CompuServe Messages

John, As one who has done a good many reviews for AW, I can assure you that there are NO rules preventing reviewers from contacting publishers. When I have had problems with product, I always call the maker. I don't tell them I'm working on an AmigaWorld review – unless absolutely forced to do so (when they request serial numbers etc. the jig is pretty well up). It gives me a chance to see just what kind of support a buyer can expect, and that too rightfully becomes part of the fabric of the review. That said, I too am surprised that the author of the article didn't pursue his "problem" directly with the MB. Also surprised by Tim Walsh's conspicuous absence from this thread…saw some correspondence downstream just a while back. Finally, I don't know how Amazing works, but at AW there are only two ways I know of that products get reviewed: 1. I BUY the product and query AW if they have an interest in having it reviewed. 2. AW calls me because they have something to be reviewed that fits my interests, qualifications and equipment. Any publisher or manufacturer that sends free stuff directly to "freelance writers" frankly deserves what they get. You're absolutely right that the editor has to be responsible for the quality of what he or she prints…and the only way to do that is to deal only directly with them. Then, whomever they choose to write the review and the review itself is directly attributable to them!!! Gary on AutoPilot from Charlotte, NC