fluorocarbon

[SilverMallard]

Personally, I never pass up free stuff unless there are strings attached. As a writer, I sometimes get free fishing and hunting gear, camping gear, tickets to events, computer stuff, and even trips. I don't just write about hunting/fishing. I am cautious to make sure no one who offers thinks they're bribing me for a positive mention or review. There is no quid pro quo. I've written some scathing reviews of outdoor products and various types of businesses over the years. In fact, an article I wrote influenced Gander Mountain's decision not to carry one hunting/fishing product line and the mfg called me and threatened to sue me. Of course, I informed him to call his lawyer before threatening to sue people. You cannot get sued for telling the truth about a product in a review that the maker of said product knew you were writing and sent you sample products to evaluate. Duh! And I felt this dude's product was both impractical and probably dangerous to the users' health. I tell everyone who offers, "Don't send me a product you are not sure of unless you are prepared for whatever my opinion might be." I am not a technical field tester. I write field test reviews. That means I use a product for a period of time (not one day...usually months) and then write about what I think of it. I don't use said product and then provide technical feedback to the mfg ONLY...unless they ask me just to do that. I do have a couple of those type of relationships. And they use me as a Guineau Pig for R-D product testing. You don't write about that kind of stuff because you have to break some eggs to make a good omelette. But when your product is in distribution and available to the public for purchase, it's fair game for a public review. And I don't write fluff or marketing pieces.

But if a company sells me bad product or service, and they want to replace said product or compensate for bad service with free replacements/upgrades; I have no hesitation to accept it! TAKE IT! You paid for a certain standard and expectation. If they failed to deliver, they OWE YOU.

FYI, gang, none of this "drives up the cost" of anything. These costs are already built into the pricing structure and business plans of EVERYTHING. It's been that way for 50 years or so now. Before a product ever goes into production, those costs are built into the price. If the product is up to quality expectations, there will be no surprises on the cost of warranty and replacement side of the equation. If it is NOT, then it deserves to perish and will perish.

Backyard Burgers is running an ad on local radio right now where the owner "personally guarantees" that he makes the best burger you've ever eaten or he'll refund your money. Well, I've eaten his burgers in the past and I think Hardees Thickburgers are better. His are good, but not the "best"...in MY opinion. So I'm thinking about a free hamburger in the near future. Truth in advertising is an important thing. It's worth testing it every now and then. LOL