1936: Consumer Reports Appeared, 1999: Epinions Tops It

Way before a bunch of guys decided to come up with consumer-driven, consumer-monitored, and consumer-written reviews on epinions, I used to go to Consumer Reports for all kinds of information on products and services. I will be the first one to admit that they have been doing a great job rating and recommending products and services to English-speaking consumers all over the world. On a few occasions, I got very surprised to find copies of this magazine in the most remote areas. For example, on one of my trips to two remote villages in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, I found copies of this magazine. When I inquired about them, the guys who had them told me that some missionaries left them with some other items.

CR wants to maintain its objectivity to do a fair job!

Since the inception of the magazine in 1936, the Consumer Union decided to keep it free of advertising. This means it relies on your contributions to keep providing this wonderful service. On an annual basis, they spend thousands of dollars to purchase products to test for your safety. They also do some good investigative work with some reports focused on high technology, healthcare industry, automotive industry, and more.

I researched the purchase of my first car through Consumer Reports

It was time for me to go from being the owner of a motorcycle to being the proud owner of an automobile. No more scooter. No more bikes. I wanted to buy a Honda. By the time I was ready to buy this car, I basically knew what to look for. Then I went ahead and compared with the Kelly Blue Book. I was not ready to let my hard earned dollars get stolen by car sales people's dirty tricks. Do your homework and watch out when purchasing a new vehicle. Sales people have lots of hidden costs. For example, they will mark up the vehicle under your nose. With the right information in your hands, you can talk authoritatively.

Consumer Reports does more than rating and recommending cars

If you are on the market for some furniture, large and small appliances, insurance, the stock market, travel and more, you can find important information on the site too. A lot of people complain that the magazine's target audience is middle to upper-middle class clients, but I think it's open to anybody who needs information that can protect their investments and family. It publishes updates on items that have had recalls. Talking about recalls, Consumer Reports does a good job of publishing all the recalled vehicles and tires for the benefits of its readers.

Best buy and best value

The magazine's writers are not afraid to dig for the information. CU is not afraid to spend on its research of information. In order to be fair in their evaluation of products and services, they continue to decline advertising, favors. They receive no samples from manufacturers. If the product cuts it based on published testing standards, then the magazine will rate it "Best buy." It will tell you if it has a good value.

In short, your donation appears to help protect your health, safety, and finances

CR will accept contributions from $25 to whatever amount you may want to contribute. Contributions are tax-deductible!

In the magazine's September 2000 issue, I enjoyed the way their writers addressed the the issue of "Second-class Medicine." They pleaded the case of the uninsured 44 million Americans. They are children, parents, and grandparents without any healthcare. CR also made some recommendations to the authorities so they can fix this problem.

You can also check their website: http://www.consumerreports.org

I will doubt that you have not read it. If not, I will invite to see for yourself. Buy a copy next time. But now, you know you can always come to epinions.com to find the latest info on practically anything you need.

On this site, you can find articles from all kinds of people. The reviews will present both sides of the issue. Find the good and the bad here!