TIP: Just because it is on the Internet, doesn’t mean it
is true.
This advice comes from someone who reviews cars online, and it shouldbe obvious, but I still see that odd psychology where people feel that if they (^)
read it online, it must be gospel. It’s almost like the 1950s, when TV wasnew, and anything people saw on was taken as truth, almost without
question. Online commentators have many motives for what they post onthe web, and not all are in your best interest.
I was completely amazed as I got more and more into the field ofautomotive journalism and found out that the vast majority of my so-called (^)
colleagues knew little about cars, and next to nothing about driving. But thefree use of cars—many of which most of them couldn’t even afford—
expensive trips and other indulgences help keep the glowing reviewscoming. On the other hand, even some of the most well respected sources (^)
(I’m talking about you, indulge in witch-hunting stunts that smack of yellow journalism and a need Consumer Reports and “60 Minutes”) occasionally (^)
to raise ratings and increase readership. Perhaps the biggest challenge isthat there isn’t that much easily accessible context for opinions online,
especially if you aren’t well versed in the subject matter.