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Rankmark has long been known as the company that does equipment testing and accepted no advertising dollars from manufacturers. Similar to THP, their belief was that it should not matter how the results turned out as long as the competition was fair. However by having ads it could be perceived as a different path to results.
We have seen websites all over the place give high quality marks to the same companies that have ads on their sites. While I am sure that most legitimately earn those high grades, there can be a perception that because of the ads these companies are "buying" certain things. The Hot List is the perfect example of this.
However a couple of club companies have reached out to me over the last two days to inform us that they received an email from Rankmark explaining that they do accept advertising now from manufacturers. The same manufacturers that will be "competing" in their testing. Drastic times call for drastic measures I guess, but I really think in my opinion, this will change the way the readers view the Rankmark results.
Since Charlie M sold the company in 2008, I do not know a lot of people that have tuned into their testing, and I have a different opinion on how testing for consumers should be done. But differing opinions is what makes the equipment world great. However, with that being said, my personal belief is that this is a bold move that will alienate more people than it will help.
I hope that the company survives these tough times as more testing for consumers (no matter how they are done) can only help. However, judging by the reaction I have received so far, most seem quite upset about it. I want to know your thoughts on the subject here.
We have seen websites all over the place give high quality marks to the same companies that have ads on their sites. While I am sure that most legitimately earn those high grades, there can be a perception that because of the ads these companies are "buying" certain things. The Hot List is the perfect example of this.
However a couple of club companies have reached out to me over the last two days to inform us that they received an email from Rankmark explaining that they do accept advertising now from manufacturers. The same manufacturers that will be "competing" in their testing. Drastic times call for drastic measures I guess, but I really think in my opinion, this will change the way the readers view the Rankmark results.
Since Charlie M sold the company in 2008, I do not know a lot of people that have tuned into their testing, and I have a different opinion on how testing for consumers should be done. But differing opinions is what makes the equipment world great. However, with that being said, my personal belief is that this is a bold move that will alienate more people than it will help.
I hope that the company survives these tough times as more testing for consumers (no matter how they are done) can only help. However, judging by the reaction I have received so far, most seem quite upset about it. I want to know your thoughts on the subject here.