This is going to kick up a storm…

I honestly don’t know how they get away with this.

I can understand everyone’s right to freedom of speech. I myself am a staunch supporter of Chris Locke’s troubled view on the modern world, but there are times when professionalism just seems to turn right and hurl itself out the window, either that or it is thrown out by prejudice and mis-information.

A case in point is the way CNET UK has just torn the Aspire 5920 to shreds. Literally. You can read Rory Reid’s review here.

If you’re not happy with that, then have a look at the video.

I personally think Rory took one look at the Aspire 5920 and wrote the entire review around that first split-second judgement but hey, I’m biased.

If it’s quality journalism you’re after look no further than my long-time favourite, ShinyShiny who’s “toilet-needing excitement” comment wins it a lifetime membership to the shallow reporting hall of fame. I can hear William Strunk turning in his grave.

Not everyone thinks the new Mini is cool. Some people hate it simply because it is. I don’t have an issue with that. What I have an issue with is when quality information is cast aside in favour of a throwaway comment, particularly if this drop in standards comes from an authority site like CNet.

When was the last time you read a good (quality) car magazine that criticized a new car with such vehemence yet without any consideration of the long-term goals of the manufacturer, its heritage or current direction and without any insight into the reasons behind a particular design or feature?

Call me naive but I personally believe that there is a difference between intelligent, informed journalism and generalized trash. The former is an art. The latter nothing more than a cheap way of generating above-average click through rates.