Full Disclosure?
 

I've been contemplating posting this thread for quite some time. I feel there should be some sort of disclosure for posters who sing the praises of new equipment, if they received free goods or discounted pricing. I thought James Clark did an excellent job of this as shown here:

"i fly behind three GRT Sport displays.

Also, In the spirit of full disclosure, GRT is a sponsor of Team AeroDynamix with whom I am affiliated."

James
__________________
James E. Clark

A few "super posters" carry a lot of weight here in the forums. If they are getting deeply discounted items, and then talking about how great they are, I feel a disclosure as to the true pricing should be made.

I know for a fact that some large suppliers are miffed at the de facto free promotion, as they do not discount at all, preferring to keep prices low for all.

And while I'm at it, I have voiced my pleasure on this site with the performance of my Trig transponder, which, by the way, I got a fantastic deal, as I'm good friends with the owner of the manufacturing plant. It performs flawlessly, and I would have paid full retail if needed.

There, now I feel better...

I completely agree and asked the question before. We are spending big bucks on systems here and we deserve to know how bias a poster is. If a person got a discount or other considerations, that should be disclosed.

Agree 100%. I don't need to know what someone paid for a product, but I would appreciate knowing if someone is getting preferred pricing and/or support in exchange for being a pitchman or a high profile early adopter.

I have personal knowledge of a vendor which routinely prodded its first customer to publish favorable reviews in this space, with the implication that over-the-top factory support would be available on a quid pro quo basis.

Mark,

First thanks for the kind remarks.

Second, although in the post, I was not singing praises of GRT, (I was commenting more on how the question was framed), I **also** feel that it is important for me to say the following ...

I and the majority of the members of Team AeroDynamix have for years had the GRT equipment (that we purchased at FULL PRICE) installed in our planes. The majority of us made the GRT choice, based on merit, BEFORE there was any relationship with the team and thus a deeper relationship was a logical step (as I have even mentioned "offline" to some major suppliers on this forum).

I even had long discussions with Greg about product features long before the product saw the light of day.

So, even though I obviously believe disclosure is a very good thing, I want everyone to know that I and other team members do NOT say good things that we do not really believe. And if asked questions, you will find that we are also brutally honest. In the business we are in, that's just how we roll.

Finally, it should also be known that at least three other brands are in team member planes, decided up and purchased by the individuals.

Just thought I needed to put that out there as well.

James

Thanks for posting Mark

I am glad someone finally brought this up. It seems to be happening more and more even in some of the magazines as well.

sign of the times? or economy?
 

...boy, I'm really NOT used to seeing a pirep in Sport Aviation, with a HUGE ad right beside it...for the product they are reviewing.

I guess that's how publishers 'roll'. :rolleyes: ....and pay the bills.

I guess one day, really savvy advertisers will hire me to say how much MY seat cushions or GPS or video cam sucks, thereby making theirs look better!?!?

( by the way, I could use a nice interior upgrade, and a GPS, and an 'action' cam. Just sayin'! :D)

Just Wrong!!!!!!!
 

....This thread applied to as stated "a few super posters" on this venue is ridiculous. I for one don't believe for one minute that anyone who has a reputation and the respect of intelligent people on this forum would prostitute their opinions to save a few dollars on a product. Nor talk negatively about something because they paid full price for it. I would venture to say that one couldn't pay them to lie about anything product or service related. To ask these respected people for full disclosure is virtually the same as saying, Not sure you possess any integrity so I will d-value or ignore your testing or opinions. I would be ashamed and embarrassed to even ask a respected forum member such a question. As applied to this forum, it would only serve to arm some paranoid, negative naysayer with information to potentially discredit a respected, knowledgeable posters opinion. I will concede that magazines do this all the time. Advertising after all pays their bills, not you reading the statements in it. Do not treat this forum as if it were an infomercial or some equivalent. In our other businesses we are offered products and equipment for testing and evaluation sometimes valued into the thousands. Would I lie about their performance or my satisfaction? NO! That defeats the whole purpose and serves no purpose. If you feel the same, say so, and show your favorite "Super Poster" that you value their efforts and integrity. Thanks, Allan...:D

I hesitate to comment on this, but I have seen this before as well (I know of a specific case myself, but don't want to single anyone out). Allan, I think The scenario you described is not what the OP was talking about. I agree no one that I know of on this forum would intentionally mislead people by posting a favorable review about a product just because they received a special deal.

Instead I think a person's decision to install or use a certain product may be partly influenced by the fact that they received a special price (or at no cost). There is nothing wrong with that. It's perfectly natural to want to get a deal. I think when it might be seen as a problem by some is when others decide to purchase the product based on this person's decision without knowing about the special deal with the product vendor.

I know it's kind of a gray area, but I think the point is valid. Also, in the spirit of full disclosure, we once provided a customer a free upgrade to our new (at the time) version of a product because they were going to have their plane displayed very prominently at a large show, and we wanted as many customers as possible to be able to see our new product in person. Asking that people simply disclose this information as general practice on the forum seems reasonable to me.

I agree completely with Mark Strahler and I believe the full disclosure will actually give their endorsement much more credibility.

....Firstly we were discussing a product evaluation as being influenced by the price or the lack thereof. I personally do not believe the theory pans out any more than paying full price for a product could result in a bad review because one didn't receive special pricing. If a vender places a product out for review or testing to a credible person or entity the financial arrangements have nothing to do with the outcome of the tests. Underwriters Laboratory, Consumer Reports, FDA, Insurance institute Etc all test and review everything you put in your mouth, play with, drive, wear, look at and purchase. The financials and details have nothing to do with the outcome of the tests and shouldn't even be a consideration. When I saw a guy driving a new Corvette and made the decision to get mine, what he paid for his is of no consequence. Perhaps "they" paid him thousands to take it, drive it, so I will see it. If this has any impact on me it can only be envy or jealousy. Either one has nothing to do with the quality or performance of the car or my decision to purchase. Displaying ones products in a place of prominence is what it is all about in the real world. There is no difference if it is a customers airplane or the venders airplane displaying the wears. The owner of the aircraft in not a known, unless you research it. I think this is nothing more than a smoke screen to hide some issues that perhaps could be better addressed in a support group than on this forum. Thanks, Allan..:D