I always wrote honest reviews, and a famous writer warned a binocular importer that if I reviewed his products, he'd better be prepared for candor. He sent the test binoculars (aus Jena, later Docter Optik) and was pleased with the reviews, but I was honest.
A well known scribe told me that he tried three examples of the Star M-28 9 mm and all jammed. But one of the best known shooting magazines edited his comments and used the gun on the cover!
Shooting Times and Guns & Ammo were VERY competitive in trying to have first reviews of new products.
Massad Ayoob amd Denis Prisby are both members here and both write good material. I especially respect Brian Pearce at the Wolfe titles. He's the modern equivalent of Elmer Keith, but a better writer!
On the other hand, one writer who has had some manufacturers name gun models after him is sometimes said to have never met a gun he didn't like. I think there may be some truth in that, and another is especially likely to mention about every maker in his hunting books. Probably doesn't want to ruffle any feathers.
I think the reason why I was dropped by the publisher of a knife magazine is that an advertiser complained that I wasn't favorable enough about his products. I simply didn't want to plug his stuff any more than I had. It didn't deserve a lot of fawning coverage. And this importer rubbed me the wrong way, too. He was an abrasive (Bleep!).
The idea, I think, is to pay attention to bylines and learn who is as honest as they can be and who gives useful advice.
