Re: Eureka Models 38 class

David in your opinion is this good or bad thing?? I don't see the model railway press as being different in any way shape or form to any other print media outlet when it comes to accountability to its readers. With a manufacturer being a contributor/reviewer it really opens a pandora's box with things such as soft reviews, infomercials ie what is really an advertisement is masked under the vail of news story. And ultimately that does not help any modeler or the hobby what so ever. Just like what has happed in audio hobby over last 10-15 years.

I would the like to agree with you on this David, I generally do on most things. But unfortunately my cynism of the media tells me otherwise.

Thats a disclaimer.  I am all for seeing that, if that occurs. 100% agreement.

I don't see a problem with the hypothetical instance that you have stated here.  As the person doing the review, generally would have no association with the manufacturing entity.

That is called cross promotion. Provided that the reviewer is not associated in any way shape or form with the Magazine or SCR publications that is OK.

No problem with that either on the proviso that a disclaimer is printed if they are an manufacturing/retailing entity.

I think that this has to be policed very tightly. I.E a contributor whose manufacturing entity is run on a "cottage industry" basis should not be allowed to discuss their own products for reasons of conflict of interest.  

Size generally speaking, does not equate to quality. But of course, there are always exceptions.