🚀 go-pugleaf

> One thing that is a bit, oh, not well talked about I think, is that
> there seems to be a bit of a pecking order, whereby people who are
> mentors, editors, etc, MIGHT get chosen over others who are not acting
> in those capacities, based on their extra effort.
I am one of the small number of Editors at BGT. I can assure you I miss out
on plenty of items I have applied for! Pity... Sob.
We are aware of the potential here for perceived bias and the damage it
would do the organisation. The Moderators go to considerable lengths to
avoid this happening. Also remember - we are all volunteers!

When something goes wrong and a Tester can't fulfil his/her obligations,
then the members in the Editor/Moderator/Monitor hierachy may get a quick
call asking for a volunteer to fill a gap. Happens occasionally - a few
times a year.

> I guess that is one way to make sure you have mentors, editors, etc, but
> I'm finding that the amount of effort I'm putting out on applications,
> owner reviews, are really not cost effective regarding my time, and I've
> just gone out and bought myself a few things rather than trying to wend
> my way though the inner circle.
Bear in mind that the supply of items to be tested does tend to be quite
cyclical. There is a boom after every Outdoors Recreation Show (in Utah),
which happens twice a year. We try to smooth the cycles out, but are not
that successful.

If you really want a certain itme, it may be better to buy it. The focus of
BGT is on TESTING gear, not giving away freebies. But it is good fun.

Cheers
Roger Caffin
BGT Editor
Sydney, Australia