this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2026
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Most of the influencers are beholden to the marketing teams of the products they receive for free to review.
Independent evaluations cost money. When people say “Acme corp sent me this widget for free but it’s entirely my opinion” it’s a sponsored post by definition. If they raise negative points, it’s good, but they risk their future freebies.
It’s old. Back when Apple Keynotes were about new stuff instead of recycled Android features, if you were negative about Apple products, you’re cut from the product releases. Car magazines were the same way. Some had good income and didn’t hesitate to roast cars; others just regurgitate the press release so they can still attend the events.
Back when I grew marijuana as a job I would regularly post pictures on Reddit. The light manufacturer Mars hydro reached out to me out of the blue and sent me free LED grow lights. The only condition they gave me was I had to make 5 posts with pictures showing what I grew with that light. They even told me to be honest about what I thought but to mention the brand of the light they sent. I was far from an influencer but my posts would get a few hundred upvotes. I did actually like their lights but they had a few issues here and there.
However, I did have to sign an agreement stating that I would make those posts within X number of weeks. I always thought that was pretty cool seeing as how I was not really anyone with any type of sway in the industry.
It's pretty obvious when these companies are more of less hiring influencers to sell their shit for them. They'll never say anything bad about it.