Comment by caseysoftware

> As another example, Good Mythical Morning and other YouTube shows frequently do product comparisons / tests. That clearly isn't advertising, unless the companies who make those product are sponsoring them.

Did the pay full retail price for the product or get a discount?

Did they get the product at release or in advance?

Did they get access to detailed specs or the people who built it?

Did they give feedback that went into the product?

Did they get a company/lab/event visit and some swag?

Did they get preferential access for the next product?

"Sponsoring" is just the most visible, clearly disclosed way to advertise in those. But fundamentally, getting and preserving access is immensely valuable and there may not be funds moving between the two groups.

None of us are completely unbiased. Getting those things disclosed would be a great improvement.