On giving up certain “rights” as a writer

I was flipping through a popular technology magazine with local content recently and I couldn’t believe my eyes as I almost skipped through one of the gadget review pages. I had to double check the product review written by “writer x” because from what I know about this person’s professional background, he (or she) is currently affiliated with the same company that produces that particular device. The person in question also happens to be a writer as I’ve seen the name frequent technology publications.

But a line has to be drawn somewhere – and this is what you get when the editorial staff of the said publication is not very critical about who writes the review. The review was fair – but I do have to admit, would you, as an editor allow a product manager (or someone in a similar status) write a product review of devices manufactured by the company he or she works for?

The answer is obviously … Nope. This is a sad day in the local tech media.

I’m not sure if the editorial staff knows about this current affiliation. I obviously withheld names out of prudence to this particular magazine, the writer and staff because I don’t want this to become a huge controversy. It’s just … sad.

I don’t have a problem with the writer contributing for a technology magazine. I take issue on the position this person is in to write such a review. There are just certain rights you have to give up. Be careful next time 🙂