Reviewed is a consumer product review website based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and emphasizes a science-based approach that tests consumer products in both everyday and lab environments.[1] As of 2021, Reviewed has over 70 employees and over 40 staff members dedicated to testing products. The site is owned by Gannett and part of the USA Today Network. Revenue is generated through a blend of affiliate commissions, licensing, and advertising.[2] David Kender is the current Editor in Chief.[3]
Type of site | Product reviews |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Owner | Gannett |
| Key people | Chris Lloyd (general manager) David Kender (editor in chief) |
| URL | reviewed |
Testing
editReviewed has a 24,000 square-foot testing lab in its Cambridge headquarters where reporters and scientists on staff can test the latest appliances, televisions, headphones, and other consumer products against standard benchmarks to judge overall quality.[4] The chief scientist designs rigorous tests for products like dishwashers and water purifiers that, in some cases, can takes months to complete.[5]
Content
editThe site's Best Right Now articles are Reviewed's flagship content type, which typically have two products named as Editors’ Choice recommendations.[6] Other pieces of content they produce include single-product reviews, how-to articles, gift guides, and deals content.
History
editReviewed was originally a network of sites founded by Robin Liss in 1997 including DigitalCameraInfo.com, TelevisionInfo.com, and CamcorderInfo.com.[7][8] Gannett acquired the network in 2011.[9] As of 2019, Reviewed is part of USA TODAY Network's Content Ventures group.[10]
In December 2022, editorial staff at the website launched a campaign to unionize about 60 employees.[11][12] The union vote a few months later was successful.[13] In October 2023, more than 40 unionized staff participated in a one-day strike after Gannett failed to agree to contract bargaining dates.[14] A few weeks later the union accused Gannett of publishing articles to the site written with generative artificial intelligence.[15] In August 2024, Gannett announced it will shut down Reviewed.[16]
References
edit- ^ "How we test". Reviewed.
- ^ Willens, Max (10 July 2017). "How Reviewed powers commerce across the USA Today Network". Digiday. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Reddit AMA with Dave Kender". Reddit. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "A Visit to Reviewed.com". Listen. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Bereznak, Alyssa (13 June 2019). "Don't Know Which Toaster to Buy? There's a Website for That". The Ringer. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- ^ Graham, Jefferson (7 January 2017). "How Reviewed.com selects CES "Editors' Choice" wins". USA TODAY. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Friedman, Jon (9 July 2007). "'I'm A Big Geek,' Reviewed.com's Robin Liss Says". CBS News. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ "Liss is an Internet entrepreneur by day, sorority sister by night". Tufts Daily. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Rao, Leena (4 January 2011). "USA Today Buys Consumer Electronics Review Network Reviewed.com". TechCrunch. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (16 July 2018). "A+E Exec Kate Gutman Joins Gannett's USA Today Network as Head of Content Ventures". Variety. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Seiffert, Don (December 27, 2022). "Cambridge-based Gannett publication Reviewed launches union push". Boston Business Journal. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ "Reviewed Editorial Workers' Union". Reviewed Editorial Workers' Union. 2022-12-17. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ "Editorial Workers at Gannett's Reviewed.com Win Union Vote". The NewsGuild - TNG-CWA. 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ Fu, Angela (2023-10-10). "Staff at Gannett's product reviews site stage one-day strike during Amazon deals event". Poynter. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ Sato, Mia (2023-10-26). "Is my co-worker AI? Bizarre product reviews leave Gannett staff wondering". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-08-31.
- ^ Sato, Mia (2024-08-26). "Gannett is shuttering site accused of publishing AI product reviews". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-08-31.