CompuServe Messages

While I doubt that pay-offs are made to get reviews, the computer press does seem to handle things differently that other reviwing media. For example, the respected phot mags, buy off the shelf equipment, and then test/review it. The idea being that they will get the camera/lens that you or I would get, rather than a custom tuned demo model. With the barage of times that come through the door of Jerry's and probably most other high profile writers, is there any equipment/software, that the mags run out and purchase? Let me put it this way…. If you did not advertise in Byte, and you did not send a freebie to the Byte offices, or Jerry, how long do you think you'd have to wait to see your hardware/software reviewed. While not payola, or a direct bribe, since sending it won't guarantee you a slot, you must expend some money in the form of the "sample" to get your review done in the first place. Personally, I like the idea of the magazines purchasing, at least the hardware. That way, I feel that they are getting an average machine, not the one that has been hand assembled and babied all the way there to ensure it won't die. Perhaps Byte does purchase most of the reviewed items. You just didn't make it sound that way, so thought I'd ask. – Alex