I trust Cnet for the most part, but acknowledge that, like with all companies, there will be lapses. Every so often a malware-infected program will make its way onto download.com, a post be wrongfully deleted, or a review overlook some aspect of the product. In addition, each individual has his/her own set of criteria and personal interests, which affect the focus and overall score to a certain degree. That's why I always look at the information and make my own judgment instead of simply relying on what others tell me. However, I don't consider Cnet to be any less accurate or forthright than Consumer Reports or those grading the nation's SATs. They are a valuable resource, one which I have come to utilize more often.
As to the rest:
* Yes, Cnet receives a good portion of its revenue from advertising, and these forums would not be here without it. However, I've never seen a review, recommendation, etc. given or skewed as a result of advertising agreements.
* Yes, I suppose it did make it onto the boards. That or I'm dreaming. ![]()
* I doubt many will reply given the limited traffic in this forum.
On a side note, Consumer Reports charges for most of their information and advertises their own publications. Ever wonder if they've over-hyped their subscriptions to make a little extra revenue? Ever chosen products to catch the reader's attention and not just be fair and equal with their product selections? Ever withheld critical information in an effort to get you to buy a subscription? I don't know, but while you're on the subject...
John
Don't get me wrong here: I LOVE CNET! I come here with questions. I come here for answers. I come here for reviews. I come here to learn. And I come here just for fun.
My mail box is never empty as I subscribe to CNET'S "Weekend Hit List," "Membership," "Forums," and "AnchorDesk."
For many years I subscribed to Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports is, theoretically, a non-biased review of products. Consumer Reports accepts no advertising.
The questions are: do you trust CNET? Is CNET unbiased? Does CNET derive its revenue from advertising? And, specifically, do you trust CNET's product reviews?
I'll be watching ... and will be most interested to discover a) if this post actually makes it onto the CNET boards, b) how many will reply and (if enough of you do reply), c) if this question will appear on CNET's Weekend Hit List's "Top 10 Community Discussions."

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