ATTN: ALL - Final Word on Manufacturers' pictures/graphics/test

After much discussion:

 

Let's see if I can clear this up or just muddy the waters further!

 

In TEST REPORTS manufacturers' photos or graphics are acceptable - though
not desirable - in VERY LIMITED usage.  For instance, a grab of the product
all by itself in the IR is ok.  People in that grab - not ok.  A picture of
an internal "part" or an illustrative diagram that you really can't
duplicate - ok.  A graph from the manufacturer's website with specs - not
ok. 

 

Attribution must be made under the photo or graphic, specifically as:
"Photo: C XXX, Inc."

  

OWNER REVIEWS, however, are a totally different animal and manufacturers'
copyrighted TEXT, PICTURES AND GRAPHICS are no longer allowed.   No longer
will whole sections of specs be allowed even with the "from the
manufacturer's website" attribution.  Put those specs in your own words,
please.  A quote or two is fine, as long it is attributed, but any more than
that, please don't.

 

These protocols apply going forward; no one needs to revise a Test Series
report or Owner Review already posted to the website.

 

We're putting these in place to avoid issues related to trademark and
copyright law, and also to emphasize that BGT Test Reports and Owner Reviews
are the product of our valued testers - real world backpackers reporting on
their own experience with a product. That approach has built BGT's
reputation among our readers and the manufacturers that send us gear.

 

Kathy