Digital BW, The Print

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Tyler Boley [mailto:tyler@...]
>Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2006 06:40 AM
>To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Digital BW] Re: HP Photosmart Pro B9180 review at LL

>I have yet to see any review from Reichman that demands as much as an
>advanced worker from these producrs. Some of the reviews and work I've
>seen there are even entry level, though those they are generally not his.
>No doubt the site is a help to people, but there's no replacement for
>these lists and the experience here, particularly for printing.


I think one needs to consider the target audience for these reviews. they are generally for the amateur and not, accomplished advanced amateur/pros.
In the early days of Luminous Landscape Reichman was a pretty unbiased reviewer. I think he and others eventually fall prey to the lure of free stuff, advertisers for their sites and even a spot on the payroll. Most companies are not going to send preview samples of their hardware/software to folks who are not going to consistently stress the positive and gloss over or ignore the negative aspects of their products.
Some of the better known personalities are on the company payroll as consultants and paid spokespersons so one must be wary of endorsements from these folks. The model has been around for a long time. Ever see a magazine give a bad product review to a company that is one of their advertisers? As you pointed out, it is wise to wait and hear from some of the more accomplished and every day users of this and other pieces of equipment.

Walt