Video Content Bias- what’s an honest review worth?
Great discussion here on Casual Watch Reviews, a super channel to listen to https://youtu.be/36jylrUITQE?si=MpX_jJ67gmnYbscR on something that’s on my mind. The bias of the video reviewers on Youtube channels. I work in marketing and I know that a watch review channel is mainly a business, yes tied around passion points and hobbies, but a true revenue generator with power behind it. You harness content to get clicks to earn views and get revenue. You dont spend gobs of $$$ on video equipment and spend hours of editing and lighting, for free and just for fun. You also need to know how to “sell” so there’s energy and an acumen around your delivery to help with clicks so you practice being good at that, and you also need to build relationships with manufacturers so there’s a lifeline of products coming in for even more content creation. Lots to do. That said, the business part of it is fascinating to me as I listen to all reviews with a ‘grain of salt’ as there’s relationships made with OEMs and its all symbiotic. I rarely believe there is not a quid pro quo revolving in the background. Maybe that’s me and my bias as a business person who deals with influencers at times for my clients/ business. I feel it has to be tipped to gain current products, which in turn allows them content to build, that in turn creates views for the reviewer ultimatey, and then gain future product if clicks are favorable from said mfg. I know when I’m being pitched to and know that product links and side hustle stores whether brick and mortar or ecomm only means your driving consuners down the purchase funnel to buy. What’s your opinion on all of this? Do you believe these are honest reviews on Youtube? Do you feel there’s a mechanism in play to help drive purchase consumption? I don’t think its nefarious but I’m realistic when viewing The Tube and how reviewers are commenting and pushing products to their stores or services.
Respectfully too I’ve never had a channel (so I admire u all) and if u knew me you’d know why, but if you do and I know some on WC do, what’s your say-so on all this? Its great to have a sounding board like the WC community to maybe help us understand how it really works. Demystify it all for us, as its very interesting as an outsider looking in.
80's mall rat who loves all kinds of watches.
I'm sure that there are honest watch reviews online, but I have issue with getting free products as part of the review process. I've reviewed a handful of watches on the website that I write for, all of which were either purchased by me, or borrowed from Long Island Watch.
I primarily write within the firearm-media world, and as such, hate shills because there are so many of them. Watches are not nearly as serious/deadly, however, the shilling is even more apparent when it comes to watches. I think that a lot of people will say that they are being honest and transparent, but the well is poisoned when they are given freebie watches to test.
For me, I don't want freebie watches. I'd rather buy something and review that way, or borrow a watch from a company, and give it back when I'm done. I'm very thankful for Marc, Ryan, and the LIW crew, as they were open to loaning me watches to test, and were absolutely happy for me to be as honest and transparent as possible, even if the review was negative.
Yeah, it costs money to get camera equipment, software, etc. However, I think that more creators should go to Patreon, Subscribestar, or other donation sites. This would allow them to avoid that muddied water of freebie watches or paid reviews from companies.
Just my $.02.
I know I'm a bit off topic but if you really want to know about a specific watch consider hanging out with a collector that owns the one you're interested in. If you are considering buying a watch near the top of your budget then that approach is unrivaled.
You'll get to see, feel and try on the watch in person. Ideally a collector will also have a wider ranging experience to draw upon when sharing an assessment. Someone who owns only that single watch may not feel as free or have the experience to point out the shortcomings of their only watch but it's still better than not handling the watch at all.
The only thing I really learn from Max and other reviewers is what they like or dislike. None of them can know you better than you.
Admittedly I'm fortunate to have many large watch gatherings in my area so this approach has been working for me.
There's a built in bias to everything you read and watch. Allow for that. What is so complicated about a watch review that you can't separate bias from information? Much ado about nothing, imo. I find it absolutely mind-blowing that I can get this much information - FREE = on every watch made! This is the golden age of watch shopping. I hope reviewers do get to keep the watches for their hard work. The good ones deserve them and the bad will be out soon enough anyway so the watches make lovely parting gifts.
There's a built in bias to everything you read and watch. Allow for that. What is so complicated about a watch review that you can't separate bias from information? Much ado about nothing, imo. I find it absolutely mind-blowing that I can get this much information - FREE = on every watch made! This is the golden age of watch shopping. I hope reviewers do get to keep the watches for their hard work. The good ones deserve them and the bad will be out soon enough anyway so the watches make lovely parting gifts.
Love that "golden age of watch shopping" and very much true my friend.