The purpose of BETA-testers is to specifically help manufacturers make products better.

The principle of BETA testing is a good thing, and manufacturers should do more of it.

However: -

BETA-testers provide manufacturers with recommendations on how to make a product sell better, make more money and also how a manufacturer can save money.

Do you entirely trust BETA-testers to provide you with 100% independent and objective comparative buying advice on the products they BETA-test?

Do you entirely trust BETA-testers to provide you with 100% independent and objective comparative buying advice on the competing alternatives of products they BETA-test?

Would it make a difference if the primary source of income for a publication came from the manufacturer for which it was BETA-testing?

If you found out you’d been hoodwinked into believing that buying advice was independent and objective - when it was not - how would you feel?

How would you feel about the ethics of a manufacturer which encouraged its BETA-testers to publish reviews and buying advice of its products, and its competitor’s products?

This is a very important subject and your opinion is very important.

It could well affect the honesty and quality of buying advice and editorial you read in the future.

please vote in the poll on the HEXUS.community and then let us know your thoughts.