CompuServe Messages

John, I don't care much for Pournelle's attitude myself, but the system pretty much works. Yes, companies give journalists free software and deals on hardware, but since everybody does it, the journalists stay fairly objective. If the top three companies in a field all give you free product, you're not particularly obligated to any of them. Advertising and editorial are generally kept separate. The bosses are conscious that while the advertising may pay off in the short term, it's their credibility with consumers that pays off in the long term. Though I admit that a magazine once held a bad review I wrote of a program (no, it was a GOOD review, of a bad product) until the product's introductory period was over. They could say they printed criticism without really affecting the sales of the product. Of course, it may have been coincidence! Marion CROSSINGS Newsletter for Amiga/PC compatibility