4 ms·

No I dont think it's impossible, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be skeptical. The Incentives to be dishonest are pretty obvious

• madeofpalk 10y ago
  Skeptical doesn't mean distrust though. Is there any evidence to suggest Wirecutter has refused to rate an item due to lack of affiliate links?
  • wtallis 10y ago
    > Is there any evidence to suggest Wirecutter has refused to rate an item due to lack of affiliate links? If a product isn't on Amazon where affiliate links can point at it, then is it even mainstream enough for The Wirecutter's intended audience?
    • madeofpalk 10y ago
      Yes, this. With programs like skimlinks providing affiliate links for pretty much every single retailer, I'm not even sure how they would review a product that they don't get a kickback from.
  • CaptSpify 10y ago
    I guess I'm just generically distrustful of reviews in general. Companies can give bad reviews just like normal users give terrible reviews. I don't think I've ever seen a review system that you didn't have to take with a big grain of salt.