BoatTest.com now Charging?!

[WDCboater]

I've had a BoatTest.com account for years and often use their test numbers, look at videos, etc.

I noticed today that they are now putting some of their content behind a pay wall!
http://www.boattest.com/review/prestige-yachts/2486_500s
Has anyone else noticed this? This isn't on all manufacturers, but I found it on Prestige and a few others.

Partial solution is to watch their videos on YouTube, you just don't have access to the full test data/articles.

 

[Sous]

Yea noticed that some time ago. I've found that it seems to be mostly "older" models/reviews/tests... but that may just be from my experience.

 

[JV II]

So, they created an audience by doing work, creating a brand, creating unique content people are interested in, providing it for free for a few years, incurring costs, and selling it? What?

 

[Sous]

So, they created an audience by doing work, creating a brand, creating unique content people are interested in, providing it for free for a few years, incurring costs, and selling it? What?

I don't have a problem with it, just responding to the OP. Frankly that is capitalism at work, create something people want and sell it to them. Fine by me.

 

[WDCboater]

And as a consumer of content I can decide not to use their site. I just don't see a site selling boat review videos making money especially when free reviews are easy to find, but it's their business.

I have also noticed the brands they put behind a paywall are selective. None of their SR videos/reviews, including older models, are behind a paywall. Maybe the brands are paying them to hide competitors.

 

[dpmulvey]

It was a nice source of information. Not really scientific. There are other places the garner better info. Matter of fact, I'm here now.