Don't look at the story, look at the website. If the publication is an honest one (The Guardian, New York Times, ZDNet, whatever) then the story is not sponsor

Don't look at the story, look at the website. If the publication is an honest one (The Guardian, New York Times, ZDNet, whatever) then the story is not sponsored, and if it is, it will say so. And with an honest publication, the sponsorship only buys you the space, it does not buy you the journalist's opinion or a favorable review. Note: it doesn't matter if you agree with the journalist's opinion or not. Different people have different needs, experiences, and views, even on the same paper. Even if you think a review is deluded, that doesn't mean the journalist is a shill. (And maybe you're the one who is deluded....) If the publication or website isn't honest, then it really doesn't matter whether the story is sponsored or not. Caveat emptor. You can decide for yourself whether or not the story is useful for you.