enough.
play with it... if you break it good... what is inside?


and if you are outraged that folks are making a buisness and you are getting a free stuff with some expectation... no one is pushing anyone to do the reviews

i think the current market is broad enough for experienced and inexperienced reviewers is there from two reasons:
1. how to become experienced if you dont start at some point? - grab something that you already bought... start describing it.
2. if you will have only experienced... aren't you losing something like fresh look on the hobby (cars are useless, you have a horse in the stable)